Netafim marks 60 years by strengthening African farming systems
As Netafim celebrates six decades of work, its commitment to solving real farming challenges in Africa remains steady.
AFRICA – Netafim, a global leader in precision irrigation, is marking 60 years of operations with a spotlight on its work across Southern and East Africa.
Known for introducing drip irrigation to the market, the company has grown into a major force in sustainable farming across the continent.
Michael Esmeraldo, Netafim’s managing director for Southern and East Africa, said one of the clearest examples of impact has been in sugar cane farming. Traditionally a high water-use crop, sugar cane now uses far less water in areas where Netafim systems have been installed.
“One of the most significant impacts has been the widespread adoption of drip irrigation in sugar cane cultivation an area where Netafim has played a key role. Sugar cane is traditionally a high water-use crop, but with drip irrigation, water usage is significantly reduced, along with inputs like fertiliser and electricity,” Esmeraldo told Farmer’s Weekly.
Large sugar cane farms in Eswatini, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa have already adopted the technology. Esmeraldo said this shows how the systems work and what they could mean for the future of farming in the region.
Esmeraldo explained that Netafim has moved from selling equipment to providing full irrigation solutions. He said this shift reflects the company’s growing focus on meeting real needs on the ground.
“Our innovation approach today is increasingly geared to solve real problems on the farm. In Africa, where scale and access to resources differ greatly from regions like Europe or Israel, we have to innovate with local conditions in mind,” he said.
He noted that finance remains a major concern for farmers across the continent. “Farmers tell us time and again that the lack of financing slows down their transition to more sustainable practices. Addressing this is critical,” he added.
Willem Smit, national sales manager at Netafim South Africa, said customer support has become just as important as the systems themselves.
“Our team of technical advisers, agronomists, and technicians works closely with farmers and dealers. We provide dealer training and on-farm support, ensuring Netafim knowledge reaches the people who use our systems daily,” Smit said.
Training includes lessons in digital farming and how to apply sustainable methods. “Our network knows that help is just a phone call away,” he said.
A platform for reflection and commitment
Gerdie de Lange, marketing manager of Netafim Southern & East Africa, said the company is using this anniversary to share success stories from farmers using their systems.
“Stories build trust. Farmers believe other farmers. That’s why we share real-world successes that highlight how precision irrigation not only saves water but reduces input costs, too,” she said.
“This milestone gives us a chance to reflect on our history and recommit to sustainability, innovation, and farmer success, today and for the next 60 years,” de Lange added.
Netafim also recently launched its AlphaDisc filter line in South Africa. The new range supports water quality management in tough environments.
In addition, the company opened a new regional hub in Nairobi, Kenya. This site will improve access to irrigation parts and technical support across East Africa.
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