By Lebogang Mashala, editor at African Farming
As Africa Month comes to an end, congratulations are in order for Mamelodi Sundowns for being crowned African champions following their CAF Champions League triumph against Morocco’s AS FAR this past weekend. The victory has secured their place at the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup as well as the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.
Congratulations must also go to the Buccaneers, Orlando Pirates, for lifting the Betway Premiership title. It was indeed a fitting way to close off Africa Month.
Also read: From our editor: Nampo – more than just a Harvest Day
Agriculture has always been part of our identity
As I reflected on Africa Month while busy with farming activities over the weekend, one thought remained with me: Agriculture has always been deeply woven into our culture and identity. Growing up in the villages, it was nearly impossible to separate life from farming. Many black parents and grandparents farmed while also balancing other responsibilities. Farming was not necessarily a full-time occupation; it was simply part of life.
Today, however, the narrative around agriculture has shifted. At workshops, conferences and farm discussions, there is often a strong emphasis on becoming a full-time farmer if one hopes to succeed. Part-time or weekend farming is frequently dismissed as unsustainable or lacking commitment.
But is that entirely true?
I do not believe so.
The reality facing aspiring farmers
For many successful farmers, part-time farming was the starting point. Very few people begin agriculture with all the resources, infrastructure and confidence they need. Many start while employed elsewhere, using their salaries to sustain their farming ambitions until the business becomes stable enough to stand on its own.
The reality is that not everyone can simply resign from a stable job to pursue farming full-time, especially those with families, children and financial obligations. Farming itself is a high-risk industry influenced by weather, markets, disease outbreaks and rising input costs. Asking someone to abandon their only reliable source of income before their farming enterprise is fully established can sometimes create more vulnerability than opportunity.
Also read: From our editor: When progress doesn’t reach the farmer
Funding models must support gradual growth
This is why recent remarks by Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen during a panel discussion at Nampo resonated strongly with me. Speaking about access to finance for emerging farmers, he highlighted how support systems often force farmers to leave their jobs in order to qualify for assistance or funding.
He used a phrase that perfectly captures the dilemma: “You are cutting his legs and expecting him to move.”
That statement speaks directly to one of the long-standing challenges within agricultural development and, in many instances, failed land reform projects. Many beneficiaries were expected to become full-time farmers overnight, without the financial cushioning necessary to survive the difficult early years of farming.
Instead of forcing people to quit their jobs, we should be designing funding and support models that accommodate part-time farmers and help them gradually transition into commercial agriculture.
Farming is not always about having unlimited time; it is about using the time available wisely and productively.
Everyone starts somewhere.
Also read: Patient capital critical to unlocking agricultural finance
Lessons from experienced farmers
A few years ago, while reflecting on part-time farming myself, I came across valuable insights from Namibian farmer and writer Charles Tjatindi that remain relevant today.
One of his key lessons is the importance of setting clear deliverables, targets and deadlines for farm workers. Too often, employees are vaguely instructed to handle “farm work” without proper structure or accountability. Farming is a business, and responsibilities must be clearly defined and monitored.
He also stresses the importance of mentorship and corrective support where workers struggle, while recognising that ineffective systems or individuals sometimes need to be replaced before they drain the enterprise further.
Another important lesson is that part-time farmers should manage expectations carefully. Lower expectations do not mean lowering standards or abandoning goals. Rather, it means understanding that growth may happen gradually and avoiding unnecessary pressure that leads to discouragement.
He further makes an important distinction between comparing and benchmarking. Comparing yourself directly with established commercial farmers can become discouraging because circumstances differ. Benchmarking, however, allows farmers to learn from successful operations while setting realistic milestones aligned with their own journey.
Also read: From our editor: War, youth and the future of agriculture
Agriculture is not a race
Some farmers begin with thousands of hectares, while others start with a backyard garden, a few chickens, or a small, leased field visited only on weekends. What matters is consistency, discipline, learning and growth over time.
Part-time farming should never be viewed as a sign of failure or lack of ambition. For many black farmers in South Africa and across the continent, it is the most realistic and responsible pathway into commercial agriculture. It allows aspiring farmers to build gradually, minimise risk, support their families and develop sustainable enterprises over time.
The future of African agriculture will not only be built by those who can afford to farm full-time from day one, but also by ordinary men and women who wake up early before work, travel to their farms on weekends, and continue pushing forward despite limited time and resources.
Every successful farming story starts somewhere. Sometimes it starts with a full-time farmer. And sometimes it starts with a weekend farmer refusing to give up on a dream.
Also read:
From our editor: Key lessons from our Agri-Development Imbizo 2026
From our editor: More than just meat – who will guard the knowledge?
