The participation of women in agriculture and breaking barriers to success came under scrutiny during this week’s Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba. Women called for the playground to be levelled so that they, too, could partake in the sector, grow the economy, and become job creators.
Women on the panel at the indaba shared their journeys leading successful agribusinesses, driving innovation, and breaking barriers in an industry once a man’s domain.
Experts and farmers said that while opportunities for women to work the land have increased, actively participating in the commercial space is becoming harder by the day, leading to not growing beyond the infant stages.
Building strong partnerships
Nkosinathi Mahlangu, employment portfolio head at Momentum Metropolitan, said it is vital to have a successful agribusiness, especially for women, as they help scale businesses, access markets, and manage operations.
“To see the change from a backyard farmer who once sold produce from a wheelbarrow on the street to someone now securing contracts with local retailers, that’s the kind of growth we’ve witnessed and continue to support,” he said.
As a financial service provider, Mahlangu spoke about how crucial financial education is. He also pointed out that without strong partnerships, it’s tough for women to truly thrive in agribusiness. “These partnerships are what allow them to grow, manage their businesses, and pick up new skills as they go,” he said.
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Wendy Papo, the database and communications manager at Quote This Woman+, urged women to keep their heads high in the world of challenges.
“Everywhere, show up, and promote your business. That way, people will see you and recognise what you do. Share your harvest and profit margins; not as boasting, but as proof that farming is a serious business,” she advised.
Breaking new ground
She pointed out that when farmers seek publicity in the media, they should be aware that it is not only about sharing their journey but also about showing off the business they operate. She added that you can talk about overcoming challenges like drought and climate change.
Sophy Musabeni, a crop farmer operating in Gauteng and Limpopo, shared the ongoing challenges of gender bias in the farming industry. She recounted instances where, despite her leadership role, male colleagues were reluctant to take instructions from her simply because she was a woman.
“I realised that it’s difficult for men to accept instructions from a woman,” she said.
Musabeni emphasised exploring avenues such as agro-processing to add value to the produce, ensuring it doesn’t go to waste. This approach, she notes, serves as a contingency plan, especially in the face of unpredictable climatic conditions.
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