About Us

About Us

Our Story

In a world that’s rapidly forgetting its roots, we’re planting seeds — not just in the soil, but in the hearts of communities. At Backyard Farmers, we believe it takes more than resources to grow a movement. It takes people — visionary, grounded, and relentless in their hope for tomorrow.
Our Mission
To green our communities, empower our people, and grow resilient schools — one tree, one garden, and one future at a time. We are committed to teaching and equipping children, families, and communities to grow their own food, nurture their environments, and build green legacies that sustain both people and the planet.
Our Vision
mission

Our Values

Our work is rooted in values that shape every project, partnership, and community we serve. We are committed to sustainability, community ownership, environmental justice, innovation, and integrity. Together, these principles guide our decisions, inspire our actions, and ensure that the solutions we create deliver lasting benefits for both people and the planet.
Sustainability
Community Ownership
Environmental Justice
Innvation
Integrity
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Our Team

Meet the passionate changemakers driving the Backyard Farmers movement. In a world that’s rapidly forgetting its roots, we’re planting seeds — not just in the soil, but in the hearts of communities. At Backyard Farmers, we believe it takes more than resources to grow a movement. It takes people — visionary, grounded, and relentless in their hope for tomorrow.

Together, this team brings over a decade of grassroots experience in environmental education, agroecological systems, community organizing, and climate resilience. They have built programs that
marry traditional knowledge with forward-thinking sustainability models —empowering schools, uplifting communities, and creating green, inclusive spaces where every generation can thrive. Even with limited resources, they continue to prove that a small team, anchored in purpose, can shift the narrative of entire neighborhoods.
View Our Programs
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Thabang Shongwe

A son of the soil with a strategist’s mind, Thabang is driven by a vision of food sovereignty that’s both homegrown and scalable. His leadership draws from lived experience in under-resourced communities where innovation isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. Guided by a deep sense of duty and faith, he works tirelessly to design spaces that merge environmental justice with social upliftment. Thabang’s work reflects a commitment to rebuilding dignity, one garden, one child, and one green dream at a time.
Community Greening Program
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Nontethelelo Zuma

Rooted in compassion and clarity, Nontethelelo brings a community-first mindset to the movement. She understands that true sustainability is cultural before it is technical. Her strength lies in creating safe, nurturing ecosystems where learning, healing, and growing happen all at once. Whether supporting young learners or shaping intergenerational programs, her contribution ensures that Backyard Farmers remains as inclusive as it is impactful.
Eco-Fitness Program
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Katlego Tlooke

Katlego walks with purpose — and wherever she goes, infrastructure follows. A creative thinker with a knack for maximizing minimal resources, she has helped transform everyday spaces into living classrooms and green sanctuaries. Her hands are always busy — building, fixing, designing — but it’s her strategic insight that holds many of Backyard Farmers’ systems together. Katlego brings a powerful blend of technical aptitude and social consciousness to the team’s shared mission.
Garden School Program
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Sthembiso Dipela

A steward of tradition and innovation, Sthembiso is the quiet engine that keeps operations running smoothly. He is deeply rooted in service, often stepping in where there is no roadmap and turning obstacles into opportunities. His work within the Backyard Farmers’ initiatives strengthens the program’s environmental integrity and community trust. Whether coordinating logistics or co-creating with learners, Sthembiso reminds us that excellence can still be humble.
Schools Environment Program
See How It Works

Our Partnership Journey

Submit an Interest Form

Schools, churches, or community groups complete a short form with basic details like location, contact person, and program of interest. This helps us understand their needs from the start.
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Initial Screening Call

We schedule a 15–30 minute call (or WhatsApp voice call) to discuss needs, explain what we offer, and confirm alignment with our mission.
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Proposal & Customization

Based on discussions, we prepare a tailored proposal suited to the site’s readiness, resources, and goals—ranging from full programs to starter activities.
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Site Visit & Connection

We visit the site or connect via video call to assess logistics, build rapport, and establish a strong foundation for collaboration.
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Bring Backyard Farmers to your school or community and make a lasting impact. Submit our quick interest form today to start the journey. Apply Here