Podcast: Participation key to rural development

Agri SA founded Agri Enterprises, the commercial division of Agri SA, in 2016. By resolving complex issues, streamlining the funding process, and developing novel and approachable solutions, they paved the way for the future.

Sulaiman Patel, head of the rural development division at Agri Enterprises, shares the primary objective of the rural development unit and how they have worked to accomplish to specialised interventions, such as mentoring, working capital contributions, market access initiatives, and training.

“As a company, Agri Enterprises is committed to sustainable agriculture, social responsibility and as part of the division I saw an opportunity to use our expertise and resources to make a difference,” says Patel.

“My inspiration for going into rural development as a career was the recognition of small-scale farmers in underserved areas, that has challenges in accessing resources and support they need to succeed,” he explains.

The secret of meeting people where they are

For Patel, when it came to community work the main objective was to build relationships that will be able to address key problems.

He adds that rural development has helped Agri Enterprises connect with underserved areas by providing training. “One of the key problems that I find with rural developments is getting the funder, the operator and any other operating partner all on the same page.”

Once the relationships have been established with the various communities, the official work with leaders who are trusted within the community takes off more swiftly.

“From there you work with the leaders of the community, and it makes things a lot easier. What we as a team recognise is that we need to take a collaborative and participatory approach,” he says.