Participants in South Africa’s SEF programme are working hard with Solidaridad to create a sustainable agricultural future.
South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 envisions eliminating poverty and reducing inequality, with economic growth and employment at its core. Among its initiatives, the Social Employment Fund (SEF)—a collaboration between the Department of Trade and Industries, the IDC, and Solidaridad—stands out as a transformative force. By blending job creation with structural solutions like strengthening local food systems and building agricultural capacity, SEF empowers participants to drive economic and social change within their communities.
In a country grappling with high unemployment, which has risen to nearly 33 percent in the first quarter of 2025, grassroots interventions like SEF offer more than temporary relief. They provide participants with immersive agricultural training, equipping them with the skills to become future farmers, entrepreneurs, or employees in other sectors.
Participants in these interventions internalize sustainable, market-oriented agronomic practices through hands-on learning, blending traditional farming methods with innovative, climate-resilient techniques. By equipping participants with the knowledge to transition from subsistence farming to agribusiness, SEF ensures they not only sustain themselves but also contribute to food diversity and accessible local food systems.
A real-life example of transformation
Emily Monchwe, a 37-year-old mother of three from Mohlakeng, is a shining example of SEF’s impact. Overwhelmed by financial pressures and uncertain about her future, Emily joined the program and gained essential farming skills—crop selection, soil preparation, irrigation, and pest management. With this newfound knowledge, she created a thriving 400m² crop garden that generates 700 to 1,000 South African rand (about 33 to 47 euros) weekly. Her garden not only supports her family but also supplies fresh vegetables to disadvantaged students in her community.
Emily’s story exemplifies how agriculture can transform lives and communities. Her garden reduces dependence on expensive, urban-sourced produce and improves food accessibility for her neighbors. By addressing both the economic and nutritional needs of her community, she showcases the profound ripple effects of localized food systems.
The broader impact
SEF’s approach transcends individual stories, positioning farmers as catalysts for social development. By prioritizing marginalized groups, the program addresses systemic inequities and reduces social exclusion. It creates supportive networks among farmers, trainees, and stakeholders, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. This collective effort strengthens rural economies, enhances agricultural outputs, and drives demand in related industries.
Moreover, by making fresh produce available at fair prices, SEF disrupts the urban-centric supply chains that inflate costs and limit access. Communities benefit from reduced reliance on boxed, nutrient-poor foods, promoting healthier lifestyles and building resilience against food insecurity.
A catalyst for socio-economic transformation
Agriculture, when approached through initiatives like SEF, becomes a powerful catalyst for socio-economic change. It not only addresses unemployment and inequality, but also bridges generational and social divides, while fostering collaboration and community empowerment. By prioritizing inclusivity and sustainability, SEF is redefining the role of agriculture in building resilient local economies and accessible food systems.
In a world where the challenges of unemployment, inequality, and food security are deeply interconnected, SEF’s success proves that small, focused efforts can create seismic shifts. The combination of skills training, resource access, and community support paves the way for sustainable development. As Emily’s journey shows, with the right tools and opportunities, agriculture can be the cornerstone of a brighter, more equitable future—one garden at a time.