Community Impact
We achieve positive social impact in the communities within which we operate through two models: community joint ventures and the hub out-grower model.
290k
hectares are planted with our improved seed
$116m p.a.
Increased community income of $116m p.a.
386k
people benefit economically
Community joint ventures
Joint ventures are partnerships formed between a company and a local community. Profits are split between the community and the portfolio company with the community typically owning 51-55%. The joint venture leases the land from the community for long periods, typically 15-20 years. Over such period the company will transfer skills, training and bursaries, while providing a regular income.
The fund has three JVs in South Africa: two in sugar cane and one in deciduous fruit. The JVs provide incomes to over 2,500 families, approximately 11,000 people. This is a passive income for these families. In most cases, family members also have income from jobs elsewhere or from managing their own businesses/farms.
Hub out-grower model
In this model a business ‘hub’ is established that includes processing of a product and assists smallholder farmers to help grow this product. The key to achieving a positive impact is to provide a market to smallholder farmers for a high value crop. By doing this, the smallholder farmer can diversify from lower value crops and thus make a sustainably higher income. The hub can also provide technical support, training and improved inputs – enabling farmers to reach their production potentials. This innovative and integrated solution has proven successful in galvanising markets and raising incomes.
Increasing access to high yielding seed
We aim to improve smallholder farmers’ yields through the development and production of high-quality hybrid seed. Using hybrid seeds can:
Increase yields
Increase incomes
Improve drought tolerance
Counter some diseases and pests
To meet increasing food requirements, global production of the three main cereal crops will need to increase to substantially. To achieve this, smallholder farmers in Africa must increase their yields substantially. Access to higher yielding hybrid seed is key to realising this dramatic increase.
Teaching smallholder farmers conservation farming
Across both Silverlands Funds we provide access to education in conservation farming techniques, using practical demonstration plots and technical support through partnerships with NGOs. Conservation agriculture farming techniques aim to increase yields, reverse soil erosion, and mitigate the effects of climate change. It has three key principles that can be followed using resources available to smallholder farmers, requiring minimal financing:
Minimum or no tillage
Using crop cover, residues or mulch
Crop diversification, whether intercropping or rotation with legumes
