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The Viability of Industrial Hemp Agriculture in South Africa’s Smallholder Farming Environment

Industrial hemp, a versatile and resilient crop, may offer immense potential for small-scale hemp farmers in South Africa. With its agro-ecological benefits, compatibility with crop rotation, and opportunities for artisanal and commercial product development, industrial hemp can provide smallholder farmers with both environmental and economic benefits. 

Agro-Ecological Value of Industrial Hemp

Industrial hemp agriculture offers immense agro-ecological benefits for South African small-scale farmers. One of the key advantages is its role in bioremediation. Hemp has a unique ability to absorb heavy metals and toxins from the soil, making hemp farming ideal for rehabilitating polluted lands. This property not only cleanses the soil but also improves its health for future agricultural use.

Carbon sequestration is another crucial benefit of industrial hemp agriculture. Research indicates that one hectare of hemp can absorb between 9 to 22 tonnes of CO2 per year, depending on growth conditions, which is comparable to or even exceeds the carbon absorption rates of many trees and other crops. This makes hemp cultivation a valuable tool in combating climate change and promoting sustainable farming practices for both large- and small-scale hemp farmers.

Industrial hemp farming also supports agricultural biodiversity. By integrating hemp into smallholder farming systems, farmers can create a more diverse agricultural landscape through synergistic crop rotations contributing towards soil microbiome resilience and polyculture crop rotations. This diversity supports various pollinating ecosystem agents species, fostering a balanced agri-ecosystem. Agricultural biodiversity is a critical component of managing natural ecosystem services. With biodiversity corridors, hemp growing regions and other vegetable food crops, the maintenance and understanding of the ecology of the landscape is a priority.  

Crop Rotation and Agro-Forestry Potential

Industrial Hemp’s bioremediation potential showcases its compatibility with other crops through regenerative practices such as  crop rotation. Crop rotation helps maintain soil fertility, reduce pests and disease cycles, and improve overall farm productivity. Industrial Hemp’s deep tap root system enhances soil structure and increases soil organic matter post-harvesting, thereby benefiting subsequent crops, making it an excellent choice for small-scale farmers looking to maintain long-term soil health.

Agro-forestry, the practice of integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural systems, can be effectively combined with industrial hemp cultivation. This approach creates food forests, where diverse plant species coexist, providing multiple benefits such as improved soil health, enhanced biodiversity, and additional income sources. For instance, farmers can plant fruit trees alongside hemp, creating a multi-layered agricultural system that yields various products throughout the year.

Artisanal and Commercial Product Development

Industrial hemp offers numerous opportunities for both artisanal and commercial product development. Smallholder farmers can engage in artisanal production of hemp-based products such as woven materials like baskets, hemp shive and clay mixes for building, a food source and cosmetics like hemp infused soap. These products cater to niche markets that value the dynamics of the informal market which may provide farmers with a steady income stream.

On a commercial scale, industrial hemp can be processed into a wide range of products, including hempcrete (a sustainable building material), textiles, biofuels, and bioplastics. The biomass generated from hemp cultivation can be utilised in building materials, contributing to the development of carbon negative  infrastructure. This creates a viable market for industrial hemp products, attracting investment and fostering economic growth in agro-rural areas.

Integrating Small-Scale Farmers into the Hemp Value Chain

Integrating small-scale agro-rural farmers into the industrial hemp value chain is essential for realising its full potential. A cooperative agribusiness model can be crucial for small-scale hemp farmers. By pooling resources and sharing knowledge, farmers can reduce individual risks and gain better access to markets and financial resources. 

Training and capacity-building programs are vital for equipping small-scale hemp farmers with the necessary skills and knowledge. Providing education on sustainable farming practices, crop management, and product development, helps farmers to optimise their hemp yields and maximise profits.

 

Furthermore, establishing partnerships with research institutions, government agencies, and private enterprises can drive innovation and support the growth of the industrial hemp industry. These partnerships can facilitate access to advanced technologies, funding opportunities, and market linkages, empowering smallholder farmers to thrive in the competitive agricultural sector.

Government Support and Legislative Alignment Critical for Hemp Farming Viability

The viability of small-scale hemp farming in South Africa relies heavily on government policies and regulatory frameworks. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen emphasised that the implementation of the Cannabis Master Plan is a top priority for the seventh administration. 

However, progress has been hampered by the lack of legislative alignment surrounding cannabis in South Africa, which requires urgent attention. As the country develops regulations for this industry, it is essential to balance public safety with economic opportunity by supporting smaller farmers and local businesses. This approach will address immediate market needs while fostering long-term growth for the industry.

Steenhuisen highlighted the importance of preventing big international companies from monopolising the sector by buying up licenses and sidelining local small-scale growers, many of whom are women with knowledge of local varieties and cultivation methods. The Department of Agriculture is working to protect these growers, particularly in rural areas, by ensuring they are not crowded out of this catalytic industry. To this end, the Department aims to set aside parts of the hemp value chain for smallholder farmers, securing their role in the industry and ensuring a sustainable livelihood. This support is crucial to empowering rural communities and preserving their expertise in industrial hemp agriculture.

A Sustainable Future for Small-Scale Industrial Hemp Farming in South Africa

The future of industrial hemp agriculture in South Africa’s smallholder farming environment is full of potential. With its numerous agro-ecological benefits, including bioremediation, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity support, hemp can serve as a sustainable and profitable crop for rural farmers. Its compatibility with crop rotation and agro-forestry further strengthens its appeal, offering a pathway to improved soil health and increased farm productivity. Beyond farming, the opportunities for artisanal and commercial product development open new revenue streams for small-scale farmers, allowing them to tap into eco-friendly markets.

However, for this potential to be fully realised, government support is essential. The Department of Agriculture’s efforts to implement the Cannabis Master Plan and protect small-scale farmers from being pushed out of the sector by larger corporations are critical steps toward creating a sustainable hemp industry. By empowering local growers, particularly in rural communities, and addressing legislative hurdles, South Africa can build a thriving industrial hemp agriculture sector that contributes to rural development, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

Embracing hemp as a versatile crop, with the backing of both government and cooperative farming models, can pave the way for a greener, more equitable future for South Africa’s smallholder farmers.

About the author

Phivo Artemides completed his studies with a Master of Urban Studies in the field of Sustainable Energy Efficient Cities. Within this, he wrote his thesis on “The viability of hemp agriculture to develop energy-efficient materials whilst addressing agro-rural socio-economic opportunities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa”. Phivo created & lectured at Cheeba Academy as the Head of Industrial Hemp and was a pioneer in developing a first-of-its-kind Hemp syllabus for Cheeba in Africa. He further conducts research on industrial hemp for advisory groups across Africa. Working within HempoSapiens, he is now partnered with Abundant Village delivering landscape regenerative systems approaches towards ecosystem stability and community upliftment programs.