Meet, Khaya Burwana. The ambitious leader behind Agrikey Farming, a mixed farm specialising in poultry and vegetables, based in Mfuleni, Cape Town. Originally from the Eastern Cape, Khaya’s passion for agriculture goes as far back as he can remember.

After moving to Cape Town, Khaya decided to turn his love for livestock and childhood experience with raising farm animals into a full-scale commercial business. With 100 chickens and a rented space in Mfuleni, Khaya began selling his product around his own neighbourhood. Eventually growing enough to supply informal traders in his area, attracting them with his bulk offerings, specials and on-demand deliveries.

Today, Agrikey Farming has expanded its product range to organic vegetables with a vision to extend the business to Agri-processing, packaging and distribution to retailers across the country and continent. Outside of his commercial goals, Khaya focuses on educating the community, especially children, about agriculture to address existing food insecurity issues. Agrikey has working relationships with five schools, with strong aspirations to grow. The business teaches kids about food production while also providing schools with seedlings and training to equip them with the skills to develop their own backyard gardens.

Khaya shares his experience with the Woolies Youth Makers has been very valuable for him. Through the programme, Khaya has connected with other farmers who form part of the Living Soils Community Learning Farm. Living Soils is an initiative launched by Woolworths and partners to tackle long-term food security and reduce youth unemployment. He looks forward to gaining more knowledge from areas like marketing and operations.