From Desert Innovation to Regional Impact, Netafim Continues to Help Farmers Grow More with Less
In 2025, Netafim Southern & East Africa joins the global Netafim family in celebrating a remarkable milestone — 60 years of transforming agriculture through innovation, partnership, and a deep commitment to sustainability.
Founded in 1965 with the invention of drip irrigation, Netafim has grown into a world leader in precision irrigation, helping farmers across continents produce more food with fewer resources. Today, its presence in Southern and East Africa is not only defined by cutting-edge technology, but also by strong local partnerships and a legacy of trust.
“What began as an optional water-saving technique has become a vital part of sustainable agriculture,” says Michael Esmeraldo, Managing Director of Netafim Southern & East Africa. “Today, using water with precision is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.”
Innovation in Our DNA
Netafim’s story is one of continuous reinvention. From introducing drip irrigation to refining low-flow fertigation systems, innovation remains at the heart of its mission. The company’s extensive product portfolio supports everything from the water source to the crop root, tailored to diverse agricultural environments.
“Innovation for us is not just about improving products,” Esmeraldo adds. “It’s about developing smart, scalable solutions that make precision irrigation accessible to all farmers, regardless of crop or climate.”
Powering Progress Through Partnership
Much of Netafim’s success in the region is owed to its trusted dealer network, which plays a vital role in bringing advanced irrigation solutions directly to the farmer’s field.
“We innovate. Our dealers implement. Together, we grow agriculture,” says Esmeraldo.
Team Netafim remains hands-on, offering agronomic and technical support across Southern and East Africa—ensuring that every drop of water delivers value.
A Legacy of Local Research & Academic Collaboration
Behind the scenes, Netafim Southern & East Africa has invested significantly in localised research and development. Its collaboration with academic institutions and on-farm trials has resulted in new irrigation protocols, student funding, and real-world data to support sustainable practices.
“We’re constantly testing and improving,” says Charl van Reenen, Agronomy Manager. “Our research is science-driven, field-proven, and tailored to African conditions—from soil types to climate variability.”
Proven Impact Across the Region
Netafim’s footprint spans crops, countries, and climates, with tangible results:
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Sugarcane in Eswatini: Over 10,000 hectares under Netafim subsurface drip with the Royal Eswatini Sugar Corporation — a partnership now almost 30 years strong.
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Blueberries in Zimbabwe: Helping growers achieve export-quality yields through precision irrigation.
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Citrus in South Africa: Pioneers in centralised low-flow fertigation, placing South African producers among the world’s most efficient.
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Wine Grapes in the Western Cape: Supporting industry adoption with agronomic guidance and field support.
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Cash Crops in Limpopo: Supporting farmers like Francois Fourie in applying drip irrigation to maize, sugar beans, and beyond.
“Netafim has walked this journey with us—offering products, support, and foresight,” says Colin Crick, GM of Agriculture at Zimbabwe’s biofuel producer GreenFuel, which now irrigates over 6,000 hectares with Netafim systems.
Trust Built on Quality and Support
For Willem Smit, National Sales Manager, the key to Netafim’s success lies in reliability—of both its products and its people.
“Celebrating 60 years is a moment of pride, but also a reminder of the responsibility we carry. We are here to lead, to support, and to shape the future of agriculture.”
Growing Towards a Sustainable Future
As the region faces mounting pressure from climate change, resource scarcity, and rising food demand, Netafim’s purpose has never been more relevant.
“We believe the biggest gains won’t come from expanding farmland,” says Esmeraldo, “but from maximising output on existing land, using resources smarter and more efficiently.”
“Precision irrigation isn’t just a tool—it’s a transformational solution.”
As part of Orbia’s Precision Agriculture business, Netafim is doubling down on its mission to advance life around the world, leading agriculture into a future where water is preserved, soil is protected, and farming is truly sustainable.
“Our legacy is innovation. Our future is collaboration. Our goal is to help every farmer, everywhere, grow more with less,” concludes Gerdie de Lange, Marketing Manager for Southern & East Africa.
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