Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA) has launched I Am a Farmer, an inspiring video series featuring 15 food gardens from across the country, marking World Food Day on the 16th of October. The series aims to shift perceptions about farming by showing that agriculture is for everyone—regardless of size, background or location.

“Through powerful storytelling, the series highlights the critical role that small-scale and subsistence farmers play in creating food security, economic sustainability, and environmental resilience,” says Nicole Ras, Communications Manager at FTFA.

At a time when global food supply chains are struggling to pivot and diversify, small-scale farming is proving indispensable. Despite the dominance of corporate farming, mainstream agricultural systems alone cannot solve the food security challenges faced by emerging economies like South Africa. Nor can these large operations provide the jobs needed to uplift communities. The South African agricultural workforce includes approximately 1,69 million people engaged in subsistence agriculture, a critical safety net for low-income families, compared to just 44 000 employed by commercial farms.

Challenging Barriers and Stereotypes in Agriculture

South Africa has a relatively low percentage of fertile land, low calcium soils and challenging agricultural conditions. Agroecology and small-scale production hold the key to farming the 96 million hectares of farmland available, yet significant disparities persist. For many, farming is associated with the need for large tracts of land, heavy machinery, and chemical inputs—a perception that discourages aspiring farmers from entering the field. However, FTFA’s I Am a Farmer series demonstrates that agriculture does not require vast resources or industrial equipment to be impactful.

“The featured farmers prove that food production can flourish through smaller-scale operations using sustainable practices,” adds Nicole Ras.

From urban food gardens and township food hubs to family-run plots, these farmers show that meaningful agriculture starts with commitment to the land and its ecosystem. With methods that prioritise biodiversity, soil regeneration, and zero-waste principles, they are breaking free from the outdated idea that farming success is tied to commercialisation.

A New Vision for Food Security

Governments around the world are increasingly recognising that small-scale agriculture has a vital role to play in addressing food shortages, restoring ecosystems, and creating employment. FTFA is at the forefront of this movement, offering a model for sustainable agriculture that benefits both people and the planet.

The campaign also emphasises the nutritional value and dietary diversity that small-scale farming brings to local food systems. FTFA’s farmers are not just focused on growing food but are actively reshaping what is grown to improve the quality of diets and fight hunger at the grassroots level.