By Maphuti Mongatane
In a bold move to reshape the agricultural landscape of the Free State, the African Farmers Association of South Africa (AFASA) Free State Women is preparing to launch a transformative three-year Women’s Incubation Programme. The official launch will take place on 8 May 2025 at the Freddie Hall in Welkom.
This dynamic initiative is designed to empower women farmers by providing them with the skills, resources and market access needed to transition from subsistence to commercial agriculture. Focused on key commodities, such as red meat, grain, vegetables, poultry and agri-processing, the programme is tailored for both start-up and medium-scale female farmers.
Highlights of the programme include intensive agricultural training, business development support, access to collective funding initiatives, like stokvels, and assistance in developing compliant, fundable business plans. Participants will have the flexibility to exit the programme after year one or two, depending on their growth and business readiness.
Farmers will be selected across three categories – semi-established, aspiring and operational – ensuring a diverse and inclusive cohort of participants.
This programme is a game changer for AFASA women,” said Thandi Mohale, Chairperson of AFASA Free State Women. “By equipping women with the right tools and networks, we are creating a future where women thrive as leaders in agriculture.”
Strategic partnerships with institutions like the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), the Department of Agriculture, the Land Bank, SEDA and municipal structures will further bolster the success and impact of the programme.
African Farming applauds this forward-thinking initiative and looks forward to witnessing the powerful impact it will have in unlocking the potential of women farmers across the Free State.
For further information or to confirm attendance at the launch event, interested parties are encouraged to contact the AFASA Free State Commodities Office at 063 433 4078/065 642 8869 or email afasa.lejwe@gmail.com.
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