By Maile Matsimela
The agricultural sector has always been a cornerstone of economic development and food security in many regions. Recently, AFASA launched an innovative agricultural Women Incubation programme in the Lejweleputswa District Municipality in Welkom, Free State, to transform local farming practices and empower local women.
At the heart of this initiative is Mamothibedi Tieho, a qualified agronomist whose expertise and dedication are helping to reshape agricultural practices in the region.
Tieho brings impressive credentials to her role in the incubation programme. After completing her studies at the Ranzani Secondary School in Qwaqwa, she furthered her education by earning a degree from the Agricultural University in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. This comprehensive educational background has equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to guide participants through the programme’s curriculum.
“I see myself as a doctor for plants,” Tieho explained during a recent interview. Her responsibilities include creating learning materials and modules for the programme, as well as providing hands-on assistance to participants on their farms. This assistance covers critical areas such as plant disease management, pest control, soil health assessment and developing appropriate fertiliser schedules.
The agricultural incubation programme follows a well-structured three-year format designed to gradually build participants’ knowledge and practical skills. The first year focuses on theoretical knowledge, laying the foundation for understanding agricultural principles. The second year emphasises practical application, with participants working hands-on in their fields while receiving real-time support and guidance. The third year continues the practical work with increasing autonomy for participants.
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.
Tieho says the programme wasn’t created in a vacuum – it emerged as a direct response to pressing challenges within the community, primarily high unemployment rates and poverty. By equipping community members with agricultural knowledge and skills, the programme aims to create sustainable livelihoods and pathways to commercial farming.
“We want to see our participants not just farming for subsistence but gradually transitioning to commercial agriculture,” noted Tieho. This transition is critical for economic development in the region and can significantly improve standards of living for programme participants and their families.
The selection process for the programme reflects a commitment to inclusivity and community involvement. Local leaders, including chiefs and chieftains, play an essential role in identifying potential participants. The programme intentionally reaches out to diverse demographic groups, including older individuals, youth and women.
Notably, women constitute approximately 80-90% of the programme participants, highlighting the important role women play in agricultural production and food security in the region. This significant female participation also underscores the programme’s potential to contribute to gender empowerment and equality.
Like any agricultural initiative, the programme faces challenges – most significantly, unpredictable weather conditions that can affect crop production. In response, Tieho says the programme team is exploring innovative solutions, including the potential implementation of greenhouses. These controlled environments, she says, would allow for more consistent growing conditions regardless of external weather patterns.
As the agricultural incubation programme continues to evolve, its impact extends beyond individual participants to the broader community. By fostering a new generation of knowledgeable, skilled farmers, Tieho believes the programme will contribute to food security, economic development and poverty reduction.
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