Emerging farmers from Bronkhorstspruit sell fresh produce at retailer’s market day
Elizabeth Mahlangu and other community members began the Mmakgomo Agricultural Cooperative farming project many years ago.
Small-scale farmers from almost 60 community food gardens in the country delivered farm-fresh produce directly to customers during Shoprite and Checkers Market Day on April 3.
Among these farmers is the Mmakgomo Agricultural Cooperative from Bronkhorstspruit, who sold their produce at Checkers Pretoria North.
Since its launch in 2017, Market Day has provided Shoprite-supported community food gardens with access to the retailer’s large customer base and a platform to generate income, gain retail experience, and showcase their dedication to sustainable agriculture.
Elizabeth Mahlangu and other community members began the Mmakgomo Agricultural Cooperative farming project many years ago.
The Shoprite and Checkers Act For Change programme helped these community farmers in 2022 with a reservoir and an irrigation system which enabled them to branch out the vegetables they were growing at the time.
“We were growing sweet potatoes, green peppers and cabbage. But now with Shoprite’s help, we expanded to grow spinach, kale, brinjals, beetroot, tomatoes and pumpkins,” explained Elizabeth’s daughter, Zanele.
The project now yields enough for Elizabeth and her co-farmers to sell fresh produce on the retailer’s market days.
The Shoprite and Checkers Act For Change programme supports over 4 000 home gardens and more than 260 community food gardens, helping to support food security in communities across South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana and Namibia.
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