Roost & Roots by RegenZ: Sparking a revolution in rural farming
We believe in empowering smallholder farmers and rural communities with tools that give them the best chance of growing a successful crop and creating a sustainable business. Enter the Roost & Roots concept—a groundbreaking system designed to integrate poultry and vegetable farming into a single, efficient unit. This innovation is ideal for smallholder farmers or anyone with a patch of land who dreams of raising chickens and growing their own vegetables.
Justin Platt, Managing Director of RegenZ, explains: “A good seedling is the foundation of a farmer’s success. By combining seedling production with poultry farming, we’re addressing two vital needs for food security: protein and fresh vegetables.”
The concept: seedlings on top, chickens below
The Roost & Roots unit is a compact, 2×2-meter structure designed with dual functionality:
- Seedling nursery: The upper section supports up to 2,400 seedlings, providing the perfect environment to grow strong, healthy plants
- Chicken coop: The space below houses up to 50 chicks, complete with warming lamps, ventilation, and canvas curtains for temperature control.
With the shade and warmth created by the seedlings above, the chickens enjoy a comfortable, insulated environment. Meanwhile, chicken manure can be repurposed as fertiliser for the seedlings, creating a circular system that minimises waste.
5 benefits of the Roost & Roots system
1. Food security
The unit allows farmers to produce vital food sources—protein from chickens and vegetables from seedlings—without relying on expensive external nurseries or large-scale chicken farms.
2. Affordable and scalable
With a flat-pack design, the unit weighs just 80kg and can be transported easily by two people. It’s small enough to fit on a bakkie and can be set up on-site, making it accessible to even the most remote communities.
3. Efficient production cycles
Seedlings and chickens follow similar 6-week cycles, allowing for up to six production cycles annually. This ensures year-round productivity and income opportunities.
4. Adaptable to any climate
Equipped with irrigation systems, heating lamps, and adjustable curtains, the unit can thrive in diverse South African climates. Positioning it on well-drained land ensures optimal results.
5. Low carbon footprint
By localising seedling production and reducing transportation needs, the Roost & Roots unit helps farmers lower their environmental impact. One cycle can yield 100kg of chicken and up to 5,000kg of cabbage, all grown and consumed within the community.
You may also be interested in: 5 Benefits of Regenerative Agriculture for Smallholder Farmers
Future opportunities
Early adopters have already seen the potential of the Roost & Roots concept, with interest from rural schools, children’s homes, and companies eager to donate units as meaningful, tax-efficient benefits.
RegenZ has big plans for this innovation. A prototype unit is being donated to the Kenosis foster home community near Pietermaritzburg, and another is thriving in Sweetwaters near Pietermaritzburg. With feedback guiding continuous improvements, the commercial unit is set to launch by April, with a goal of distributing 100 units by the end of 2025.
Justin Platt sums it up: “Roost & Roots is about more than growing food. It’s about growing opportunities, independence, and hope for communities across South Africa. RegenZ is perfectly positioned to ensure that the transplanted seedlings will get the technical backup and nutrition inputs to maximise success and value.”
Register your interest
Whether you’re a smallholder farmer, a rural educator, or a corporate sponsor looking to make a meaningful impact, the Roost & Roots unit offers multiple sustainable benefits. Contact us today to learn more and stay updated.