Establishing eight agricultural entrepreneurs

As the chairs were moved into a meeting room and a table prepared with delicacies rarely enjoyed on this farm where harsh weather conditions often dictate the fortunes of this group, the men spoke among themselves about the “old days”. Seven years ago, when they were still seasonal workers whose income fluctuated and many of the families living on the farm, went to bed hungry. They ruminated about the way in which the project, offering training, practical application, mentoring and the necessary equipment, had kick-started and sustained their entrepreneurial dreams.

The good-natured chuckle from Sagaria, the natural leader of the group, could often be heard while the men were working in their usual companionable way. His contagious happiness is founded in the success of the project that facilitated his development into a successful farmer and entrepreneur.

Long-term mentorship support

Dr Geldenhuys is the local government veterinarian who mentors the farmers with the blessing of the provincial authorities. The provincial authorities allow him time and space to be involved in this sustainable income-generating project for small-scale farmers which aims to become a model that could easily be customised and replicated in other areas across the country.

Mentorship enabled Sagaria and the other seven beneficiaries to grow beyond their own belief. Today the income from Sagaria’s successful piggery is supplemented by a successful spaza shop, daily selling more than a hundred litres of milk and some of the farm’s produce.

Agricultural and business skills

The guests, shaken from a drive on a real farm road, were warmly welcomed on arrival. Prof Leon Prozesky, the project leader, gave a brief presentation on the development plan, combining business and agricultural skills, and elaborated on the successes of the project that sustains 21 families. He also highlighted the academic service learning aspect of the project and explained how Veterinary students visited the farm at regular intervals to assist with the examining of livestock and to advise the farmers on the improvement of the animals’ conditions.

The donors then interacted with the farmers and were encouraged to ask questions and verify the true nature of the project, as experienced by its beneficiaries. Afterwards Dr. Geldenhuys accompanied the group to view the earthworm-fertilizer project. They trudged through the uneven prickly pear field, admired a huge pumpkin proudly displayed by one of the participants, and greeted the fine herd of cows waiting patiently to stare at the visitors suspiciously. After everybody enjoyed the refreshments, the meeting was concluded with a vote of thanks from Angie Phaliso from Rand Water Foundation and a renewed pledge of support from both donors. The farmers were delighted and the visit was considered a great success!