South Africa: Joburg’s new urban agriculture project to boost community farming

Themba Mathibe said: “Food insecurity remains one of the most urgent challenges facing our city.

By Elias Nkabinde
City of Johannesburg
03/09/2025

Excerpt:

???The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), on behalf of the City of Johannesburg’s Development Planning Department, has officially launched the GEF – Urban Agriculture Food Resilience Infrastructure Project to fight food insecurity, empower new farmers, and expand sustainable urban farming across the City. In partnership with the City’s Social Development Department, Development Planning has established a Food Resilience Unit to address poverty and restore dignity in communities most severely affected by hunger.

A major challenge identified is the lack of proper farming infrastructure, which limits the growth and sustainability of smallholder farmers.

To address this, the GEF project will provide and set up crucial agricultural infrastructure at:

Dannie van Zyl (Region B)
Diepkloof Skills Centre (Region D)
Northern Farm (Region A)
Eikenhof Farms (Region G)
Siyakhana Garden (Region F)

Upgrades will include fencing, shipping containers, agricultural tunnels, walk-in cold rooms, and water tank stands—important features that will boost productivity, ensure environmental compliance, and improve resilience to climate change.

To maximise community benefit, the project will focus on local labour during construction. Four of the five sites will create direct jobs for residents, while one site will also involve two local SMMEs. This approach shows the City’s commitment to not only improving food security but also promoting job creation and skills development within local communities.

JDA CEO Themba Mathibe said: “Food insecurity remains one of the most urgent challenges facing our city. By investing in sustainable farming infrastructure, we are not only making sure communities have access to nutritious food but also giving local farmers the tools they need to succeed long-term.”

The Urban Agriculture Food Resilience Infrastructure Project is a vital part of the City of Johannesburg’s larger plan to develop a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban environment. By strengthening local farming initiatives, the project supports food security, climate adaptation, and socio-economic growth across five regions.

Link.