South Africa’s farmers aren’t yet replacing chemical fertilisers with sustainable alternatives – this is why

TUT’s Faculty of Science proudly celebrates a significant academic milestone and first for the Faculty: the publication of Dr Mokgadi Hlongwane’s article in The Conversation Africa.

Dr Mokgadi Hlongwane First published in The Conversation on 10 April 2026

Titled “South Africa’s farmers aren’t yet replacing chemical fertilisers with sustainable alternatives – this is why”, Dr Mokgadi Hlongwane from the Tshwane University of Technology’s Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science’s article explores a critical issue facing the country’s agricultural sector. It highlights the continued reliance of small-scale farmers on chemical fertilisers, despite growing awareness of their environmental and long-term soil impacts.

Drawing on her research, Dr Hlongwane examines the barriers to adopting sustainable alternatives such as biological fertilisers. These include limited access, lack of awareness, and the practical realities faced by rural farming communities. The article also explains how natural solutions—such as rhizobia-based fertilisers—can improve soil health, enhance crop growth, and offer more sustainable, long-term agricultural outcomes.