Case study package
Case studies are a pivotal part of any conversion opportunity and require tact, good interviewing skills, and an ability to derive key results from data that is often both confusing and detailed.
My experience as a journalist, photographer, videographer and senior inbound content strategist all make me an ideal case study creator.
Here is an example of a recent case study I created for an NGO called Reel.
KROMDRAAI FARMER’S PROJECT: SOUTH AFRICAN FOOD SECURITY ESG INITIATIVE
KROMDRAAI FARMER’S PROJECT: SOUTH AFRICAN FOOD SECURITY ESG INITIATIVE
HIGHLIGHTS
2022 – 2024 (ongoing)
- 108.4L water saved (54.2L water saved annually)
- 4 tonnes produce grown (2 tonnes grown annually)
- 10,130 servings of veggies (5065 servings annually)
- R242120 income earned (R121,560 annually)
When Elizabeth started her small homestead farm, the land was a dump, as pictured below.
The Kromdraai Farmer’s Project, an initiative spearheaded by Reel, stands as a shining example of hope and sustainability in the fight against food insecurity. Over the past three years, this socio-economic development project in South Africa has transformed a once-neglected municipal dumping ground into a flourishing smallholder farm. With impressive annual results (54.2 litres of water saved, 2 tonnes of produce grown, and 5,065 servings of vegetables harvested), the project has not only provided sustenance but also empowered individuals like Elizabeth Khunju to generate a life-changing annual income of R121,560.
This case study highlights how Reel’s commitment to sustainability, empowerment, and education has reshaped lives in Kromdraai while contributing to broader ESG and CSI goals.
VIDEO OF PROJECT
The Kromdraai community faced immense challenges: high unemployment rates, limited access to resources, and a lack of local food sources. Located far from urban centres, the area had become a food desert. For Elizabeth, a resident and mother, the municipal dumping ground in front of her house symbolised the hopelessness of her environment. With no formal employment and four children to support, she needed to find a way to provide for her family and create a sustainable future.
Compounding these challenges were environmental and logistical hurdles. The lack of proper infrastructure, exposure to harsh weather conditions, and roaming animals like pigs, goats, and chickens threatened the viability of any agricultural endeavour. Elizabeth’s determination to clean up the dumping ground and transform it into a productive space faced significant barriers without external support and resources.
SOLUTION
Reel’s solution was rooted in its three-tiered approach to sustainability: food security, income generation, and skills development. This socio-economic development initiative began with the foundational phase, providing Elizabeth with a 16m² household garden-in-a-box. This kit included Reel’s patented seed tape technology, gardening tools, and access to water tanks supplied by the municipality. The seed tape not only ensured easy planting but also conserved water, making it ideal for the arid conditions of Kromdraai.
Elizabeth received training in sustainable gardening practices, including seasonal planting, watering techniques, and seed saving. As her garden flourished, she expanded it to 200m² with support from Old Mutual and the Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB). This phase included the provision of netting poles to protect the garden from pests, heavy rain, and intense sun.
A key aspect of Reel’s approach was the involvement of Community Champions like Gladys Tswagodimo, who provided ongoing mentorship and support. By fostering relationships rather than merely distributing resources, Reel ensured Elizabeth and other beneficiaries could sustain their gardens and gradually transition to income-generating activities. The initiative also showcased how a CSI project contributes to the community through long-term socio-economic benefits.
RESULTS
The Kromdraai Farmer’s Project has delivered measurable outcomes that underscore its success:
Water Conservation: Our patented seed tape technology and sustainable gardening methods saved 54.2 litres of water over the project’s three years.
Produce Yield: Over 2 tonnes of fresh, nutrient-rich vegetables were grown, translating into 5,065 servings of food to prevent malnutrition and illness.
Economic Impact: Elizabeth’s expanded garden generated an annual income of R121,560, allowing her to provide for her family and reinvest in her agricultural endeavours.
Community Engagement: The project inspired other residents to start their own gardens, fostering a culture of self-reliance and collaboration.
IMPACT
The impact of the Kromdraai Farmer’s Project extends beyond individual success stories. By transforming a municipal dumping ground into a thriving agricultural hub, the initiative has revitalised the local environment and instilled a sense of pride in the community. The project has also addressed broader issues of food security, unemployment, and malnutrition.
Elizabeth’s journey from subsistence farming to economic empowerment exemplifies the potential of Reel’s model. Her ability to donate surplus produce and mentor others has created a ripple effect, ensuring that the benefits of the project extend to the wider community. By providing training and resources, Reel has not only alleviated hunger but also equipped beneficiaries with the skills and confidence to sustain their livelihoods independently.
This initiative highlights Reel’s role as an ESG implementation partner, offering businesses a meaningful way to align their corporate social investment (CSI) goals with sustainable socio-economic development. It’s an inspiring example of what socio-economic development in South Africa can achieve when backed by strategic planning and dedicated support.
“I’m happy with the garden because it’s a provider. I am not working, my husband is not working, so we are depending on this garden. I’m able to eat with that money, I’m able to save a little within that money.”
Elizabeth
CONCLUSION
The Kromdraai Farmer’s Project is a testament to the transformative power of sustainable agriculture and community-driven initiatives. Our holistic approach—combining food security, income generation, and skills development—has enabled individuals like Elizabeth to overcome significant challenges and build a brighter future.
As the project enters its fourth year, its success underscores the importance of corporate partnerships in scaling impact. Businesses and organisations looking to align their ESG goals with meaningful action can support our mission by sponsoring new projects, donating resources, or registering as beneficiaries.
By investing in initiatives like the Kromdraai Farmer’s Project, we can collectively combat food insecurity, promote sustainability, and empower communities to thrive.
Pricing
| Item | Details | Cost |
| Filming and editing 3 – 5 minutes case study video | – half-day filming – approx 5 hours editing time – captions included – using client’s CI | Approx 11 hours at R650/ hour: R7150 |
| Writing 1200+ word case study article | – written case study summarising key information – interview time included with client or end client – taking complex information and turning it into a narrative that highlights key data points and emotional highlights | Approx 1200 words at R3.50 per word: R4200 |
| TOTAL: R11 350 |
Samantha Steele Photography 