From key areas in agriculture that open doors for women to sustainable farming practices and leadership roles in agribusiness, this year’s edition of Farming in Heels provided an opportunity for women in agriculture to discover, network, and learn from experts who are driving change in the field of agriculture.
The one-day event hosted by farmer and television presenter Kamohelo Bombe, is aimed at creating an empowerment platform for South African women in agriculture. The event recently took place in a beautiful venue in Midrand, Gauteng and was hosted in partnership with Nestlé Needs Youth.
In an interview with Food For Mzansi, Bombe shares why she organised the event. “Agriculture is such a lonely journey so when I started farming in 2013, it was so hard for me to get information, hence I gave birth to Farming in Heels just to highlight the spaces that exist and ways to access them.”
Bombe said the event focused on key areas in agriculture that will empower and enable women to participate in the agricultural economic value. “We discuss literally everything, access to land, funding, market, climate change and agri-tech just to name a few,” she said. Photo: Supplied/Farming In Heels
The event celebrated the achievements of women in agriculture. It brought women in agriculture closer to stakeholders; from financial institutions to the Joburg Fresh Produce Market market and Nestlè. Next year they plan to host Farming In Heels Awards. Photo: Supplied/ Farming In Heels
According to pig and game farmer Nomathemba Langa the collaboration with Nestlé acts as an indicator that commercial companies are willing to assist small-scale farmers. “Women and youth in agriculture have the capacity to empower each other if they still focus on the goal at hand. Business is not about building a self-brand but it’s about making a profit. So as small-scale farmers, we need to work together.” Photo: Supplied/Farming In Heels
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