Extreme weather conditions caused by climate change make it difficult for farmers to grow quality produce. As concerns around food shortages continue to intensify, there is pressure on the farming sector to grow produce despite challenges caused by climate change.
To address these challenges, Andile Gcaza and Phetole Raseropo founded Evergrow in 2018. The bio scientists saw a gap in the market to use science and technology to help emerging farmers grow their vegetables. The Soweto-based business produces over a million seedlings per quarter.
By using science and technology, Evergrow is helping farmers deal with low productivity, lack of technical crop production, and business skills. “Our clients range from farmers with large hectares of land to informal street vendors, retailers, culinary operations, and produce distribution centres,” said Gcaza.
Apart from helping emerging farmers grow their vegetables, the business also participates in skills exchange programmes that offer practical horticultural skills transfer. “Over 60% of our workforce are young women who are either passionate about farming or are agriculture graduates,” said Gcaza.
Source: farmersreviewafrica.com