SPAR’s Rural Hub initiative transforms lives

IN A country where food insecurity and unemployment weigh heavily on communities, SPAR is investing in a model that could change the game: its Rural Hub initiative in Polokwane, empowering small-scale farmers to supply fresh produce into formal markets while driving sustainable food systems.

- MASABATA MKWANANZI

Launched in 2017 in Mopani, Limpopo, the Rural Hub initiative was created to help small-scale producers break into the formal food value chain. The model equips farmers with technical and food safety training, connects them to funding opportunities, and guarantees a market for their produce.

Through its Rural Hub, SPAR trains farmers in good agricultural practices, guided by the globally recognised GLOBALG.AP. certification, enabling them to deliver crops in commercial volumes that meet SPAR South Africa's quality and food safety standards.

Ongoing technical assistance comes from an in-house team of five agronomists, who support farmers and transfer skills so that after about five years, they can operate independently and allow new farmers to join the programme.

Farmers’ experience and land sizes vary from five to 80 hectares, requiring tailored support from SPAR’s technical team.