By Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe
For many emerging farmers in South Africa, the real hurdle is often accessing the finance, markets, technology and support needed to turn a promising farming operation into a sustainable business.
A partnership between Bayer and agricultural technology platform Khula aims to tackle exactly that.
At the heart of the collaboration is a R7.5 million investment in a Farmer Accelerator programme designed to help emerging farmers strengthen their businesses and become more competitive in the formal agricultural economy. Rather than offering once-off grants or input donations, the initiative focuses on building the systems, skills and connections that farmers need to succeed over the long term.
According to Karidas Tshintsholo, CEO of Khula, many farmers already have the determination to grow but often lack a clear pathway to finance and markets.
"South Africa's emerging farmers have the ambition and resilience to build thriving businesses. What's often missing is a connected pathway, credible data, the right capability support, access to finance and a clear route to market. This partnership brings those pieces together so that more farmers can participate confidently in the formal economy and grow sustainable livelihoods."
The programme is expected to support 50 emerging farmers through a structured development process that prepares them to access production finance in their own names while strengthening their ability to supply formal markets.
What This Means for Emerging Farmers
One of the biggest barriers facing many farmers is proving they are ready for funding. Financial institutions and buyers often require reliable records, compliance documentation and evidence of production performance before committing support.
The partnership aims to bridge this gap by helping farmers:
Build credible financial and production records
Improve access to production finance
Strengthen farm management and business skills
Meet compliance requirements for formal markets
Connect with structured buyers and value chains
Improve productivity and profitability
Become more resilient to climate and market challenges
By focusing on these building blocks, the programme seeks to create stronger, more bankable farming businesses that can grow sustainably over time.
Beyond Inputs and Short-Term Support
A notable feature of the initiative is its emphasis on capacity building rather than traditional support models.
Farmers will receive practical agronomic guidance, mentorship and technical support to help improve decision-making on the farm. The intention is to equip participants with skills that remain valuable long after the programme has ended.
Mildred Nadah Pita, Head of Public Affairs, Science and Sustainability for Africa at Bayer, believes this combination of innovation and practical support is critical.
"At Bayer, we believe agriculture can be a powerful driver of inclusive growth when innovation is matched with practical, on-the-ground support. By combining Bayer'sexpertise with Khula's digital platform and ecosystem partnerships, we are helping more farmers strengthen productivity, build resilience and access the opportunities that enable long-term success."
The Role of Technology
Digital inclusion forms an important part of the partnership.
Through Khula's platform, farmers will have access to digital farm mapping, profiling and record-keeping tools. While these may sound like simple administrative functions, they can play a significant role in helping farmers access funding and markets.
Reliable farm data can help producers demonstrate performance, improve planning and build the kind of track record that lenders and buyers increasingly require.
Technology also has the potential to improve traceability and strengthen participation informal agricultural value chains.
Building Resilience for the Future
As weather patterns become more unpredictable, climate resilience is becoming just as important as productivity.
The partnership will promote climate-smart farming practices, including improved soil and crop management, efficient input use and access to resilient seed technologies. These interventions are intended to help farmers maintain yields while reducing exposure to climate-related risks.
Why Partnerships Like This Matter
South Africa's agricultural future depends not only on established commercial producers but also on the success of the next generation of farmers entering the sector.
By combining finance readiness, digital tools, technical support and market access into a single ecosystem, Bayer and Khula are attempting to address some of the most persistent challenges facing emerging farmers.
If successful, the partnership could help create more sustainable farming enterprises, stronger rural economies and a more inclusive agricultural sector, while contributing to the broader goals of food security and economic growth.
For emerging farmers looking to move from survival to scale, initiatives that connect opportunity with practical support may prove to be the missing piece of the puzzle.
