Raising chickens, Mpumalanga farmer Kagiso Dibakoane was able to put bread on his family’s table as the sole breadwinner. Then, amid the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, a bird flu outbreak saw him losing 220 chickens in one shot.
This was a big blow. Dibakoane was just getting comfortable with a steady income from raising over 100 chickens per cycle.
“Losing my chickens was very hard,” he tells Food For Mzansi. “It was like losing my loved ones all over again. I was completely devasted and felt paralysed and, unfortunately, there was nothing I could do at that moment.”
While he will never forget this tragedy from June 2021, Dibakoane knew that he could not cry for too long. He had no other option but to rebuild his life and start afresh, and so began another hard journey which eventually paid off.
The 26-year-old farms in the Moloro village in Bushbuckridge, where he was born and raised as the oldest of two siblings. They were raised by their grandparents after losing their mother 15 years ago. Times were tough and poultry farming was the only way out.
With the help of his friends, Dibakoane started his chicken farming business in 2019. He used his savings to buy all the start-up equipment he needed.
“I started farming because I wanted to take care of my siblings. However, I fell in love with farming and I then developed a passion for it. I found out that I love keeping birds and that I am comfortable with farm life. It is rewarding to know that [my] produce [helps] to feed not just my family but also my community.”
Dibakoane started off with 500 chickens – a game-changer that not only gave his family a big financial boost, but also gave community members and local stores easy access to his chickens. He currently has two employees.
The side-hustle also gave him a chance to complete a certificate in public management from Mopani South East TVET College. Currently, he is studying towards a certificate in hospitality management at Ehlanzeni TVET College. The ultimate goal is to have an animal production degree.
Never lose hope, no matter what
The young mover and shaker admits that there were many challenges in his farming journey.
“I felt like quitting, but for me, farming is more than just a business. It is a calling. I think about the people whom I have employed, my family, and the community that I am helping through my business. I believe this has kept me going because I keep on telling myself that this is not just about me anymore. There are many people that depend on this business.”
Another big motivation to not lose hope is the loyal customer base that KG Mimschack Poultry Farm has started building up. “They motivate me in a way that makes me realise how important I am to them,” he says.
Money is often tight, making it difficult to grow. “I want to expand my business and stock on a larger scale and reach new markets. However, this is not easy because of financial difficulties. Sometimes I’m not even able to meet the demand.”
Access to markets remains this beginner farmer’s biggest challenge. And although he tries to help customers who struggle financially, offering credit has also given him a few headaches. Often, people pay late or don’t pay at all. However, despite these challenges, Dibakoane chooses to stay positive.
“Farming can be fulfilling but one needs to be passionate and consistent. Without a farmer, there will be no access to healthy food,” he says.
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TRAINING OPPORTUNITY: Are you ready to start broiler chicken farming? This workshop is for you.
