About Us
Who We Are
Nishati Safi Institute (NSI) is a non-profit organisation committed to strengthening small-scale farming as a pathway to food security, economic inclusion, and environmental sustainability. We work with vulnerable communities to unlock agricultural potential and build resilient livelihoods.
The founders Maureen Mphatsoe and Thandi Mlangeni grew up in Soweto and learnt resilience, self-reliance and food security from their parents who established vegetable gardens in small pieces of land, to primarily feed their families and sell the surplus to neighbours.
At NSI, we envision a future where small-scale farms are more than food-producing units—they are skills hubs and engines of renewal for communities.
What We Do
Our Approach
Nishati Safi enables small-scale farmers to build sustainable, market-oriented agricultural businesses. Our model positions agriculture not only as a food production activity, but as a platform for enterprise development, skills transfer, and local economic growth. We address the root causes of farmer underperformance through an integrated approach that combines:
We combine community participation, practical training, mentorship, and partnerships with public and private stakeholders to create sustainable, scalable farming models that deliver long-term impact.
