Foskor, one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of phosphate-based fertilisers, has launched an ambitious new agricultural education programme aimed at empowering communities in South Africa’s Ba-Phalaborwa municipal area in Limpopo.
By Maile Matsimela, Digital Editor at African Farming
Creating Champions Programme Welcomes First Cohort
The programme, titled “Creating Champions in the Phalaborwa Community”, welcomed its first cohort of students this year. Drawing applicants from eight historically disadvantaged communities surrounding Foskor’s mining operations, the initiative forms part of the broader Agricultural Community Champions Programme designed to drive agricultural education and community development.
“As a vital provider to the agricultural community, we understand how important it is to facilitate access to accredited agricultural education programmes,” says Julian Palliam, President and CEO of Foskor. “This programme will offer a range of courses not only for individuals who wish to build a career in commercial agriculture but also for small-scale farmers, entrepreneurs and community garden collectives.”
Addressing UN Sustainable Development Goals
The initiative aligns with the United Nations’ top two Sustainable Development Goals, namely eliminating poverty and ending hunger. Palliam emphasises the long-term vision behind the programme’s approach.
“We all know the adage that if you give a person a fish, they can eat for a day, but if you teach them how to fish, they can eat for life,” he says. “What this means in practice is that, as a global community, we need to work towards achieving food security and better nutritional value for everyone as a matter of priority.”
South Africa’s Food Security Challenge
Although South Africa maintains relative food security at a national level, household-level challenges persist. The National Food and Nutrition Security Survey, released on 9 October 2024, reveals significant disparities in food access across the country.
According to Statistics South Africa, approximately 80% of households report adequate food access, positioning South Africa at the midpoint of the Global Food Security Index. However, 15% of households (2.6 million) experience inadequate food access, and a further 6% (1.1 million) face severely inadequate access.
Recent statistics from the “Food Security in South Africa in 2019, 2022 and 2023: Evidence from the General Household Survey” report paint an even starker picture, showing that 63.5% of households experience food insecurity. This translates to more than 20 million people facing daily hunger, with 19.7% experiencing moderate to severe food insecurity and 8% facing severe food insecurity. Additionally, 29% of children under five are affected by stunting, a form of chronic malnutrition.
Multi-tiered Approach To Food Production
“The reality is that too many South Africans still go to bed hungry every night,” says Palliam. “The programme is about changing that reality by equipping people with the knowledge, skills and tools to grow food, build businesses and create sustainable livelihoods.”
Foskor recognises that this challenge requires intervention across all tiers of the food production system. The company focuses on three critical areas that are supporting agricultural education, ensuring a reliable fertiliser supply and maintaining affordable fertiliser costs to minimise food price increases.
Partnership with Agricolleges International
To deliver comprehensive agricultural education, Foskor has partnered with Agricolleges International, a modern e-learning institution providing industry-relevant and accredited agricultural education worldwide.
The partnership offers smartphone, tablet and PC access to AgriSETA-accredited courses covering topics, from agribusiness introduction to specific crop cultivation, pig farming, aquaponics and chicken farming. The programme also provides national certificates (NFQ4 level) in General Agriculture, Plant Production, Animal Production, and Cannabis and Hemp Production.
Selection Process And Programme Structure
The inaugural “Creating Champions in the Phalaborwa Community” programme invited applications from individuals aged 18 and older with Grade 10 qualifications. From 453 total applications received for the 2025 intake, 62 candidates (41 women and 21 men) were shortlisted for interviews, with 34 participants ultimately selected for the programme.
Beyond agricultural training, participants receive life skills, financial literacy and agribusiness courses specifically designed to foster community development. These essential skills enhance employability while promoting sustainable farming practices and driving local economic growth. Programme participants also receive a monthly stipend.
“At Foskor, we believe that if you feed the soil, you feed the nation,” says Palliam. “Equally, we believe if you feed eager minds, you will feed the nation. We’re very proud to be undertaking this initiative and look forward to releasing the first cohort.”
