Fortress Real Estate Investments (REI) has expanded its partnership with Food & Trees for Africa (FTA), launching five new food security clusters that include ten community food gardens across South Africa. The initiative is aimed at strengthening food security in vulnerable communities while advancing sustainable land use and environmental awareness.
The expanded programme builds on earlier phases that have already supported 32 food gardens, planted close to 20,000 trees, and provided agroecology training to hundreds of youth and community gardeners. According to Fortress REI, the approach ensures that corporate investment translates into measurable, long-term impact.
Each cluster is designed as more than a source of food. The gardens serve as educational sites where participants learn about soil health, water management, biodiversity, and leadership. Schools are integrated into the programme so that learners gain hands-on agricultural knowledge while their institutions benefit from enhanced nutrition support.
The project also reflects Fortress REI’s ESG strategy, linking corporate resources to grassroots food security. By combining environmental stewardship with practical food production, the initiative reduces hunger while building resilience in communities facing economic and ecological pressures.
Food & Trees for Africa said the model demonstrates how partnerships between business and civil society can go beyond once-off interventions. Instead, the programme creates scalable systems that provide food, training, and environmental benefits that extend well beyond the lifespan of individual projects.
South Africa continues to face rising levels of food insecurity, with many households relying on school meals or community gardens to meet daily needs. Fortress REI’s expanded support highlights how private sector investment can play a direct role in addressing these challenges, while also promoting sustainable farming practices.
