As South Africa grapples with an unemployment rate of 32.9%, some women in Limpopo are taking matters into their own hands by embracing agriculture as a solution to joblessness and poverty. With limited opportunities in rural areas, entrepreneurship—particularly small-scale farming—has become a beacon of hope.
From Job Search to Self-Sufficiency
Basani Rivisi, a 35-year-old business management graduate from Tshakhuma near Thohoyandou, spent years searching for employment with no success. Determined to change her circumstances, she turned to farming, using a small piece of land belonging to her mother-in-law.
Starting with just R500 and no farming equipment, Rivisi manually tilled the soil and carried water in buckets from a nearby stream to irrigate her crops. Today, she grows cabbage, green peppers, and carrots, proving that perseverance can yield results.
“I was passionate about agriculture, and after studying business management, I thought, ‘Why not start my own business?’” Rivisi said. “My mother-in-law had land, and I had a little capital, so I decided to plant vegetables.”
She encouraged other unemployed women not to lose hope, emphasizing that success often begins at the bottom. “Everyone who is on top now has a story of where they started. Don’t give up—ask around for opportunities, even if it’s just a small piece of land,” she advised.
Community Support and Grassroots Success
Revisi’s determination has inspired two of her friends to volunteer their labor without pay until her business stabilizes. “We don’t get paid; we’re helping her so her business can grow. She’s like a sister to us,” one volunteer explained.
Another friend added, “I’m helping my sister because I want her to succeed in life. I don’t expect anything in return.”
From Small Beginnings to Commercial Farming
Alicia Mamuliki, a 35-year-old commercial tomato farmer from Maangani near Louis Trichardt, represents the potential for growth in agriculture. Starting on just two hectares of land leased from her parents, Mamuliki expanded her farm to 10 hectares through disciplined budgeting and reinvestment.
Seven years later, she has won awards and become one of the few commercial tomato farmers in the area. However, her journey was not without challenges. “Farming is very expensive,” she admitted. “I was helped by my parents initially, then saved every year to expand.”
Environmental Concerns and Sustainable Farming
An environmental expert warned that improper waste disposal in rivers threatens rural farming. “Communities must be trained in recycling, composting, and clean irrigation,” the expert urged. “We need to help farmers obtain GAP certification and establish eco-friendly cooperatives.”
A Call for Innovation
Maliki encouraged other women to think creatively and seize opportunities in agriculture. “With determination and support, farming can change lives,” she said.
As unemployment persists, these Limpopo women are proving that agriculture can be a viable path out of poverty—one harvest at a time.
