Strengthening Food Security and Rural Livelihoods in South Africa

down arrow

More than 43,000 smallholder farmers supported through improved market access and lower-cost milling

Rural communities in South Africa’s Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces face persistent poverty, unemployment and food insecurity. A 2023 survey found that 52% of rural households in Limpopo experienced food insecurity, while 32% had experienced hunger during the previous 30 days. Smallholder farmers also face limited access to capital, formal milling infrastructure and reliable markets for their produce.

Metier partners with a leading South African maize milling business that connects farmers and underserved communities to an inclusive local food system. Through a network of 346 community-based stores and its own distribution capabilities, the business delivers affordable, fortified maize meal to informal settlements and rural communities. Its innovative barter model enables more than 5,000 subsistence farmers each year to exchange raw maize for maize meal, cash, seeds or fertiliser -reducing milling costs by approximately 60% while providing stable access to markets and essential agricultural inputs. The business also supports local employment, with women representing 50% of its 717 full-time employees, and advances circular agriculture by using 100% of the maize it processes.

  • 43,230 Farmers supported since inception · 5,126 currently active
  • 346 Community stores serving underserved areas
  • 717 Full-time employees · 50% women

Enabling Access to Quality Education in North Africa

Success storyarrow
Please wait