By Petronel Nieuwoudt | Founder & CEO
The Lomshiyo Community Farming Project demonstrates the powerful, full-circle connection between conservation, sustainable agriculture, and community well-being. Developed as a joint partnership between Care for Wild and the Lomshiyo Community, the farm creates local employment while actively addressing food security and rural development across neighbouring villages.
As the seasons shift, agricultural operations transition smoothly from summer crops into winter production, bringing harvests of cabbage, broccoli, spinach, and cauliflower.
The farm’s young macadamia orchards are also being harvested, already yielding encouraging results despite their age.
Crop health and soil vitality have improved significantly this season through the intensified use of rhino dung compost from the sanctuary as both a natural fertilizer and planting medium, a practical, sustainable loop linking wildlife care directly to food production.
Additionally, four hectares of grass will be baled to support the feeding program for the orphaned rhinos.
Local biodiversity and agricultural diversification remain key priorities. Two community members were trained as beekeepers to manage active hives across the farm, where flowering basil was planted to sustain the bee population while boosting macadamia pollination.
The farm's first seed maize crop was harvested, with plans underway to expand green maize production for local vendors.
Meanwhile, the final harvests of summer butternut are being prepared for sale alongside newly planted blocks of sweet potato and beetroot.
Beyond commercial production, the farm serves as a vital community pillar. Fresh, locally grown produce feeds nearby schools, early childhood development centres, and vulnerable households through community feeding schemes.
Between January and August 2026, over 3.4 tonnes of fresh vegetables were distributed across more than 10 community institutions, including targeted vegetable packs for vulnerable learners at Sheba, Fairview, Sinqobile, and Louieville primary schools.
The project also provides a hands-on training ground for the next generation of agricultural leaders. Conservation and farming training was completed for Investec YES (Youth Employment Service) interns, welcoming an additional 10 interns onto the farm to build practical workplace skills in environmental stewardship and sustainable land management. Through this partnership and thanks to your monthly support, Care for Wild and the Lomshiyo Community continue to build a resilient agricultural model that nourishes both people and the land.
By Petronel Nieuwoudt | Founder & CEO
By Petronel Nieuwoudt | Founder & CEO
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