With Stats SA in October revealing that unemployment was at its highest level in 11 years, a programme like the SAB/Ab Inbev Africa Urban Agriculture programme which aims to help create jobs through youth owned farms, is to be welcomed. Last week saw the nine finalists in the Programme announced. We decided to look at the contenders.
Amanda Mpabanga
Mabogo Dinku Agricultural Co-operative Brits, North West
In 2018, Amanda Mpabanga became part of Mabogo Dinku Agricultural Cooperative, an urban farm where she grows vegetables such as spinach, beetroot, spring onions, and green beans. Amanda’s farm is 37.2 hectares, but 26.9 hectares of that is arable land.
Mabogo Dinku Agricultural Cooperative currently has six tunnels with a size of 250 square meters each. “We supply spinach and spring onion to FoodLovers in Greenstone and only spring onion to Pick n Pay in Brits.”
Amanda believes in Sustainable Development. “I have always been a vegetable gardener, but in a very limited space. I then decided to become a farmer to supply my family and others with fresh vegetables and make a living out of it as well.”
Amanda currently employs seven people and hopes to employ more as the business grows.
“I love the process of growing food from seed to consumable product. The science of seed sprouting, germinating and becoming a product to be consumed is what excites me about urban farming.”
“People believe that I am rich, which is one of the stereotypes about being a farmer. This is not the case, as the business has expenses to be paid on a regular basis.” Also, people think that being a farmer means wearing overalls and gumboots. “I often get people asking me “You a farmer?” when I introduce myself because I look different to what they think farmers are supposed to look like.”
Amanda is part of the 2019 SAB Urban Agriculture Programme, where she hopes to learn how to be consistent in supplying good quality produce and to build a strong rapport with her customers.
Now in its second year, the Urban Agriculture programme invests in high potential farming businesses, by integrating technology solutions that will grow the businesses and create lasting employment.
The 15-month business development programme provides participants with technical and operational training, hydroponic infrastructure investment, industry-based mentorship, as well as market access.
Lungi Robela
Robela Farm (Pty) Ltd, Magaliesburg, Gauteng
Lungi Robela started Robela Farm in 2009 and cultivates vegetables such as lettuce and broccoli in winter, and cucumbers, tomatoes, and sweet peppers in summer. Her farm is 17.123 hectares and has 32 greenhouse tunnels and an open field for farming throughout the year.
Some of Lungi’s staff each have five tunnels to take care of. “Staff with tunnels need to remove any weeds, side shoots, and make sure the water drippers are functional on a daily basis”. Those without any tunnels have other duties. “Spraying duties, water and fertiliser applications and weighing/counting the crates during the harvest period,”
Lungi’s family had a small farm and she enjoyed feeding the animals and planting seeds, but did not enjoy her corporate job in the hospitality industry. “I decided to try out the agricultural industry full time with the support of my mother and I have no regrets.” As much as Lungi adores planting seeds and seeing them grow into a fruit or vegetable, she is also responsible for the entire operation. “I like tackling challenges head on and making sure the business stays afloat.”
Lungi currently employs 13 permanent and six seasonal workers.
Being a farmer has led to Lungi dealing with receiving a few stereotypes such as: “People assume that farmers are uneducated or live in total exclusion from modern life.” Another misconception people have of Lungi is that she is always dirty, because farmers work with dirt.
Lungi is part of the 2019 SAB Urban Agriculture Programme, where she hopes to learn about the benefits and functionality of hydroponic systems, more about greenhouses, and would like to expand her knowledge about agriculture.
Now in its second year, the Urban Agriculture Programme invests in high potential farming businesses, by integrating technology solutions that will grow the businesses and create lasting employment.
The 15-month business development programme provides participants with technical and operational training, hydroponic infrastructure investment, industry-based mentorship, as well as market access.
Khutso Njenga
TechFarma (Pty) Ltd, Soshanguve, Pretoria
Khutso Njenga became part of TechFarma in 2018, where he produces cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes in greenhouse tunnels. His farm is 24 hectares in size.
Khutso cultivates his produce using the hydroponic system – a method used to grow vegetables in a water based, nutrient rich solution. “Each tunnel is 300 square meters and has approximately 700 plants.”
A daily task for Khutso is to check the water for pH levels and plants for insects. “We check our water daily to make sure that our electrical conductivity (EC) and pH (potential of Hydrogen) levels are correct.”
On Wednesdays, Khutso and his team harvest 3,750 cucumbers and delivers them to the Fresh Produce Market in Tshwane.
“I became a farmer to create jobs for others, and to make sure people have access to fresh, nutritious, and affordable vegetables. This is also what I love about farming as I get to wake up every day and know that I produced good food for others.”
Khutso currently employs four permanent and two part-time staff.
One stereotype Khutso has come across is that “people assume that farming or to be a farmer is easy”.
Khutso is part of the 2019 SAB Urban Agriculture Programme, and hopes to gain an understanding of how to access the corporate market.
Now in its second year, the Urban Agriculture Programme invests in high potential farming businesses, by integrating technology solutions that will grow the businesses and create lasting employment.
The 15-month business development programme provides participants with technical and operational training, hydroponic infrastructure investment, industry-based mentorship, as well as market access.
With thanks to SAB KickStart and Corporate Image for materials and photographs.
Urban agriculture is part of “The Urban Question” page on Agribook.Digital.
