Food For Mzansi assistant editor Duncan Masiwa steps into the limelight as the host of a brand-new television show that promises to captivate audiences across Africa. Farming with Nature, a ground-breaking series dedicated to the world of conservation agriculture, is set to grace the screens of DStv and Openview.
Masiwa’s debut as a TV presenter promises to bring viewers closer to the heart of sustainable farming practices. The show – a production by Food For Mzansi in collaboration with SSK – airs from Monday, 18 September to Sunday, 1 October at 19:30 on People°s Weather, DStv channel 180 and Openview channel 115.
The journey from the newsroom to one in front of the cameras has been nothing short of exhilarating for Masiwa. When asked about it, he shared, “Being a TV presenter has always been a dream of mine. I never expected it to come true so early in my journalism career. I’m grateful for the opportunity and to everyone who supported me throughout the filming of the show.”
It does have its unique challenges, Masiwa added, “TV presenting requires a strong on-camera presence. You need to project confidence, maintain good posture, and use non-verbal communication effectively. I don’t have any TV training, but it’s as if my body knew exactly what to do when the cameras started rolling. It wasn’t all easy, but I had great support on and off set.”
A rewarding experience
Farming with nature is not just another television show; it’s a transformative journey that has deeply shaped Masiwa’s views and love for agriculture. He explains, “Having the opportunity to sit on the stoep of future-focused farmers has been a deeply rewarding experience. Suddenly, everything that I had read about conservation farming made sense.”
The show introduces viewers to remarkable farmers whose innovative and sustainable farming practices have not only changed their regions for the better but have become a beacon of hope for the future of agriculture. These stories highlight the importance of farming in harmony with nature and underscore how it is an essential component of the future of farming.
One moment on set that truly touched Masiwa was witnessing Johann Muller, a conservation farmer, reaching into his soil and pulling out healthy-looking earthworms.
“There was life in his soil. It’s as if the earth was talking to me, saying, ‘If you look after me, ‘’ll look after you,’” Masiwa recalls.
Conservation farming practices encourage greater biodiversity on farms, creating habitats for beneficial insects and wildlife, which, as demonstrated on Muller’s family farm, are fully justified.
For those who might not have a personal interest in agriculture, Masiwa makes a compelling case for tuning in.
“In this show, you’ll discover farmers who farm with integrity and take care of the earth. These farmers and their actions have far-reaching positive impacts on the environment, food quality, local economies, and the well-being of communities,” he says.
“It is important that consumers take an interest in agriculture to better understand where their food comes from, as it directly affects their well-being, the environment, and the future of food production.”
Farming with nature is poised to be a must-watch series for anyone curious about the future of farming, conservation agriculture, and the incredible individuals who are leading the charge towards a more sustainable and harmonious coexistence with the environment.
- Watch Farming with nature from Monday, 18 September to Sunday, 1 October at 19:30 on People°s Weather, DStv channel 180 and Openview channel 115. There is also a repeat broadcast at 21:00 on the same evening. For a comprehensive weekend catch-up, stay tuned for the omnibus edition airing on both Saturdays and Sundays.
