Kobela Mokgohloa of Korema Farms voices his opinion about misplaced agricultural investment priorities.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
In a passionate video message, experienced farmer Kobela Mokgohloa of Korema Farms has raised critical concerns about current agricultural funding approaches, calling for a fundamental shift in how blended-finance programmes support South African agriculture.
Kobela argues that current funding initiatives, including those from the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and the Department of Agriculture, are prioritising the wrong end of the agricultural value chain. The heavy lifting in agriculture is primary production, he emphasises, yet most funding is directed toward agro-processing facilities and machinery rather than supporting farmers at the production level.
Also read: How to access Land Bank’s farmer support programmes
The Dependency Problem
Kobela warns that this approach creates a dangerous dependency cycle. When investors focus solely on processing infrastructure, they remain reliant on primary producers for raw materials. Without strong primary production, these processing investments won’t guarantee good outputs or returns, Kobela explains.
A Call for Policy Change
Kobela’s message is directed at advisors and policymakers, urging them to reconsider funding strategies. He expresses concern that the current approach could lead to loan defaults and disappointing outcomes, particularly noting that many black farmers aren’t receiving adequate support for the fundamental work of primary production.
Also read: From pilot to award-winning cucumber farmer – Kobela Mokgohloa’s journey
The Solution: Invest in the Foundation
The Korema Farms owner’s recommendation is clear: Redirect agricultural support and funding toward primary production – the foundation upon which all other agricultural activities depend. Only by strengthening this base, he argues, can the sector achieve sustainable growth and success.
Also read: R100 million fund to boost transformation in Gauteng’s agro-processing sector
