After the Hugo Tempelman Foundation laid the foundation for the Foodgarden program in 2020 with the help of RTL Wir helfen Kindern e.V., Lefa’s farm is a meaningful extension and continuation of the program. The Foodgarden program enabled the construction of more than 2,000 private self-sufficiency gardens in times when the need was even greater than usual due to the pandemic. At Lefas Farm, everyone can now learn what it takes to turn their small private self-sufficiency garden into a thriving business.
Lefas Farm was set up with the primary aim of providing women and interested young people with the necessary agricultural skills to secure or even improve their livelihoods. The project functions as an education and training center where participants can receive training and gain practical experience in growing crops as well as in sales and accounting. This holistic approach aims not only to strengthen the participants’ individual skills, but also to make a sustainable contribution to economic empowerment and food security for the entire community.
An outstanding feature of Lefas Farm is its holistic approach to agricultural education. From land preparation and planting to harvesting and storage, the aim is to provide a holistic understanding of the entire cultivation cycle. In addition to teaching practical skills, topics such as soil and water management, pest control, market access and marketing strategies are also covered. This enables participants to become not only efficient farmers, but also successful entrepreneurs who can sell their products on local markets and thus generate a sustainable income.
In September 2023, a new greenhouse was built for the cultivation of tomatoes and peppers to give participants hands-on experience in greenhouse cultivation. Under the guidance of experienced farmers, the participants learned the basics of greenhouse cultivation, from preparing the soil to planting, caring for the plants and harvesting. The success of every harvest depends on careful care. This includes precise watering, timely addition of fertilizers, efficient pest control and weed control. Tomatoes are typically harvested over a period of two to three weeks. By taking a strategic approach, where the cultivation stages were spread over different weeks, an extended harvest period is planned on the farm, which spans about 2 months. The first harvest started in the second week of January 2024 and lasted until mid-March thanks to continuous harvesting activities in all sections.
Selling the produce is a crucial aspect of the production chain, as it is at this stage that the profits are realized. To address this, market contacts have been made and links established with various entities such as local greengrocers, supermarkets, fast food restaurants, lodges, community members and local professionals. This extensive market network not only facilitates the sale of the harvests, but also serves as a strategic approach to minimize the risk of losses, as the harvested tomatoes do not have a long storage period.
Within 1.5 weeks, the farm achieved sales totaling 3,000 rand (approx. 150 euros). Building on this initial success, we anticipate a total revenue forecast of at least 30,000 Rand from the tomato and bell pepper project. Overall, Lefas Farm has a tangible and positive impact on the local community. It contributes to poverty alleviation, food security and economic development and creates a dynamic farming community that is ready for the challenges of the future.
