Mutual & Federal partners with emerging African farmers association

In line with its strategy of developing new markets, Mutual & Federal, a member of the Old Mutual Group, has entered into a partnership with the newly formed African Farmers Association of South Africa (AFASA).

While primarily a business relationship, the insurer will also become involved in initiatives to help emerging farmers as they work towards commercialising their enterprises.

Mutual & Federal took part in the conference to launch AFASA, which took place from April 11 – 12 in Boksburg, Johannesburg.

Addressing delegates at the event, Vusi Ndlovu, general manager: New Markets for Mutual & Federal, said that Mutual & Federal is determined to support emerging farmers, both from a developmental point of view and by providing risk management solutions to ensure sustainable farming operations.

“Mutual & Federal is committed to supporting initiatives aimed at improving the lives of emerging farmers,” he said.

“As the leading agri insurer in the country it is fitting that we were represented at the AFASA launch, an important event which exposed us to an extremely significant market,” says Ndlovu

“This is a market in which we have the opportunity to make a real difference in line with government’s rural development initiative, which is one of their key priority areas. We do provide the necessary support, financial advice and products to enable them to participate actively in the mainstream economy.”

The company is currently forging relationships with a number of affinity groups, the members of which represent potential markets for its emerging market offerings.

“At Mutual & Federal we are passionate about customers, and we are determined to push beyond boundaries to deliver exceptional service to them.” says Ndlovu. “When farmers deal with Mutual & Federal, we want to give them a total experience that will make them want to stay with us.”

Mutual & Federal also views the relationship from a social development point of view, and will help the sector via initiatives that will support emerging farmers as they work towards becoming commercial farmers.

“We will focus on programmes that look at education, and ways of encouraging youngsters to embark on a career in agriculture,” says Ndlovu

Mutual & Federal is one of the leading short-term insurers in Southern Africa.