Agripreneurship
Programme
Growing Futures from the Ground Up
Farming has always been a story of roots, of land, labour, and legacy. But in South Africa, for too many young people, the land has stopped offering opportunity.
Youth unemployment remains one of the country's most urgent challenges. At the same time, food insecurity is rising, especially in under-resourced communities. Afrika Tikkun's Agripreneurship Programme exists to change that — one young person, one seed, one solution at a time.
Designed for youth aged 19–35, the programme transforms agriculture into a launchpad for change. Through a powerful blend of technical training, business skills, and social support, we equip future farmers and agribusiness leaders to grow not just food — but livelihoods, dignity, and hope. This isn't traditional farming. This is youth-led farming for South Africa's future.
Why We Started the Programme
The idea was simple: if you give young people the skills and resources to lead, they will. Especially in agriculture, a sector that still holds untapped power to create jobs, regenerate land, and feed local communities. Our goal was to build more than just a farm school — we built a movement, a place where agriculture meets entrepreneurship, a sandbox where young people learn by doing, and a transformation that doesn't just train, but changes lives.
We started in Diepsloot and Orange Farm — townships where access to land, employment, and fresh produce is limited. From the very beginning, the programme has been part of our broader Cradle-to-Career 360° model, ensuring that no one is left behind in their journey from education to employment.
What the Programme Offers
Whether participants dream of starting their own farming business or working in sustainable food systems, we provide the tools to make it happen. Each year, selected youth receive:
In-field training
Practical training in hydroponics, aquaponics, and regenerative agriculture.
Agrihub access
Access to land, tools, irrigation systems, and seedling nurseries.
Business training
Business and entrepreneurship training, including cooperative models.
Soft skills
Financial literacy, soft skills, and career readiness sessions.
Mentorship
Mentorship from industry professionals.
Employment support
Support for employment placement or launching their own ventures.
Participants also benefit from our integrated 360° Social Support Services — including nutrition, mental health support, and peer group facilitation. Because learning is more than what happens in the field. It's about confidence, identity, and belonging.
A Story of Impact: Meet Zandile
"When I received a call back after my interview with Afrika Tikkun I was overjoyed – I knew this was the breakthrough my family and I had been waiting for."
Zandile Nomvula Myeni was 30 years old, living in Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal. After graduating with a degree in Development Studies, she couldn't find work. Her dreams were on hold, and her family was struggling. Until she joined our programme.
Now, Zandile works at the Madlankala Eco Hub, where she's mastering sustainable farming techniques. She plans to share them with her community — to improve food security and open new doors for others.
"This programme has given me a renewed sense of purpose. I've met people who inspire me and share my values. And I know these friendships will last a lifetime."
Our Impact So Far
Participants leave with more than a certificate. They leave with a business plan, a mentor, and a mission.
Be the Root of Change
We don't just hand over a toolkit. We walk the journey with them.
By supporting our Agripreneurship Programme, you're doing more than teaching someone how to farm, you're investing in future food systems rooted in sustainability, economic justice for underserved youth, and long-term solutions to unemployment and hunger. Help us grow the next generation of agripreneurs.