History of Hope Farm

A Need and a Vision

Hope of Africa (HOA), founded by Heather Lytle, is a growing NGO working in South Africa and Uganda. For over 20 years, Heather has served in Mpumalanga, a region where youth face extreme unemployment—often up to 70%.

Even those with university degrees often struggle to find employment, forcing them to create small business initiatives or find creative ways to survive with only the most limited resources. It is common for these young people carry the burden of supporting large households. Many care for six or more dependents, yet lack the resources or capital to build a future.

The Farm Acquisition

In March 2024, HOA acquired two land parcels near Nelspruit, a university town 45 minutes from Malelane. Together, they span more than 32 hectares and include:

26.68 hectares of farmland with two homes, staff housing for eight, and a communication tower lease that generates steady monthly income.
6 hectares of residential property with an off-grid executive home and a guest bungalow leased through Airbnb, maintaining an impressive 91% occupancy rate. This parcel also includes space and materials for a warehouse build.

Both properties benefit from excellent mountain-fed water supply, making them ideal for farming and expansion.

A Farm with Purpose

Hope Farm was established to be far more than a piece of land — it is a place of opportunity, discipleship, and transformation. At its core, the farm provides:

Agricultural Training: Young people gain hands-on experience in organic farming, soil management, irrigation, and crop cultivation. HOA supplies seedlings and tools, empowering them to start their own gardens and feed their families.

Employment Opportunities: The farm offers steady work in agriculture and hospitality, creating much-needed jobs in a region with high unemployment. By learning skills in farming, animal husbandry, and guesthouse management, participants are equipped for long-term self-reliance.

Entrepreneurship and Income Generation: Beyond training, youth are mentored in selling produce at local markets and developing small business initiatives. This builds confidence, dignity, and the ability to support households sustainably.

Community Impact: The farm produces quality vegetables that nourish local communities, while also modeling stewardship, integrity, and teamwork. Income from Airbnb rentals and the communications tower supports ongoing operations, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Spiritual Growth: As part of Hope of Africa’s mission, the farm is also a place of discipleship—helping the next generation grow not just in skills, but also in faith and character.

With these combined efforts, Hope Farm is building a bridge out of poverty, giving youth the tools, knowledge, and hope they need to create lasting change for their families and communities.

Our Team

Hope Farm is led by dedicated managers Isabel and Bruce Harman, supported by a team of seven full-time field workers and one full-time staff member who cares for our guest accommodations (a cottage and home offered through Airbnb).

We also partner with students from the THOASA (The Hope of Africa South Africa) school, located an hour away. These young people volunteer their time in exchange for hands-on agricultural training, while we provide meals and transportation. They join us when extra help is needed, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. This integration ensures that education is not merely theoretical but directly linked to community development and economic empowerment.

Farm Managers

Isabel Harmon

Born and raised in South Africa, Isabel Harman is an accomplished professional with a strong background in game lodge management, economics, and horticulture. She holds a Diploma in Game Lodge Management & Economics from Wildlife Campus, along with certificates in landscaping, gardening & horticulture (Intec College), and backyard crop production (SA Herb Academy).

Fluent in English and Afrikaans, with additional skills in Swazi and Zulu, Isabel combines her technical training with practical expertise in homestead farming, aquaponics, and poultry incubation. Known for her integrity, resourcefulness, and ability to manage projects and staff under pressure, she is a dedicated leader whose skills and character are invaluable to Hope Farm’s mission.

Bruce Harmon

Isabel Harmon

Born and raised in South Africa, Bruce Harman is a seasoned agricultural professional with over 36 years of farming experience. He holds a Diploma in Crop Husbandry from Stanford Business College in Cape Town and studied at Weston Agricultural College in KwaZulu Natal. Skilled in soil management, irrigation, crop cultivation, and animal husbandry, Bruce combines practical expertise with strong leadership and mentoring abilities.

Fluent in English, Afrikaans, Siswati, and Zulu, he communicates effectively across diverse communities and is known for his integrity, patience, and hands-on approach. Bruce also brings modern administrative skills, including budgeting, planning, and computer proficiency, alongside a deep passion for organic farming and sustainable agricultural practices. His character, experience, and commitment to both people and the land make him a vital leader at Hope Farm.

Heather Lytle

Executive Director

Heather is the executive director and one of the co-founders of the Hope of Africa. Since 2003, she has worked throughout Africa partnering with several individuals and organizations in Africa. From 2006-2009, she lived in South Africa, and assisted with establishment of a boarding school for orphaned and vulnerable children. She also managed after-school programs in several village schools. She currently travels to Africa several times a year to assist with new projects and partners, recruit new staff, conduct camps, teach and minister with local teams. Heather has a passion for holistically mentoring young people to achieve their God-given dreams and talents. Heather is a Nurse Practitioner by profession but loves serving with Hope of Africa’s teams.

History of Hope Farm

A Need and a Vision

The Farm Acquisition

A Farm with Purpose

Our Team

Farm Managers

Isabel Harmon

Isabel Harmon

Isabel Harmon

Bruce Harmon

Isabel Harmon

Isabel Harmon

Heather Lytle

Executive Director

Graeme & Diana Higgs

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