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Fund emergency relief, health, livelihoods and education programmes.
Sustainable Livelihoods
Since 2002, ADRA South Africa has helped vulnerable households build food security, earn income and treat agriculture as a viable business.
Why livelihoods matter
Food security and steady income give families dignity, stability and choices. When households can grow, sell and earn reliably, communities become more resilient to poverty, climate shocks and economic pressure.
ADRA South Africa is recognised by government and donors as a leading actor in helping civil society groups engage in agriculture as a business — linking practical production support with markets, skills and stronger local organisations.
What we focus on
Our livelihoods work combines climate-smart production, market access and organisational strengthening so gains can last beyond a single project cycle.
- Climate-smart food production and community gardens
- Access to agricultural inputs, production assets and extension support
- Linking smallholder producers to markets and financial services
- Strengthening farmer associations and cooperatives
- Skills development, entrepreneurship and income-generating activities
- Public–private investment models for agricultural growth
How we work
Each approach is practical and connected — from the garden plot to the cooperative, market and household table.
Climate-smart production
We support climate-smart food production and community gardens so households can grow nutritious food while adapting to changing weather and reducing production risk.
Inputs, assets and extension
Improved access to agricultural inputs, production assets and extension support helps smallholders plant, harvest and manage farms with greater confidence and consistency.
Markets and finance
Linking producers to markets and financial services turns surplus into income — connecting farmers with buyers, value chains and the capital needed to grow.
Cooperatives and associations
Capacity building for farmer associations and cooperatives strengthens collective bargaining, shared learning and local ownership of livelihoods programmes.
Skills and enterprise
Skills development, entrepreneurship and income-generating activities help people diversify earnings and build livelihoods beyond subsistence alone.
Public–private investment
We work with public–private investment models that unlock agricultural growth, bringing government, donors and private partners into shared efforts that scale what works.
Reach and partnerships
In partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, the National Department of Social Development, the National Development Agency, FAO and other donors, our food security and livelihoods work has reached more than 321,200 people.
Through the Household Nutrition and Food Security Programme we supported a network of Community Nutrition and Development Centres providing meals in 52 communities, and district food depots procuring and distributing food to indigent households.
Help us reach more communities
Donate, volunteer, or explore how ADRA South Africa serves communities across the country.
Get involved
Volunteer your skills or explore partnership opportunities.
All pillars
See emergency, health, livelihoods, education and cross-cutting work.