Tiger Brands is strengthening South Africa’s agricultural sector through the expansion of its Hulisani farmer development programme, bringing 17 emerging farmers from Musina, Limpopo into its second cohort. The initiative continues to focus on improving local supply chains while promoting inclusion, with women making up the majority of participants.
The programme is designed to integrate emerging farmers into the agricultural value chain by providing both market access and practical support. The newly onboarded farmers, including 10 women, are receiving business development assistance and infrastructure investment to help them scale production and supply tomatoes to the company. This approach supports broader efforts to reduce reliance on imports while building a more resilient local food system.
Hulisani, which means “grow” or “cultivate,” was launched in 2025 as part of Tiger Brands’ strategy to strengthen local sourcing and empower small-scale farmers. The first cohort delivered strong results, producing nearly 3,400 tonnes of tomatoes and creating significant employment opportunities across rural communities. These outcomes have reinforced the programme’s role in supporting both agricultural productivity and rural economic development.
Support under the programme goes beyond offtake agreements. Farmers benefit from tailored interventions based on their specific needs, including investment in irrigation systems, solar infrastructure and essential farming equipment. Technical guidance is also provided throughout the growing season to improve yields and operational efficiency.
The 17 farmers in the current cohort have already begun planting across 74 hectares, with harvesting expected between April and August. This expansion is expected to further strengthen local supply while enabling participating farmers to build sustainable, scalable agribusinesses.
The initiative reflects a growing trend in South Africa’s agriculture sector, where private sector partnerships are playing a key role in improving food security, developing emerging farmers and reinforcing local value chains. By combining infrastructure support, skills development and guaranteed market access, programmes like Hulisani are helping to create a more inclusive and resilient agricultural economy.
Brandon Moss is the Editor of AgriFocus Africa, where he leads editorial coverage on African agriculture, agribusiness, food security, and rural development. With a strong focus on market intelligence, policy analysis, and industry trends, he oversees content that connects producers, investors, and decision-makers across the continent’s agricultural value chain.
