When Refilwe Mothudi’s grandmother was diagnosed with lupus, they had to choose between expensive store-bought produce or another option. Mothudi opted to cultivate their own fresh produce in their backyard in Kimberley in the Northern Cape.
They grow spinach, carrots, and cabbage in their small garden, and Mothudi is inspiring others in her community to prioritise their health, demonstrating the power of proactive choices in leading a fulfilling life.
In 2021, Mothudi’s grandmother was advised by doctors to switch to an organic diet to help manage her lupus. Not being able to afford their grandmother’s new dietary needs, the family began growing their own organic produce at home.
“I set up my garden alongside the fence at home, where it is visible to everyone passing by on my street. Soon, the community started asking if we could sell some to them.”
That’s how Lesedi Laka Organic Produce started.
Meeting the growing demand
Today, they sell their produce to community members in Agisanang, Kimberley with the hope of supplying supermarkets soon.
For that to happen, Mothudi needs to expand her production significantly. With a growing demand for their crops, she says they will soon have to access a larger piece of land.
In August 2022, the Sol Plaatjie Municipality in Roodepan granted her a 50 x 50-metre plot. The plot is not operational yet but Mothudi has been diligently working on its development for crop production.
“My current plot isn’t big enough to supply both street vendors and supermarkets. I’ll only begin supplying once the municipal plot is finalised and operational,” she shares.
Over the past two years, slowly but surely Mothudi has been working on the plot, transforming the site and implementing fencing, earthworks, and water connections.
Despite her limited farming background, she attends workshops and farming events to obtain knowledge from experienced farmers.
Furthermore, she makes an effort to understand the basics of farm management.
“I am excited to have been accepted by a farming academy. There is a lot to learn, especially for a self-taught farmer like me with no experience.”
Mothudi has enrolled in the online programme called “Amanzi for Food” at Rhodes University. She explains that the programme focuses on equipping food growers with rainwater harvesting and conservation practices.
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Growing with water scarcity
According to Mothudi, they have begun creating practical demonstration sites to showcase rainwater harvesting in their food gardens.
“We’re now focusing more on setting up demonstration sites where we can show how to collect rainwater in our gardens.”
She says that it took her 21 months to get her expansion project up and running. “I got to learn the do’s and don’ts only by getting it wrong the first time.”
Mothudi advises those considering starting a similar venture to be mentally prepared for financial challenges, as it can take a year or more to start making a profit.
She also notes the importance of starting small, like she did. On a small scale, she can still afford to make mistakes without facing significant losses.
Regarding the future of Lesedi Laka, Mothudi expresses optimism but acknowledges challenges due to water scarcity in Kimberley. She mentions the demand for herbs and other niche crops but regrets not being able to expand due to the lack of water.
However, she highlights that through the Amanzi for Food programme, she is learning various water harvesting techniques and strategies to cope with daily water shortages like load shedding.
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