LIMA is a South African NGO that designs and implements rural development programmes, including agricultural support, youth & enterprise development, environmental restoration and community infrastructure.
About Us
We support the simultaneous development of people and livelihoods in resource-scarce contexts, particularly in rural areas. Through well-integrated, field-based
interventions, Lima leverages local economic development activities and the establishment of appropriate
institutions to help alleviate poverty and build human capacity.
What We Do
We design and implement development programmes that create sustainable livelihoods. Our services include:
- Programme design and feasibility studies
- Community facilitation and participatory planning
- Implementation of donor and government programmes
- Agricultural extension and farmer support
- Enterprise development and training
- Infrastructure construction and project management
- Early childhood development
Our Footprint
40,000+
Farmers supported
3,950
Infrastructural developments
101,550
Careers impacted
110,500
Youths empowered
Latest News
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Lima Rural Development Foundation
(opens in a new tab)A non-governmental and non-profit organisation.
What a fantastic Sunday! Our Lima ladies stepped out, got active and enjoyed a great day together at the SPAR KZN Women's 10/5km Race RaceIt was all about celebrating women, supporting one another and having fun along the way! Well done and thank you to everyone who came out to walk, cheer and support🌸
As we celebrate Women's Month, we spotlight Francina Modise from Mantserre, a woman who chose resilience over giving up.Francina started sewing in 2003. In 2017 she was part of a cooperative of 10 women. When the cooperative separated, she took her work home and continued alone from her sitting room. Over the years she expanded her skills and now specializes in couch covers and church wear. The challenges she faces working from home are: - Operational finance - Shortage of sewing machines - Record keeping Through Lima RDF and the Street Business School (SBS) Programme, funded by Tshikululu Social Investments and made possible by Valterra Platinum, Francina completed all 8 modules in business management and record keeping basics for street businesses. She says the training taught her that business needs patience, and that meeting other small businesses was one of the best parts of the journey. With additional financial literacy training from FNB, she now understands the importance of separating personal and business expenses. Her advice to other women: "Ageing is not a disability or a reason to give up. Stand up and continue to inspire young women to start their own small businesses. Start small and engage other organizations for assistance”. We celebrate you, Francina. Lead by example. Never give up. May your story inspire other women to start where they are.
For 37 years, Lima RDF has been committed to empowering women and creating opportunities for people and communities to build sustainable livelihoods.With Street Business School (SBS), Lima has reached nearly 7,000 entrepreneurs across six provinces through non-accredited enterprise development workshops, while 1,399 participants have completed accredited New Venture Creation training.Most importantly, at least 70% of the entrepreneurs supported through the programme are women. Through practical business training, mentorship and ongoing support, women are equipped with the skills, knowledge and confidence to build sustainable businesses, create employment, strengthen their families and contribute to stronger local economies.Because when a woman is given the opportunity to build, grow and succeed, the impact reaches far beyond her; it reaches her family, her community and the next generation.This Women’s Month, we celebrate the women who are creating opportunities, building businesses and shaping a stronger future.💜
Farmers, ideas and opportunities came together at Isithangami Sabalimi Nabafuyi!Lima RDF joined the City of uMhlathuze’s LED Office for this farmers’ event, bringing together small-scale farmers and agricultural stakeholders to connect, share challenges and explore opportunities for growth.As part of the Rio Tinto Farmer Support Programme, our Lima team showcased the support we provide to farmers across uMhlathuze, uMlalazi and uMfolozi, engaging with farmers throughout the day and sharing practical opportunities available to them.And it wasn’t just about conversations; we were there to celebrate farmers making a difference! Lima donated broiler feed to support high-performing farmers. Among those recognised were Dumisani Biyela and Sibusiso Cebekhulu from Cebekhulu Tribal Authority, who are part of the Lima Farmer Support programme. Both farmers received spinach seedlings and broiler feed in recognition of the impact they are making in their communities.Events like Isithangami Sabalimi Nabafuyi create valuable spaces for farmers to connect, access support and turn opportunities into action, strengthening livelihoods and contributing to food security across our communities.Rio Tinto Richards Bay Minerals - RBM
Proud to be part of this important initiative supporting mothers, children, and healthier communities!