Nonhlanhla Joye had a tragic experience following her cancer diagnosis in 2014 that made her unable to work. She began to face the harsh realities of poverty and hunger. Determined to provide for her family, she grew organic vegetables in her backyard. However, her initial efforts were thwarted when chickens devoured her crops.
Refusing to be defeated, she devised an innovative growing system using repurposed plastic bags to protect her vegetables. This system safeguarded her crops from chickens and conserved water, enabling her to feed her family.
Gradually, this creative idea expanded beyond her backyard. Joye began teaching others in her community how to grow nutritious vegetables using her system. Eventually, in 2015, she founded Umgibe Farming Organics and Training Institute to solve food insecurity problems in South Africa.
Food insecurity is one of the most pressing global challenges, with many struggling to access nutritious and affordable meals. Climate change, soil degradation, and inefficient agricultural practices exacerbate this issue, particularly in developing nations. In Africa, where smallholder farmers form the backbone of food production, limited resources, poor market access, and unsustainable farming methods hinder food autonomy.
However, Nonhlanhla Joye, through Umgibe Farming Organics and Training Institute, has pioneered an innovative, sustainable solution to transform agriculture and uplift communities. Her organisation is not just about growing food; it is about eradicating hunger, fostering economic independence, and promoting environmentally friendly farming. They have diverted over 10,000 plastic bags from the trash yard by repurposing them as innovative growing bags.
Umgibe organises comprehensive programmes to empower numerous smallholder farmers, cooperatives, and school children, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to establish high-nutrient food gardens and promote environmentally responsible practices. Through this training, they have provided a sustainable source of income for over 400 families. The training has enhanced food security and fostered economic independence among participants.
It has further implemented its Agricultural system in schools, aiming to teach children how to grow their food. This initiative educates the younger generation and creates a future market for organic produce.
They proudly operate over 50 co-operatives that produce a variety of fresh vegetables, and customers enjoy year-round access to high-quality, nutritious produce. This has created a forum for sustainable growth and enables w farmers to collaborate.
Umgibe offers a variety of organic products, including fresh vegetables and processed items such as jams and juices. These products are grown using Umgibe’s environmentally friendly farming methods, ensuring high-quality, chemical-free produce. They deliver organic products to local communities at reasonable prices while protecting the environment.
Current data from Dun & Bradstreet reveals that Umgibe has generated an estimated annual revenue of $3.91 million.
Joye’s business thrives with a growing network of smallholder farmers and an expanding customer base. Nonhlanhla Joye has successfully boosted local agricultural yields through strategic partnerships and innovative farming techniques while maintaining affordability and shaping the future of sustainable farming in Africa. She has a vision of helping 1 million people feed themselves by 2030.
