Urban Agricultural Initiative

Who we are

The UAI is a leader in facilitating the development of urban agricultural ecosystems. We specialise in establishing a multitude of diverse urban farming operations throughout the Inner City of Johannesburg and strive to create accelerated, inclusive, shared and sustainable growth.

Collaboration is at the heart of what we do, as collaborative partnerships are key to creating sustainable development of agri-preneurs. The UAI works with individual and corporate citizens and groups within the community to find sustainable ways to meet their social, economic and material needs.

We are happiest when we are providing agri-preneurs with sustainable business opportunities that have the potential to uplift their families and communities.

At UAI, everything we do rests on three core activities:

  • The coordination of production,
  • Production support,
  • The coordination of market access.
Urban Agricultural Initiative

Who we are

The UAI is a leader in facilitating the development of urban agricultural ecosystems. We specialise in establishing a multitude of diverse urban farming operations throughout the Inner City of Johannesburg and strive to create accelerated, inclusive, shared and sustainable growth.

Collaboration is at the heart of what we do, as collaborative partnerships are key to creating sustainable development of agri-preneurs. The UAI works with individual and corporate citizens and groups within the community to find sustainable ways to meet their social, economic and material needs.

We are happiest when we are providing agri-preneurs with sustainable business opportunities that have the potential to uplift their families and communities.

At UAI, everything we do rests on three core activities:

  • The coordination of production,
  • Production support,
  • The coordination of market access.

Our Farmers

The UAI currently supports 11 operational farms. Click below for further information on these farms.

Inseason Farm and
Vutomi Wellness
products

Linah Moeketsi

MORE INFO

Evergrow Seedlings
Solutions

Andile Gcaza and Phetole Raseropo

MORE INFO

Hazile Group
Solutions

Fezile Msomi, Wezile Msomi and Phindile Msomi

MORE INFO

African Agricultural
Solutions

Pheladi Chiloane, Frolinah Malaza & Thuli Nkosi

MORE INFO

Each farming operation is defined by the nature and space available on the building roof-top and the market demand for produce within the ecosystem. Each is operated by a community sourced entrepreneurial team either as a small business or a cooperative dependent on the community while production and marketing are coordinated through the UAI.

Our Farmers

The UAI currently supports 11 operational farms. Click below for further information on these farms.

Inseason Farm and
Vutomi Wellness
products

Linah Moeketsi

MORE INFO

Evergrow Seedlings
Solutions

Andile Gcaza and Phetole Raseropo

MORE INFO

Hazile Group
Solutions

Fezile Msomi, Wezile Msomi and Phindile Msomi

MORE INFO

African Agricultural
Solutions

Pheladi Chiloane, Frolinah Malaza & Thuli Nkosi

MORE INFO

Each farming operation is defined by the nature and space available on the building roof-top and the market demand for produce within the ecosystem. Each is operated by a community sourced entrepreneurial team either as a small business or a cooperative dependent on the community while production and marketing are coordinated through the UAI.

Sign up to be on our farming database

Sign up to be on our farming database

Sign up to be on our farming database

Farmers Market

The Farmers Market enables farmers to connect and expand an urban food ecosystem to unlock opportunities and advance local economies. The UAI’s farmers currently supply customers in and around the Joburg Inner City, the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market, local restaurants and fresh produce markets.

The Farmers Market enables farmers to connect and expand an urban food ecosystem to unlock opportunities and advance local economies. The UAI’s farmers currently supply customers in and around the Joburg Inner City, the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market, local restaurants and fresh produce markets.

#GrowYourCity

 

Farmers Market

The Farmers Market enables farmers to connect and expand an urban food ecosystem to unlock opportunities and advance local economies. The UAI’s farmers currently supply customers in and around the Joburg Inner City, the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market, local restaurants and fresh produce markets.

The Farmers Market enables farmers to connect and expand an urban food ecosystem to unlock opportunities and advance local economies. The UAI’s farmers currently supply customers in and around the Joburg Inner City, the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market, local restaurants and fresh produce markets.

#GrowYourCity

 

10

Farms
Supported

36 000

Planting Sites Available

7 560

Kilograms of
Produce Grown

28 980

Litres of
Water Saved

12

Farms
supported

6

Plant
sites

234

Jobs
supported

2361

KG's of food
grown

21

Carbon
saved

234

Kilo litres of
water saved

12

Farms
supported

6

Plant
sites

234

Jobs
supported

2361

KG's of food
grown

21

Carbon
saved

234

Kilo litres of
water saved

Support UAI

The primary purpose of the UAI is as follows:

  • Secure and grow a market for agricultural produce from farms within the inner-city
  • Develop shared agro-processing facilities for the storage, processing and packaging of produce
  • Develop a mentorship programme to support the development of agri-business across the value chain
  • Provide business development services to support growth and development of agri-business ventures
  • Provide technical support services to support the technical development of farming operations
  • Provide infrastructure to farmers during the start-up phase while they secure their own infrastructure
  • Take advantage of a market access IT platform to enable buyers, producers and agro-processors to find information on produce available in the ecosystem.

For further information on how you can support the UAI through your B-BBEE spend.

How to support the UAI

Support UAI

The primary purpose of the UAI is as follows:

  • Secure and grow a market for agricultural produce from farms within the inner-city
  • Develop shared agro-processing facilities for the storage, processing and packaging of produce
  • Develop a mentorship programme to support the development of agri-business across the value chain
  • Provide business development services to support growth and development of agri-business ventures
  • Provide technical support services to support the technical development of farming operations
  • Provide infrastructure to farmers during the start-up phase while they secure their own infrastructure
  • Take advantage of a market access IT platform to enable buyers, producers and agro-processors to find information on produce available in the ecosystem.

For further information on how you can support the UAI through your B-BBEE spend.

How to support the UAI

Our Current Supporters

The UAI has secured the support of a number of key partners, who assist with: sales, distribution and access to markets; training and mentorship; capital investment; and access to roof-tops.