In a recent collaboration with Oribi, the EESI Project hosted an Entrepreneurship Workshop aimed at equipping urban farmers in Khayelitsha with the tools to thrive in sustainable food systems.

The EESI programme seeks to improve biodiversity in the growing sites of farmers in Khayelitsha in ways that are materially beneficial (income-producing or food-providing) and that enhance the health and well-being of the farmers.

According to Nomalanga Ruiters, EESI Mentor:
“In 2024, we trained farmers on medicinal plants and indigenous crops they can grow in their gardens, with the aim of creating a source of income from that. We knew we had to build on this, so when one of our partners, Oribi, started advertising their entrepreneurial incubation programme, we saw it as a perfect fit to collaborate on a workshop that would introduce the farmers to basic entrepreneurial knowledge and also open the possibility of them joining the incubation programme to build on this.”

The workshop introduced farmers to the essentials of food systems entrepreneurship and equipped participants with the knowledge and tools to build impactful and sustainable food enterprises. In addition to the information shared, former Oribi incubatees shared their stories and experiences of building their businesses, offering valuable insights and inspiration. Mzi Mashicila, EESI Entrepreneur, also shared his journey and insights into his herb business.

According to Tasneem Jhetam, Oribi’s Programmes and Innovation Lead and the workshop facilitator:
“We hope that if farmers attending this workshop do not identify as entrepreneurs, after this workshop, they do. We want them to see and understand their power in being part of the solution to food system challenges through their gardens. There is a leap that people need to make from ‘I sell products’ to ‘I am an entrepreneur,’ and we want to help them make that leap.”

One participant, Mandisa Mhambi, shared:
“I have never identified as an entrepreneur. I always thought you must have a big business in order to be called one, not knowing that the work I do in my garden and the produce that I sell makes me an entrepreneur. This workshop has shifted my mindset.”

The workshop marked another step forward in supporting urban farmers to create thriving, biodiverse food systems and sustainable livelihoods. Special thanks to the Global Risk Governance Programme at UCT and the Mauerberger Foundation for their invaluable support in making the EESI programme possible.