Despite the many challenges farmers face, Nyiko Maluleke, CEO of the Buhle Farmers’ Academy, says he is heartened by the rise of technology, which is playing an increasing role in commercial and smallholder farming.
A nation that is food secure is peaceful. Farmers are the force behind this peace.
Farmers produce food that all people need to survive, irrespective of their circumstances. This function in society gives us an intrinsic power that cannot be taken away.
Certainly, they are experiencing powerlessness not only due to poor governance in South Africa but also in ways particular to our sector.
Smallholders frequently experience livestock theft, and the Buhle Farmers’ Academy has been affected so badly that we are no longer planting crops such as white maize, which are frequently stolen.
Yet, producers are finding ways to work around all of these problems to continue producing the food we and our neighbours need. We always find the power to overcome.
At our training academy, we continually adapt our programmes to provide our farmers with knowledge of the variety of methods they might need to overcome challenges. We also learn from our farmers, who use their own creativity, local knowledge, and capacity to innovate so that they can continue producing.
Shifting the focus
We are heartened by the rise of technology, which is playing an increasing role in commercial and smallholder farming. This enables new farmers to work smarter, rather than harder, to succeed. Many who cannot access formal training use the internet to research farming methods and innovations, and are sharing solutions on social media.
Both commercial and smallholder farmers use the internet to study their markets and price fluctuations, and many use apps dedicated to helping farmers. Therefore, they need internet access, which has become increasingly available and affordable in recent years.
On Buhle’s working farm, we explore and diversify new means of production to help fund our non-profit organisation. We now produce a wide variety of seedlings and hatch day-old chicks and for farmers and students alike.
The focus on food-secure communities starts in Delmas with producing eggs for learners, which we hope to expand beyond the district borders.
Our partnerships with funders such as Sasol, Sodexo, and Santam, enable us to provide a holistic package of support encompassing training, financial support, and mentorship to select groups of farmers. They are greatly empowered, and most now run stable and profitable agribusinesses.
Knowing their worth
If growers stop producing food, the consequences would be disastrous. Everyone, rich and poor, needs to eat every day, and hunger was the trigger that sparked countless wars in the past. Farmers do not lose sight of their goals and, crucially, know their worth.
We continually learn how to manoeuvre in difficult situations. Sitting down together gives us the opportunity to find a range of solutions and choose the best solutions for each business.
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