Since its humble beginnings in Paarl, Western Cape in 1996, Nufarmer Africa Magazine has grown from a grassroots agricultural tabloid into one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s most respected multimedia farming platforms. Our story began in response to the South African Government’s 1994 call to empower a new generation of farmers from previously disadvantaged communities.
Visionary founder and first editor Johan Swiegers saw more than just policy—he saw potential. He believed in farmers growing vegetables in backyard gardens, herders raising goats and sheep on communal lands, and youth disillusioned by outdated ideas that farming was backbreaking work for little return. Johan’s mission was to change the narrative—and he did.
Armed with experience in journalism, advertising, and rural media, Johan launched what was then called Nufarmer The format was a no-frills tabloid newspaper, packed with easy-to-understand, hands-on farming knowledge designed to uplift, inform, and inspire.
The magazine quickly gained traction across rural South Africa by delivering “how-to”, “when-to”, and “what-to-watch-for” content—empowering readers with the tools to evolve from small-scale subsistence growers to successful commercial farmers. The publication was widely treasured as a “farming handbook”, passed around communities and used as a blueprint for growth.
In 1997, Johan and his wife Liefie relocated operations to Gauteng to position Nufarmer & African Entrepreneur closer to agri-business hubs, government bodies, and international partners. This move sparked collaborations with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), foreign embassies, and other stakeholders shaping Africa’s agricultural agenda.
In 2012, Johan handed over the reins to his daughter Suzanne Oosthuizen, who modernized and rebranded the publication into Nufarmer Africa Magazine. Even as the format evolved, the core vision remained: to create, nurture and connect Africa’s farmers.
The Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 forced Nufarmer Africa —like many others—to go digital. But we didn’t just survive; we thrived.
Under the guidance of Marion Oosthuizen, current General Manager and seasoned media strategist, Nufarmer Africa underwent a bold digital transformation. Today, Nufarmer Afrca are a fully integrated multimedia ecosystem, seamlessly connecting our readers and advertisers through:
The Nufarmer Africa team now includes in-house multimedia specialists, marketers and content creatorsfocused on Brand Exposure, Paid Ads, and Click-to-Conversion Campaigns. This means our clients brand or agri-business gets amplified where it matters most—on platforms their customers actually use.
Whether you’re:
Nufarmer Africa is your trusted farming partner. We create tailored content that meets the unique challenges and opportunities of farmers in South Africa and throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.
We don’t just report on agriculture. We help shape its future.
Nufarmer Africa now offers:
With 29+ years of experience, Nufarmer Africa is more than a magazine. We’re a movement, a mentor, and a multimedia solution provider—all rolled into one.
As we enter the era of Open-Field, Smart Farming, Nufarmer Africa remains committed to bringing you closer to the innovations, ideas, and people transforming African agriculture. With us, you’re never farming alone.
Join the movement. Grow your business. Empower farmers.
Visit: www.nufarmerafrica.co.za
Email: info@nufarmerafrica.co.za
Follow: @NufarmerAfrica on all major social media.
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