“Our solutions as farmers are as close as we think they are far.” This simple but profound truth delivered AJ Mthembu, President of the African Farmers’ Association of South Africa (AFASA), at the AFASA Leadership and Strategic Partnership Conference held at the Agricultural Research Council’s Roodeplaat campus on 26 November, resonated with farmers.
By Maile Matsimela, Digital Editor at African Farming
Mthembu didn’t mince his words when addressing the challenges facing South African farmers today. From struggling to access markets to battling for finance, many farmers – especially smaller and emerging ones – find themselves stuck in cycles that seem impossible to break.
“The reality is that some farmers have cracked the code,” Mthembu explained, pointing to those already exporting and thriving in international markets. “Others are still fighting to get their foot in the door. But here’s the thing – the solutions aren’t far away, they’re right here among us.”
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Learning From Those Who’ve Made it
One of Mthembu’s strongest messages was about the importance of learning from farmers who have already succeeded. He shared examples of partnerships where commercial farmers mentor emerging ones, leading to remarkable transformations.
“We’ve seen small grain farmers increase their production dramatically just by working with experienced farmers who share their knowledge,” he said. “But this requires humility. You can’t pretend to know everything. Allow yourself to be taught.”
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This message strikes at the heart of South African agriculture, where pride and past injustices sometimes create barriers to collaboration. Mthembu’s call is for farmers to put aside their egos and focus on what works.
The Power of Working Together
Drawing inspiration from successful models like Grain SA, where emerging and commercial farmers collaborate effectively, Mthembu painted a picture of what South African agriculture could become.
“Look at the zebra,” he said. “Black and white stripes working together create something beautiful and strong. That’s what we need in farming – collaboration that brings out the best in everyone.”
The numbers support his vision. Mthembu pointed out that fresh produce markets have grown significantly, but the benefits aren’t reaching everyone equally. Large groups often make less money per unit whereas smaller, more focused operations can be more profitable. The key is helping more farmers access these opportunities.
AFASA: The Catalyst for Change
Mthembu described AFASA’s role with a simple but effective metaphor: “We’re like a teaspoon stirring the tea.” Just as a teaspoon helps mix ingredients to create a better cup of tea, AFASA aims to bring together farmers with different strengths and challenges.
“We connect those who have resources – whether it’s market access, financing or expertise – with those who need them,” he explained. “It’s not about taking over, it’s about creating partnerships that benefit everyone.”
Also read:
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‘We cannot transform alone’: Aligning finance, skills and animal health for SA’s agricultural future
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