From seed to cuccess: Fidelity Foundation and Oliver's Village birth a new generation of farmers

In many South African communities, unemployment and food insecurity remain harsh realities for young people.

Through a long-standing partnership between the Fidelity Foundation and Oliver’s Village in Benoni, agriculture is becoming more than a survival tool; it is creating pathways to dignity, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods.

For more than 11 years, Fidelity Foundation has supported Oliver’s Village through agricultural development, accredited training programmes, food security initiatives, and youth skills development.
The programme equips unemployed youth and aspiring farmers with practical agricultural and entrepreneurship skills, helping them transition into income-generating opportunities within their communities.

Graduates of the programme are now using their training to establish home gardens, supply fresh produce locally, and explore small-scale farming enterprises after completing the NQF level 4 plant production programme.

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The initiative currently produces vegetables including spinach, beetroot, cabbage, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, and herbs. Approximately 400 bundles of spinach and beetroot are sold daily within the local community.

What makes the programme particularly impactful is its focus on long-term self-sufficiency.
Rather than offering temporary assistance, the initiative empowers young people with accredited skills, entrepreneurial thinking, and hands-on farming experience that can create sustainable income opportunities.

To date, 50 learners have graduated from the programme, with more students expected to enrol in 2026.
For Fidelity Foundation, the partnership reflects a broader commitment to sustainable community development and meaningful youth empowerment.

By investing in agricultural entrepreneurship, the foundation is helping cultivate a new generation of young South Africans capable of feeding communities, creating livelihoods, and driving local economic growth.

As South Africa continues to grapple with high youth unemployment, programmes such as Oliver’s Village demonstrate that agriculture, combined with mentorship, skills development, and community support, can plant the seeds for lasting change.

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