Small scale farming fights unemployment
LEEUWFONTEIN – Two lads in Leeuwfontein Township outside Marble Hall are refusing to join the band wagon of lack of employment and take advantage of the little spaces they have to make a living and better their lives.
The two small scale farmers in different parts of Leeuwfontein Township, Moses Mashilwane and Kabelo Phaahla say their passion for agriculture led them start their farming projects they run from their backyards.
According to the duo, tough economic times and unemployment the youth of the country suffers, further raised their commitment to the farming projects.
Despite lack of access to water in Sekhukhune district and enough land for their farming activities, the duo encourages other young people to also explore the agricultural opportunities around them and better themselves.
“It is about time we stand up as the youth of the country and not only look at government for everything. We need to start doing things by ourselves and determine our own future. First of all people must use their passion to their advantage for their personal development,” said the two.
The small scale farmers sell fresh quality produce from their homes and the other one, Kabelo also has Lohmnann Brown layer chickens that produce eggs that he also sells in 30s and 60s. They both grow vegetables such as Spinach Mastard Broadleaf and Beetroot.
“We sell the produce to the community and businesses around Leeuwfontein area as well as neigbouring villages,” said Kabelo and Moses.
They say the businesses have made a difference in their lives because they were doing something that they love and in return, make an income.
The farmers mentioned adequate water supply and proper equipment and more land as well as structures and mentorship from commercial farmers as the help they needed.
“One of the biggest challenges that I am currently facing is lack of water because everything that I am doing requires water,” said Kabelo.
The two plan to expand their projects to be able to produce more on fresh vegetables and eggs on a commercial scale and supply big retail stores on a daily basis and create job opportunities for the youth within the area.
Moses advised the youth that in the current tough economic times they should never stop trying and not be afraid to start that small hustle.
Moses can be contacted on 063 213 6983/079 642 2929 and Kabelo on 078 082 4455.
