Rural resilience: Women in farming project triumphs
Nkosinathi Mahlangu, head of the youth employment portfolio at Momentum Metropolitan, shared his insights into the impactful Women in Farming initiative during an interview on Farmer’s Inside Track.
This programme, backed by Agri Enterprises, was designed to empower 60 women farming business owners, focusing on capacity building, mentorship, and navigating challenging markets.
Mahlangu stressed its aim was not only to spur business growth but also to cultivate future job creators within local communities.
Reflecting on the project’s progress since the last interview with Food For Mzansi, he highlighted notable achievements.
“We’ve witnessed remarkable growth among these resilient entrepreneurs,” he stated.
Leading by example
Farmers such as Minenhle Mbuyazi who is affectionately known as “Spinach” on social media, stood out. She has successfully managed to craft a strong brand identity for herself, making her an attractive prospect for seed-producing firms. This recognition has led seed companies to approach her, seeking her expertise to conduct trials on various crop variants of maize and sugarcane. She has been invited to farmers’ days where she not only exhibits her produce but is a guest speaker as well.
Nontokozo Mdletshe’s recognition as an emerging entrepreneur at the 2023 Sebenza Women Awards further showcased the initiative’s impact.
Yet, challenges, including environmental adversities like floods and droughts, tested these farmers’ resolve. Mahlangu praised their unwavering determination to overcome such hurdles. “Their resilience and problem-solving attitude in the face of adversity have been commendable,” he emphasised.
Discussing the recent avian influenza outbreak and its impact on poultry farmers within the initiative, Mahlangu mentioned strategic decisions taken in collaboration with affected farmers. “We’ve focused on safeguarding existing stock and fortifying poultry housing against such outbreaks,” he explained.
Enhancing market access
Looking ahead to 2024, Mahlangu outlined ambitions, stressing the pursuit of enhanced market access. “Our priority remains improving market access for these businesses,” he asserted. He also highlighted diversification efforts, aiming to explore additional income streams like facilitating workshops within local communities.
Mahlangu commended the participants for their resilience. “These women have shown incredible strength,” he remarked. He urged support for these women-owned enterprises, especially during the upcoming festive season, encouraging the public to buy fresh produce from these businesses to bolster their growth.
The interview showcased Momentum Metropolitan and Agri Enterprises’ collaborative spirit with local farming communities. Their commitment to uplifting women entrepreneurs in farming resonates as a beacon of empowerment, echoing beyond individual success stories and into the heart of South African communities.
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