At first, Lliam Roach, an entrepreneur with a heart for change, had no interest in farming. However, a shift in perspective during the Covid pandemic led him to explore aquaponics, a farming method that piqued his interest for its technicality and sustainability.
Roach and his co-founder, Mitch Marescia, believed in a world where they could create real economic change through farming, which eventually led to them to giving birth to Ezulwini Africa.
The agribusiness empowers young black farmers through a network of innovative aquaponic farms, ensuring year-round production in Dullstroom, Mpumalanga.
Identifying the need for change
Roach’s journey began with a clear recognition of the challenges facing South Africa’s agricultural sector.
“I was not focused on farming as such, but more focused on how we can use it to make a difference in the country. I did a lot of research regarding aquaponics and I found it to be an interesting way to farm. [It is] very technical and a sustainable solution to future farming,” he explains.
Roach’s vision was to create a network of small, systematised commercial farms across Africa, leveraging scalable systems and human empowerment.
Now, a year and a half later, Ezulwini Farms specialises in aquaponic farming, a sustainable method that combines fish farming and plant cultivation in a closed-loop system. This method leverages the symbiotic relationship between fish and plants. The fish waste provides nutrients for the plants, and the plants filter and clean the water for the fish.
The result is a highly efficient farming system that produces both vegetables and fish.
“We build and operate aquaponic farms that are resilient, sustainable, and land-agnostic. These farms provide a nutritious food basket and aim to sell fish and between two and four crop types per tunnel to local markets, ensuring the lowest possible input cost and an entirely off-grid operation,” he explains.
Roach says they produce a variety of leafy greens, mixed lettuce, butter lettuce, spring onions, celery, parsley, mint, and a few others. Their markets include Food Lovers Market stores and local distributors in and around Johannesburg and Mpumalanga.
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Overcoming market access challenges
When they started the business in 2022, he realised that one of the significant hurdles for commercialising farmers in South Africa is market access.
“Farm life in South Africa isn’t easy. The market is always against it, making it tough to buy seeds or afford transport for our crops,” he explains.
Ezulwini Africa addresses these issues head-on. By establishing a network of small, commercial aquaponic farms, they ensure consistent production that is not dependent on the season or the type of land.
This innovative approach not only tackles local food security but also makes it easier for farmers to access markets year-round.
The future of Ezulwini Africa farms
The journey of Ezulwini Africa is just beginning. With the first 1 280-square-metre tunnel already operational in Dullstroom and producing over one tonne of crops per month, the future looks promising.
As Roach puts it, “We are building something big. We have huge ambitions to change the landscape within the sector. We want young aspiring black believers to take hold of their future and know there is a chance at building something significant for themselves and their communities.”
Roach’s top five tips for success in sustainable farming:
- Invest in training and education: Continuous learning and training are crucial. At Ezulwini Africa, comprehensive on-the-job and ongoing training programmes ensure that farmers are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills in aquaponic farming.
- Leverage technology and data: Utilise digital management systems to monitor and optimise farm operations. Tracking growth rates, nutrient levels, and environmental conditions can significantly enhance productivity and sustainability.
- Create a reliable market access plan: Establish direct links with local markets, retailers, and distributors. Reliable and predictable off-take agreements ensure that there is a steady market for your produce, reducing the risk of waste and financial loss.
- Focus on sustainability: Adopt farming practices that are environmentally friendly and resource-efficient. Aquaponic farming at Ezulwini Africa is a prime example of how sustainable practices can lead to year-round production with minimal environmental impact.
- Build a supportive network. Collaboration and community are key. By creating a network of farms and providing full back-office and distribution support, Ezulwini Africa ensures that farmers are not working in isolation but are part of a larger, supportive group.
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