How does a non-profit improve their impact in community-based agricultural development? Can the scenario of an exciting start, followed by the all-too-familiar scene of either continual input or eventual collapse - be avoided? Yes. It is possible. But it requires deliberate and careful systems design, and the right team. The secret sauce is economic stimulation of micro-growers via a value-adding packshed surrounded by forward-contracted farmers, with weekly collections, a payment system, offtake agreements from deli's and retail, a recognizable brand and regenerative agriculture systems. Driven by the right people with a visionary Board of Directors in the non-profit company, or for-profit company, who focus on outputs and effective delivery to their funders, it can happen!

Linked to the Dubai-based consortium, Enviroserve SA specialises in a range of environmental and agricultural projects such as aquaculture, aquaponics, electronic waste (e-waste) logistics and more. Enviroserve SA were also pioneers in the development of aquaculture and aquaponics as a powerful job creation tool in poor communities. Full turn-key operation involves construction and commissioning of fish and vegetable production facilities in under-served communities, with training and management of the facilities post-construction.As our chosen non-profit cause, we support Two Tin Cans which is rolling out wi-fi hotspots in communities in SA. This enables the under-privileged to be part of the digital economy, and grow their businesses without needing constant government intervention. We believe in wealth creating opportunities at all levels of society.

Initially an agri-business and farming assistance centre, we then opened an Entrepreneurship Development Centre on a purchased property in the middle of one of the poorest areas of Cape Town. Continued to partner with Abalimi on urban agriculture, and developed an urban fish farm alongside this role. Then expanded my role to establish a viable property portfolio, including tenanting and tenant management, to offer the NPC an annuity income. Assisted transform the company into a social enterprise, which then transformed into a larger property development company, offering more business development services to the wider economically-disadvantaged community. Fundraised through a wide range of Foundations, CSI Departments and Sponsorships, always showning excellent Return on Investment from donations, which we then re-invested in further community-assistance and upliftment programmes. • Approx. R100m fundraising achieved over 12 years, offering the catalyst for the property portfolio to be developed. Agricultural and fish farming fundraising included within the capital development of the property.• 90% occupancy offering C-grade office and workshop space to early-stage SMME market• Established an ‘Entrepreneurship Development Centre’ consulting to 4,000 black-owned SMME’s per year. • Conceptualised and co-developed award-winning projects and products such as The Fish Farm, Harvest of Hope. • Clean audits delivered over 12 years, total staff complement of 20.

• Patented design of a fish farm in a shipping container, to stimulate inner-city economic opportunities in under-privileged communities.• Fundraising and marketing campaigns, M&E, funder relationships• Global Finalist of Siemens “Empowering People” Award • Finalist SAB Innovations Award • Winner of the Enablis Green Business Competition

Development of crop cycles, budgets, marketing strategy and community cohesion on small group farming operations in the market-gardening sector, on Cape Town's periphery. Tracked efficiencies of farms, how well the grant funding was being applied, and assisted in water resilience planning and organic certification of farms. Assisted with fundraising and fundraising strategies.

Construction sector, South Africa • Over 500 skylights and rooflights installed across South Africa• Patented extrusion and fixing systems designed by franchise owner (Richard Aub)• Successful company launch and growth over 10 years• Consistent profitability year-on-year• Sold business as a going concern after 10 years

Agricultural, environmental and consulting work for the development of organic smallholder community farmers • Forward contracting of small-scale organic fruit farmers for export market• In-field quality assurance and monitoring of organic processes• Full value chain operations – from field to packaging to cold chain to loading and shipping• Factory-to-ship handling and final export• International customer relations (due to bilingual ability)