Young Farmers, Big Future: Why Agronomy Holds the Key to South Africa’s Food Security
In South Africa, where more than one-third of the population is between the ages of 18 and 34, the average farmer is 62 years old. This stark contrast highlights a critical gap—and a looming threat to national food security and agricultural resilience.
Youth participation in farming remains low. Agriculture is often perceived by young people as outdated, labour-intensive, and lacking the innovation and opportunities offered by other sectors. Meanwhile, persistent barriers like limited access to land, financing, training, and mentorship discourage youth from entering the field.
But this perception is changing—and it must. With the right support, agriculture can become a dynamic space for innovation, sustainability, and economic growth, especially for young people. That’s why PepsiCo South Africa established the Kgodiso Development Fund (KDF) in 2020: to break down these barriers and drive inclusive, youth-led growth in agriculture.
A Generation Reclaiming the Land: The Story of Simphiwe Mabuza
At just 31 years old, Simphiwe Mabuza is redefining what it means to be a young, black commercial farmer in South Africa. Operating from Breyton, Mpumalanga, Mabuza manages Lisise Farming, a 553-hectare grain farm started by his father. With support from the Kgodiso Development Fund and Standard Bank, the farm secured R4.4 million in funding to scale its operations.
Mabuza’s passion for farming began early, during school holidays helping his father and grandfather on the land. Now, with a diploma in Operations Management and nearly a decade of production experience, he brings a modern, entrepreneurial mindset to the family business.
“This farm is part of my family’s legacy,” says Mabuza. “Many of my peers now see that farming, though challenging, is not impossible. You just have to start—and seize every opportunity.”
Mabuza has become a role model in his community, demonstrating that farming is not only viable—it’s transformative. His operations contribute directly to local food security and economic development, and his leadership extends beyond the fields through mentorship, employment, and supplier partnerships.
Rooted in Community, Growing for the Nation
Mabuza’s approach blends tradition and innovation. While adopting climate-smart techniques, he also upholds community values—sharing produce with workers, supporting local service providers, and donating mealie meal to churches.
This kind of community-anchored agriculture doesn’t just grow food. It builds resilience, reduces reliance on imports, and revitalizes rural economies.
“It’s about self-sufficiency,” Mabuza explains. “For our families, our communities, and our country. No one is coming to save us—we have to be the ones who grow our own future.”
Youth + Agriculture = Opportunity
South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis calls for bold solutions—and agriculture offers one of the most promising paths forward. Globally, agriculture contributes more than 25% to the GDP of many developing nations. By engaging young people, we unlock more than just crops—we unlock innovation.
Today’s youth are well-positioned to lead the agritech revolution, integrating tools like AI, drones, and remote sensing to improve yields, efficiency, and climate resilience.
The Kgodiso Development Fund believes that when farming is reimagined as a modern, tech-driven, and community-rooted career, it can deliver economic freedom, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
The Time to Invest is Now
South Africa’s future farmers are already here—eager, ambitious, and ready to grow. What they need is access: to land, to capital, to knowledge, and to mentorship. By investing in them, we invest in the long-term prosperity, food security, and resilience of the nation.
Farming isn’t just about growing food—it’s about growing hope, growing wealth, and growing a future that works for all.
Let’s back the next generation of growers—because in their hands lies the power to cultivate a thriving, sustainable South Africa.
