Agricultural Entrepreneurship Incubation Centre (AEIC) project

Pathfinder International Messianic Ministries has partnered with Mashero Empowerment Foundation to impact the community in Lusikisiki Village, Eastern Cape Province.

Mashero Empowerment Foundation is a registered non-profit organization in South Africa dedicated to rural empowerment and youth development. We are fundraising for our new initiative, the Agricultural Entrepreneurship Incubation Centre (AEIC) project in Lusikisiki Village, Eastern Cape Province.

Lusikisiki, a rural community in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, faces alarming levels of youth unemployment and social instability. Despite having fertile land suitable for agricultural production, the area remains underdeveloped and underutilized. It is rich in agricultural potential yet experiences deep socio-economic challenges. The unemployment rate exceeds 60%, particularly among youth, leading to dependency, crime, and migration.

We are aiming to raise at least R2,300,000 (~ $135,000 USD) for the establishment of an Agricultural Entrepreneurship Incubation Center (AEIC) in Lusikisiki. The center will provide hands-on training, mentorship, and incubation for unemployed youth, transforming them into self-sufficient farmers and agri-entrepreneurs. Through this initiative, idle land will be revitalized, crime reduced, and livelihoods improved.

Despite these issues, the region’s fertile soils and favorable rainfall create an opportunity for sustainable farming. However, the lack of practical agricultural training facilities and business incubation programs limits the youth’s ability to turn agriculture into a profitable livelihood.

This project aligns with South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) 2030, which prioritizes rural development, job creation, food security, and youth empowerment through agriculture.

The project will be implemented in four phases:

1. Setup
2. Training and Production
3. Incubation and Mentorship
4. Monitoring and Evaluation

The AEIC aims to train 25 youth per year in both crop and livestock production and agribusiness management.

Project Aim

To establish a farm-based incubation centre that empowers unemployed youth in Lusikisiki to become independent, sustainable agricultural entrepreneurs.

Project Objectives

1. Train and mentor 25 unemployed youth annually in crop and animal production.
2. Equip participants with entrepreneurial, technical, and business management skills.
3. Establish a demonstration farm as a practical learning hub.
4. Facilitate the creation of youth-led agribusinesses and cooperatives.
5. Promote food security and local economic growth within the Lusikisiki community.

Project Description: Core Activities

1. Training and Capacity Building

• Deliver Agri-SETA-accredited practical training in plant production, animal production, poultry production, mixed farming, horticulture, and entrepreneurship.
• Include life skills, governance and leadership, record-keeping, financial literacy, and cooperative formation.

2. Farm Establishment and Demonstration

• Develop training plots for vegetables, grains, and small livestock.
• Install basic farm infrastructure: fencing, irrigation, storage, borehole, and training shelter.

3. Business Incubation and Mentorship

• Support graduates in accessing land and funding to start their own ventures.
• Provide six months of structured mentorship and technical support.

4. Market Linkages and Enterprise Development

• Facilitate partnerships with local retailers, cooperatives, and school feeding programs.
• Assist with branding, packaging, and cooperative formation for collective marketing.

Expected Outcomes and Impact

1 Outputs

• 25 youth are trained and certified annually in agricultural and entrepreneurship skills.
• 10 youth-led farms established within 2 years.
• 30% increase in local food production.
• Reduction in youth crime and unemployment.

2 Long-term Impact

• Sustainable youth-led agricultural enterprises.
• Improved livelihoods and household income levels.
• Enhanced food security and community stability.

Project Sustainability

The AEIC will ensure long-term sustainability through:

• Income from farm produce sales and training fees in later phases.
• Partnerships with Agri-SETA for continuous accreditation and training grants.
• Formation of graduate cooperatives that reinvest a portion of profits into the Center.
• Municipal and traditional authority support in land, infrastructure, and community mobilization

Estimated Budget Summary

Item	Description	Cost (ZAR)
Land preparation & fencing	Ploughing, clearing, and fencing materials	450,000
Infrastructure	Borehole, storage, irrigation, training shed	550,000
Training & facilitation	Accredited training materials, trainers, and manuals	350,000
Agricultural inputs	Seeds, livestock, tools, fertilizer, protective wear	400,000
Stipends for trainees	Youth support during the training period	350,000
Monitoring & admin	Reporting, travel, coordination, data collection	200,000
Total Estimated Budget		R2,300,000

Conclusion

The Agricultural Entrepreneurship Incubation Center will transform Lusikisiki’s untapped agricultural potential into a powerful engine for youth empowerment, employment creation, and food security