Impact Report – The Local Village

VILLAGE CO MARKET (NPC)

Through our non-profit company, we drive impactful initiatives focused on biodiversity conservation by introducing socio-economic solutions that help rural communities live in harmony with their environment. By implementing practices like apiculture (beekeeping) and food forests, we not only promote environmental sustainability but also create economic opportunities, with a commitment to purchasing the produce from these communities.

Our approach centers on engaging local communities in the protection, conservation, and sustainable management of natural resources.

This strategy integrates environmental sustainability with economic empowerment to create lasting, positive impacts for communities across Africa.

Creating opportunities for the marginalised and people living rural communities. Fostering a healthier society through our food products

Focus on biodiversity conservation, regenerative agriculture, and sustainable resource management. We train communities in apiculture beekeeping and reforestation, enhancing ecosystem health and climate resilience while protecting pollinators vital for food security

Creating sustainable economic opportunities by building a profitable African wholefood brand that sources high-quality products from rural communities. Through our buy-back model and connect local production with broader markets

DEVELOPMENTAL MODEL

Education

Provide skills and train communities on ecosystems, conservation, api/ agricultural skill, business and financial management

Equipping

Provide implements and tools of the trade to supplier communities

Organise

Formalise community enterprises through registering as cooperatives

Support

Continuous mentoring

Enablement

Access to markets and buying back their produce

OUR IMPACT PROJECTS

4 community beekeeping projects 66 beneficiaries

1 youth mentorship programme 87 beneficiaries

3 beekeeping projects 20 beneficiaries

1 beekeeping for the visually impaired project 22 beneficiaries

1 community beekeeping project 16 beneficiaries

8 community beekeeping projects 1 hive manufacturing project 138 beneficiaries

Future Garden Projects 300 beneficiaries All 9 Provinces

2 community beekeeping projects 25 Beneficiaries

IMPACT OVERVIEW

Communities (SA/ZIM/MOZ)

374

Direct Beneficiaries

1364

Indirect Beneficiaries

Vusmzi

Dedicated to promoting sustainable beekeeping practices and enhancing local agricultural development. The initiative focuses on empowering rural dwellers, people living with disabilities and communities by providing training, resources, support and markets as a result improving livelihoods and contributing to environmental conservation by fostering a greater understanding of the vital role bees play in our ecosystem.

Winner of the 2024 SAB Innovation award under the Disability empowerment award.

Future Gardens

Through our Future Gardens Initiative, we contribute to education by teaching primary school children (ages 6-13) about the importance of farming and preserving traditional African food for future generations. This initiative emphasizes sustainable agriculture, the benefits of consuming locally sourced ingredients, and the cultural significance of food heritage.

Nutrition & Food Security

We actively support nutrition and food security by distributing seeds of indigenous food crops in various school and community food garden projects.

These resources empower students and community members to grow their own nutritious food, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable food production while addressing local food security needs.

-Impacted 300 schools.

-Distributed 6,000 African Banquet Table colouring books to young learners.

Thuo Nala Youth Mentorship Programme

It was established out of a need to empower and enable youth in rural communities with the aim of getting them to take part in developing the rural economy and helping them utilize their inherited land to their benefit.

87 Youth from rural South Africa

Vision 2030

Our Vision 2030 aligns with global sustainability goals, driving environmental and social impact through honeybee conservation, the rehabilitation of indigenous vegetation, the cultivation of indigenous crops, and the development of sustainable livelihoods.

By fostering a deep connection between people and nature and introducing healthy, locally grown food options, we secure not only the future of South African agriculture but also the prosperity of our communities and ecosystems