Pabalelo Mere is a self-taught farmer who is passionate about growing indigenous crops like moringa and native pumpkins. Every action or strategy Mere implements on the farm aligns with his commitment to environmental stewardship, ensuring that while nourishing his community, he leaves a positive impact on the planet.
“I’m trying to make people aware of the indigenous food our people used to eat, the importance of it, and the nutritional value it adds. It is very environmentally friendly and germinates in a variety of soil types,” he tells Food For Mzansi.
Mere is the founder of Badimo Ba Temotuho Pty Ltd, a mixed farming enterprise based in Mahikeng, North West, known for its hot summers and mild winters.
Inspired by great farmers
“I am a self-taught farmer who has loved farming from a very young age. Having my uncle, also a farmer, as my role model, cemented the belief in mixed farming for me.
“I was also inspired by the legendary Inkosi Muthimkhulu’s ability to manage large herds. Inkosi Muthimkhulu was the only one in the area who had a huge number of livestock and was very wealthy, so I was motivated,” Mere says.
Badimo Ba Temotuho was started informally in 2018 without any third-party funding. It was only in 2022 that Mere officially registered his enterprise.
“As of now, my business has been officially operational for two years, consistently adhering to all necessary regulations within the farming sector. I engage in farming activities across 30 hectares of land, which is part of my family’s communal property.
“My business is different because it produces organic native vegetables and herbs, which balance the most important aspect of living holistically. I have a deworming, hoove trimmer, and spraying machine. All this is good for the health of my farming practices.”
He farms cabbage, spinach, pumpkin, chilies, parsley, tomatoes, and mostly the native pumpkin. There is also the moringa powder, which he states holds numerous health benefits. “Overall, I am interested in healing and farming with more indigenous plants that also offer healing.
“I want to produce the same food that our forefathers used to eat, and it didn’t cause side effects as most of today’s food does react to our bodies. It’s important to bring back and teach people about [indigenous] food, which is very vital to our human system. I chose it healthwise because of the potential benefits they can have, as we should eat what benefits our bodies after all,” he says.
On-farm training
While Mere may not hold formal agricultural qualifications, his diverse experience and willingness to learn allow him to navigate the agricultural landscape with confidence.
“I do not have any qualifications in agriculture, but I engage with various farmers to reach my full potential, and that makes me confident in my farming.”
Mere was a local coordinator for three months at Ratlou Local Municipality under the African Farmers’ Association of South Africa (Afasa). He is also a member of Youth in Agriculture and Rural Development (Yard) North West.
“I have been attending small business management sessions at the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), and Kgora Mahikeng to enhance my level of skills and practices, including knowledge,” he says.
Overcoming devastating challenges
Mere has faced several challenges, including climate change and market access. In September 2023, a devastating veld fire dealt a significant blow to Mere’s business. Yet, he emerged stronger, vowing to implement crucial safeguards like insurance and fire barriers.
“I face challenges that we all broadly face as farmers, such as the unstable climate and little access to markets, and I’m unable to implement new ideas due to a lack of space. However, the worst I’ve faced was on 17 September 2023, when I experienced a veld fire and lost most of my goats that were bought by NYDA, and were 25 in total.
“It was very hard to lose so many goats at once. I can’t even put the emotions I experienced into words. I felt like all I’d worked hard for was swept away immediately. The first two weeks after the incident, I couldn’t sleep at all.
“Luckily, I didn’t lose all of them; I was left with only 10 goats. I borrowed a buck from a friend of mine as they are currently in mating season, so I’m hoping I will recover them eventually.”
Mere’s target market includes street vendors, local communities, and shops. Leveraging social media platforms, he promotes his business and aims to reach retail outlets.
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Cultivating hemp his next big venture
While strategising to advance his enterprise, he has explored the potential of cannabis cultivation as a lucrative avenue for economic growth and is seeking assistance to expand operations.
“I have a permit to plant hemp to produce for my livestock and others. I have not yet started farming with hemp, but I am a registered permit holder. People have been using hemp for various reasons and illnesses. It increases laxatives in milk. Hemp also contains vitamin E, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and iron – all part of a well-rounded, nutritious diet for animals and also a great source of protein.
“I believe hemp, including cannabis, is the green gold that can boost our economy, and I am looking for an intervention of grants to make this possible. Thus, I have requested assistance with the irrigation system, borehole, and fencing of 30 hectares of land,” Mere says.
When asked what his advice is to people who would love to open their own business one day, Mere’s adamant response is, “Patience is a virtue, and love what you do.”
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