Help Sow the Seeds of Change in South Africa
Imagine a farm where every crop grown feeds not just families—but futures. The Mannah Farm Project in South Africa is more than agriculture. It’s a movement to empower unemployed women and youth through sustainable farming, entrepreneurship, and community upliftment. Born from the success of Khayelitsha Cookies, which transformed lives through baking, this new initiative is planting hope—one planter box at a time.
Key Objectives
- Create employment for previously unemployed women and youth.
- Grow fresh produce (vegetables, berries, herbs) for use in KCCO’s cookie and baby food ranges.
- Reduce input costs by farming their own ingredients.
- Train youth in sustainable farming and entrepreneurship.
- Establish a farm shop and donate 5% of produce to local communities.
- Build indoor netball courts for local girls and schools.
Farming Model
The project will use planter box farming in tunnels with recycled water from Tilapia fish dams, consuming 80% less water than traditional farming. It will employ organic farming methods with no pesticides.
Crops include: Gooseberries, blueberries, sweet potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, onions, parsley, mint, carrots, lettuce, rosemary, potatoes, garlic, and catnip.
Livestock includes Tilapia fish and quail for eggs (used in cookies).
Projected Financials
Annual sales are projected to grow from R4.2 million in 2025 to R23.5 million by 2031. Job creation is expected to increase from 12 staff in 2025 to 57 by 2031. Crop revenue is estimated at R20 million annually from 22 hectares. Verbal offtake agreements have been secured from long-term clients in the hospitality and retail sectors.
Social & Environmental Impact
- 25% employee shareholding via a trust.
- Each tunnel managed as a micro-business by one employee.
- Use of recycled materials (Econobrix) and renewable energy (wind turbines).
- Quail egg production for healthier cookie ingredients.
- Netball courts to support youth sports and community development.
Funding Requirements
Total funding needed: R19.4 million:
- Farm land: R9.75 million
- Building works: R1.78 million
- Farming infrastructure: R7.14 million
- Vehicles: R708,000
Additional projects:
- Netball courts: R6.5 million
- Croissant factory: R11.25 million
- Farming tunnels: R12.6 million
Shareholding Structure
Mannah Farm Trust (employees): 30%
Adri Williams (founder): 39%
Other individuals: 31% combined
51% Black Owned, 30% Black Women Owned
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