As part of the global Netafim family, Netafim Southern & East Africa proudly celebrates the company’s 60th anniversary in 2025 — marking six decades of innovation, impact, and leadership in precision irrigation across the region.

What began in 1965 with the invention of drip irrigation has grown into a global force driving sustainable farming practices across diverse agricultural landscapes. This breakthrough sparked global awareness of water-saving agriculture and laid the foundation for the sustainability standards that the industry relies on today.

“Using less water and fewer resources once started as an optional benefit embraced by pioneering farmers. Today, precision water use is vital to sustainability efforts worldwide,” says Michael Esmeraldo, Managing Director of Netafim Southern & East Africa.

Innovation Embedded in Netafim’s DNA

As Netafim celebrates this milestone, the company remains committed to advancing the precision irrigation movement it pioneered.

“Innovation is part of Netafim’s DNA,” Esmeraldo affirms. “It’s about continuously improving existing solutions while developing new technologies that make precision irrigation accessible and effective for every farmer, crop, and farming environment. Our comprehensive product range ensures farmers can harness the full potential of precision irrigation — from the field to the water source.”

Crucial to this success is Netafim’s trusted local dealer network.

“We are proud of our enduring partnerships with irrigation dealers across Southern & East Africa,” says Esmeraldo. “These partnerships are key to our sustainable impact. While we focus on continuous innovation, our dealers bring advanced solutions to every farm, supporting implementation in the field. Together, we help farmers grow more with less — and we remain hands-on through technical and agronomic support to ensure success on the ground.”

Relentless Research and Development

A cornerstone of Netafim’s leadership is its sustained investment in research and development. Locally, Netafim Southern & East Africa prioritises academic partnerships and practical farm trials to push the boundaries of sustainability and efficiency.

Charl van Reenen, Agronomy Manager at Netafim Southern & East Africa, explains: “Our team invests significant time, resources, and expertise to test solutions that add real value for farmers. This means testing product performance under local conditions, developing economically viable sustainable practices, and tailoring irrigation protocols to our markets.”

Over the past decade alone, the company has funded multiple Master’s research projects through its low-flow fertigation programme, supported on-farm trials, written new protocols, and partnered with leading academic and industry institutions to advance precision irrigation.

“Our research is science-driven, market-relevant, and informed by both local and global expertise,” Van Reenen says.

Precision Irrigation in Action

This commitment has delivered tangible results across the region — from large-scale sugarcane estates to high-value fruit exports.

Notable successes include:

1. Large sugarcane operations across Africa, including Eswatini’s Royal Eswatini Sugar Corporation, which has over 10,000 hectares under subsurface drip — the result of a 30-year partnership with Netafim.
2. Zimbabwe’s state-of-the-art blueberry farms and leading citrus producers, where Netafim’s innovations like Centralised Low-Flow Drip Fertigation have redefined industry best practice.
3. Expansion of precision irrigation to crops such as apples, macadamias, maize, and sugar beans — with local partnerships driving adoption and impact.     “Our collaboration with local experts, farmers and industry bodies ensures that lessons learned benefit more crops and more communities,” says Van Reenen.

A Track Record of Trusted Support

This legacy of innovation is matched by a commitment to partnership and support.

Industry expert Dr. Philip Myburgh highlights Netafim’s role in the South African wine grape sector: “When Netafim opened locally in 1992, drip irrigation was already gaining traction. Netafim’s unique technical and agronomic support accelerated its adoption, helping producers implement best practices.”

Stories like those of Limpopo irrigation designer and farmer Francois Fourie — who collaborated with Netafim to adapt drip irrigation for maize and sugar beans — further illustrate the company’s integral role in practical agricultural progress.

Another standout is Netafim’s long-term relationship with Zimbabwean biofuel producer GreenFuel, which has around 6,000 hectares under Netafim’s subsurface drip systems, with plans for further expansion.

“GreenFuel benefits enormously from Netafim’s professional approach to design, installation, and ongoing support,” says Colin Crick, Agricultural General Manager at GreenFuel.

Built on Quality and Trust

Willem Smit, National Sales Manager for Netafim South Africa, attributes the company’s success to its uncompromising quality and the trust it has built over six decades. “Every one of us at Netafim takes pride in being part of this legacy — and we know it’s our responsibility to carry it forward through the quality of our work every day.”

Shaping a Sustainable Future

As the company looks ahead, its mission remains clear: fighting food, water, and land scarcity by helping the world grow more with less.

“Precision irrigation is not just a tool — it’s a key solution to global food security,” says Esmeraldo. “Consumers, regulators, and markets increasingly demand sustainable practices. The greatest opportunity for growth lies not in accessing more resources, but in using what we have more efficiently. Africa’s food security depends on doing more with existing farmland, not expanding it.”

Gerdie de Lange, Marketing Manager for Netafim Southern & East Africa, sums it up: “From solving desert water challenges to leading global precision irrigation, Netafim’s legacy is built on innovation, partnership, and purpose. We are ready to lead the next 60 years, driving sustainable agriculture, empowering farmers, and helping the world grow more with less.”

Netafim — Advancing Life, One Drop at a Time.