Unemployment was the greatest motivation for the 29-year-old Bongiwe Mchunu from Eshowe in KwaZulu-Natal to start doing what she had loved all her life – working the land.
Even though she studied agricultural science in high school, Mchunu is an electrical engineering graduate from the Coastal KZN TVET College in Durban. She had planned to work in the engineering sector for few years before she would start farming.
“I didn’t have any luck getting a job, so being unemployed pushed me to just start with the little that I have. I farm with butternut, sugar beans and oyster mushrooms on five hectares of land in Eshowe,” she says.
Mchunu explains that although she has 15 hectares of land, she is currently not using all of it because of a lack of machinery and finances.
She started farming on five hectares early last year after seeing the need to supply her community with fresh produce. However, Mchunu was hit by theft on her farm when 1 000 metres of fence was stolen, which led to cattle damaging her crops.
“It was a devastating experience, especially for a start-up like myself. Spending money on fixing fences other than buying seedlings and seeds was a step backwards, but I could not just give up,” she says.
Rising through tough times
Shortage of mechanisation in her village and surrounding areas was a challenge she was faced with, she adds. It is costly to hire a tractor for R8 000 for a day for a few hours for transportation and working on the farm.
“As a small-scale farmer, I am not in a position financially to buy my own tractor. I am still dependent on the government tractor, or I hire one.”
Despite these challenges, she managed to secure a massive client – Durban fresh produce market. “I would say this is my greatest achievement, as we all know that it is the most challenging part for us small-scale farmers.
“In the next three years we are focusing on maximising volumes, so that we can be able to supply other provinces and neighbouring countries. We are dreaming big and fear nothing as we believe we will conquer it all,” she says determined.
Power of social media
The power of social media has also secured more clients for her, and Mchunu believes that could be a great tool for many young farmers to use as it can reach far-flung areas they are unable to reach in person.
“What helped me most was marketing my business on social media and with that I have gathered new clients from the general public.”
Mchunu says as a young female farmer in a rural area, equipment is one of the most critical aspects, and she urges government to invest in it for the youth, because it is important to have a smooth operation.
The government and private sector have a critical role to play in ensuring that small-scale farmers end up being commercial for food security in the country, she adds.
Be ready to face challenges
“To those who want to start working the land my advice is, there will never be a right time to start, so just start with what you have.
“Funding you will get on the way when you have started, and importantly, do not be discouraged by the challenges you face, all farmers go through that,” she advises.
Mchunu says farming is a business that requires knowledge, information sharing and being mentored. She calls on young farmers to reach out to other farmers who have gone through their journey before.
“What is really important and that could make you stand out from other farmers is to make sure you produce quality over quantity products,” she says.
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