This morning, farmers from Cape Town’s Langa, Khayelitsha, Mitchell’s Plain and Gugulethu Agrihubs came together for the annual Agrihub Gathering, a day of farmer-led learning, knowledge-sharing and showcases under the theme “Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow.”
Coinciding with World Food Day, the gathering explored how practical knowledge, new ideas and collaboration can help build a more resilient urban food system. This year’s World Food Day theme highlights the role of innovation, alongside traditional knowledge, in ensuring access to nutritious food while protecting the planet.
The keynote address by Akhona Gxuluwe from African Grower brought this theme to life. African Grower’s vertical hydroponic growing system offers a space-saving, water-efficient approach to growing fresh produce, showing how innovation can help address some of the challenges facing urban food production. Its work also connects agricultural innovation with skills development and opportunities for young people.
The gathering also created space for growers to share their experiences, exchange practical skills and learn from one another. A farmer-led masterclass focused on an important question for the future of urban farming: how can Agrihubs involve more young people in their programmes and inspire the next generation of growers?
With more than 1,500 farmers supported across Cape Town’s Agrihub network, these opportunities to learn and collaborate are central to strengthening local food production and the communities around it.
As Agrihub Project Manager Thando Qabaka explains, knowledge-sharing is essential in a context where space and resources are limited.
“Gatherings like this are important for knowledge-sharing. Space is an issue in urban areas. Innovative ways to grow with fewer resources are essential.”
The Agrihub Gathering reaffirmed that innovation is not only about new technologies. It is also about farmers learning from one another, adapting to local challenges and finding new ways to grow food, strengthen livelihoods and build community resilience.
As we celebrate World Food Day, the message is clear: nourishing tomorrow starts with investing in farmers, sharing knowledge and supporting the people who grow our food today.
