From student to supplier, Nyathi's farming success story

HER story may not have drawn the attention of the Oval Office on May 21; however, her commitment to sustainable farming and developing the next generation of young African farmers is adding to the good South African story of the immeasurable role of agriculture

- ZAMAYIRHA PETER

Lizzy Nyathi is a member of the youth network ACTIVATE! Change Drivers who used a seedling donation by the network to plant a business that has grown its fruits and influence in many communities, and as a supplier to many retail stores. An educated black female farmer, she is from Mpumalanga and the director of the Lisima farming project (Lisima Trading and Project) that is based in the Bushbuckridge Municipality, in a small village called Welverdiend.

Educated and passionate about sustainable farming

Lizzy holds a degree in agricultural management from the University of Limpopo. For Lizzy, the idea to farm was born during her years as a student, and it grew its legs when she began to facilitate agricultural programs that focused on plant production and horticulture. Through her friends and family’s support, she managed to raise funds to the sum of R50 000 to start crop farming.

In 2023, she cleared 1 hectare out of 3 and fenced it and started producing from it and ultimately made her first sale in August 2023 to Lebamba Hoedspruit.

Nearly two years later, Lizzy has never looked back and recounts both challenges and opportunities that farming has brought her way. Some of her achievements include being a local crop supplier at Spar, Makhoma, Roots, Boxer, Lebamba, Street vendors, community members and several game lodges.

Farming requires you to innovate

As a small-scale farmer, Lizzy reflects on the challenges of having sufficient resources to meet the demands and make a profit.