Women in agriculture call for inclusive policies, targeted support

As South Africa prepares for its upcoming elections, leaders in the agriculture sector voice their expectations and hopes for the future. Lesego Serolong Holzapfel, founder of Moedi Wines, along with Shandini Naidoo, founder of AvoPort, and Dr Gabbey Gostina Malope, chief executive officer of Toutele Agriculture College South Africa, are calling on the new government to prioritise targeted support for the agriculture industry.

Their vision includes enhancing productivity, promoting sustainability, and ensuring inclusivity, particularly for women in agribusiness.

Foster private-public partnerships

According to Naidoo, the elections will express hope for continued democratic processes and a smooth transition. “As proud South Africans, we expect to continue our democracy with faith in a free and fair election process,” Naidoo said.

She emphasised the need for stronger leadership and targeted strategies to address the challenges in the agriculture sector. “We need more targeted, cross-sector collaboration to achieve development and growth.”

Naidoo said she expects the new administration to effectively implement agricultural policies and foster private-public partnerships (PPPs).

“The PPPs are essential for the development of farmers and agricultural infrastructure across South Africa. Focusing on market access must not overshadow the need to build a solid, enabling foundation for agricultural stakeholders,” Naidoo said.

Meanwhile, Holzapfel stressed the need for improved productivity and sustainability in primary agriculture through modern technology, financial assistance, and comprehensive training programmes.

“The agriculture sector’s backbone is productivity and sustainability. Providing farmers with access to advanced technology, financial aid, and extensive training will ensure we meet these goals.

Investments in agro-processing infrastructure are crucial for adding value to raw agricultural products, Holzapfel explained. “Incentivising businesses to develop market-ready goods will not only boost our exports but also create jobs and stimulate local economies,” she said.

Improve diversity and market access

Holzapfel highlighted the importance of negotiating favourable trade agreements and reducing tariffs to improve international market access.

“We need streamlined regulations to ensure our products meet global standards. This will make South African goods more competitive on the world stage,” she remarked.

To foster greater diversity and inclusion, Holzapfel advocates for programmes that provide export financing, mentorship, and inclusion in trade missions specifically for black women in the wine industry. “Empowering black women in the wine sector is vital for promoting diversity. These programmes will help us achieve that,” she emphasised.

By focusing on these areas, Holzapfel believes the new government can drive sustainable growth, increase exports, and foster greater inclusivity within the agricultural sector.

‘Policies should empower women’

Meanwhile, Malope provided insights on measures the new government should take to empower women in agriculture. “Ensuring equal access to land, credit, inputs, and technology for female farmers is crucial. Policies that promote land ownership and secure land rights for women are needed,” Malope stated.

She called for training and capacity-building programmes tailored to women in agriculture. “Enhancing women’s skills in modern farming practices, agribusiness management, and financial literacy is essential.

“Enacting policies that promote gender equality in agriculture, including laws that protect women’s rights and ensure fair wages and working conditions, is necessary,” Malope emphasised.

She added that it is essential to recognise women’s contributions in decision-making bodies related to agriculture.

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