Why supporting young farmers can make a difference

Welcome to Jacobsdal Trading, a poultry farm in the Jacobsdal region of the Free State. The company was set up by Llewellyn Louw and Shadrack Rakgokong, both of whom were relatively new to the farming industry. The duo started operations in 2021 and, with the assistance of our Enterprise Development program, the business has achieved excellent results. The initiative began as a dream, not only to make a living but to encourage youth in the area to consider employment opportunities in the farming industry. The farm’s livestock includes over 700 chickens, whose eggs are distributed among customers in the local community, as well as larger commercial customers including the local Saverite supermarket. To date, the business employs five people and is making a noticeable contribution to the local economy. As the co-founder of Jacobsdal Trading, Shadrack Rakgokong, says: “With the high rate of unemployment in South Africa, farming offers youth an opportunity to make a living”, adding: “We believe that when other young people see the success of Jacobsdal Trading, they too will be encouraged to start their own businesses or pursue the opportunities that come their way.” The fundamental role of Enterprise Development We believe that Enterprise Development initiatives are instrumental in empowering entrepreneurs in their respective communities through job creation. Startup operations such as Jacobsdal Trading need to be given the opportunity to thrive and, with adequate funding and support, their chances of success are higher. As Enel Green Power, we want to ensure that startups are given the necessary tools to thrive. And it is for this reason that we continue to support small enterprises such as Jacobsdal Trading. In working with farmers, our goal is to enable them to become suppliers not only to their communities, but to surrounding communities as well. The result of this is that Enterprise Development and Sustainable Development, which is one of our key sustainability pillars, form a synergetic relationship and meet the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 8, “Decent work and economic growth.” The future is bright The passion and determination displayed by Jacobsdal Trading has attracted the attention of additional investors. This has enabled the business to diversify and its future plans include a chicken abattoir, which will allow it to increase its profits and create additional employment opportunities for the surrounding communities. The future looks decidedly promising and we hope that other young entrepreneurs will be inspired by this example.

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Why supporting young farmers can make a difference

Why supporting young farmers can make a difference