Northern KZN agricultural market stunted by poor market access

CROSS-BORDER crime in Manguzi in northern KZN, as well as a lack of local markets, is impacting emerging farmers who are battling to sell their fresh produce.

One such farmer, Sphiwe Malotha (55) of Bhekabantu reserve in uMhlabuyalingana, turned to farming in 2014, having lost his job at a mine some years previously.

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‘I realised I had to do something for my family and myself ,’ said Malotha. ‘I used my savings to buy a chainsaw and started cutting trees to sell firewood.’

However, he saw an opportunity to join fellow community members who were farming near the Pongola River.

‘These men were just planting their crops for their families to eat. I started with mealies, had a good harvest, and was motivated to continue.’

Malotha, who is now the chairperson of the emerging farmers’ committee in ward 9 under uMhlabuyalinga Municipality, said he began doing well.

‘The following year, I added cabbage, and realised I could make a living from agriculture. I then added chillies as my third crop.’

However, despite the continued success, Malotha said the farmers were facing serious hurdles.

‘Our main challenge is the lack of markets to sell our harvest. It is hard to sell our products to big supermarkets as we lack information. Earlier this year, we lost big when our chilli crops were washed away by floods.’

He said approaching the government for assistance had not proved fruitful.

‘I have noted with concern that none of my children are interested in agricultural activities,’ said Malotha. ‘My main worry is that they grow up seeing how I was struggling to put food on the table for them.’