Meet the women farmers ploughing their way in a male-dominated sector
Upskilling and empowering women in South Africa’s agricultural sector is crucial for driving economic growth.
Farming field tractor
Clement Manyathela is joined by farmers Brenda Mlilo from Roodeport and Rachelle Olera from Elandsfontein.
Listen below.
Despite facing numerous challenges such as limited access to land, financial resources, and support services, women farmers in South Africa continue to make significant contributions to food security and economic development.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation argues that if women had access to the same level of resources as men, agricultural productivity would increase by up to 30%, agricultural output in developing countries would rise by up to 4% and the number of impoverished people would be reduced by up to 17%.
But traditionally, agriculture has been male dominated in South Africa, with men controlling most of the land and decision-making processes.
Mlilo and Olera say this dynamic is gradually shifting.
"My father purchased a farm when I was in matric and said he wouldn't give us pocket money, we had to work and so we started chicken farming... My passion grew from there."
- Brenda Mlilo, Director - Mlilo Agricultural Projects
"It is a very male dominated industry and it's very hard for women to be taken seriously by men... It's not as easy as it would be for a male counterpart."
- Brenda Mlilo, Director - Mlilo Agricultural Projects
Mlilo says while things in the industry are changing, it is still a 'boys club'.
"It easier for someone to pass on information to a male because they probably think this person can understand them better or grasp what they are saying."
- Brenda Mlilo, Director - Mlilo Agricultural Projects
Rachelle Olera grew up on a farm and says agriculture is in her blood:
"I grew up on my family's farm so I've just always been in agriculture and just fell in love with it from the start."
- Rachelle Olera, Farmer
Olera agrees that working in a predominately male sector can be challenging.
She speaks about her previous role as a fertilizer rep and how she was treated.
"They would not listen to a word I say, or they would not buy from me because they would think, 'What would I know as a woman in this field?'"
- Rachelle Olera, Farmer
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