“A seed neither fears light nor darkness, but uses both to grow.”
Speech by Gugulethu Mahlangu, young farmer / aquaponics horticulturist at the World Seed Congress 2023, Cape Town, South Africa (5 June 2023)
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and to SANSOR and the International Seed Federation who have honoured me with this invitation.
Today, I stand before you as a proud female farmer from South Africa, eager to remind you of the incredible potential of South African agriculture and the crucial importance of seeds for us farmers. Together, we can create a sustainable and prosperous future for our communities.
As a female farmer, I have witnessed first-hand the challenges faced by women in the agricultural sector. South Africa’s agricultural quarterly force statistics (QLFS) show that 60 to 80% of labour in the sector is made up of women. According to the same QLFS, only 3 million people in South Africa are employed in subsistence farming, while another 4.4 million spend time collecting water, dung or wood for subsistence needs. Our journey has not been easy, but we have persevered, demonstrating our resilience and determination to make a difference. Today, I am here to tell you that the face of farming is changing. Women are breaking barriers, shattering stereotypes, and rising as the driving force behind agricultural innovation in South Africa.
I have started out my farming journey from volunteering in my hometown after University being unemployed with debts, agriculture presented itself as an independent solution.
“Today, I am here to tell you that the face of farming is changing. Women are breaking barriers, shattering stereotypes, and rising as the driving force behind agricultural innovation in South Africa.”
Today, after 5 years in the agriculture industry, I am starting my own aquaponics farm in my small hometown that supplies the country and is the biggest exporter of coal. This is a town called Emalahleni, northeast of South Africa, in the highveld of the province of Mpumalanga — which translates to The Place Where The Sun Rises. I chose aquaponics because it creates a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship between fish and plants. Fish waste provides the nutrients for the plants, while the plants filter and purify the water for the fish. This closed-loop system reduces water usage, minimizes environmental impact, and maximizes productivity. It presents an incredible opportunity for small farmers in South Africa to overcome the challenges of limited arable land and water scarcity. This is a great example of ecosystems coming together.
As a young farmer I would like to ask the global seed industry sitting before me to: imagine a South Africa where every small farmer has the knowledge and resources. This would not only enhance their productivity but also enable them to become self-sufficient, ensuring a constant supply of nutritious food for their families and communities. We can address food security issues, create sustainable livelihoods, and uplift marginalized communities across our nation.
However, to fully unlock the potential of and empower our small farmers, we must recognize the critical role of seeds. Seeds are the foundation of agriculture. They hold within them the promise of new beginnings, growth, and abundance. But seeds are more than just tiny vessels of life; they are carriers of knowledge, culture, and resilience. For small farmers, the quality, accessibility, and diversity of seeds are of utmost importance.
Unfortunately, many small farmers in South Africa face significant challenges in accessing quality seeds.
Limited availability: Small farmers often struggle to access a diverse range of quality seeds due to limited availability in their local markets. Seed suppliers may focus on high-demand commercial varieties, neglecting the needs of small-scale farmers who require locally adapted, traditional, or indigenous seed varieties.
Cost: Quality seeds can be expensive, making them financially inaccessible for small farmers with limited financial resources. High seed costs can strain the already tight budgets of small-scale farmers, preventing them from accessing improved or certified seeds that offer higher yields and disease resistance.
“Seeds are the foundation of agriculture. They hold within them the promise of new beginnings, growth, and abundance. But seeds are more than just tiny vessels of life; they are carriers of knowledge, culture, and resilience. For small farmers, the quality, accessibility, and diversity of seeds are of utmost importance.”
Seed Quality Assurance: Small farmers face challenges in ensuring the quality and authenticity of the seeds they purchase. Counterfeit or poor-quality seeds can lead to crop failures, reduced yields, and financial losses. Limited access to reliable information and quality control mechanisms makes it difficult for small farmers to differentiate between genuine and substandard seeds.
Lack of Knowledge and Information: Many small farmers have limited awareness of the benefits of using quality seeds and may not possess the necessary knowledge to select, store, and manage seeds effectively. This lack of information hampers their ability to make informed decisions and maximize the potential of their agricultural practices.
Regulatory Barriers: Complex regulations and seed certification processes can create barriers for small farmers to access quality seeds. Compliance with formal seed certification requirements can be challenging for small-scale farmers who may lack the resources, infrastructure, or technical capacity to meet these standards.
They often rely on unreliable sources or use seeds saved from previous harvests, which may lack vigour and disease resistance. Traditional seed varieties still hold great importance in our communities and I challenge the seed world to navigate between our traditional seed varieties andmodern agriculture safeguard our seed heritage ensure that small farmers have access to a diverse range of seeds.
Therefore, I call upon all of you gathered here today at this seed conference to take. Let us join hands to strengthen the seed systems in South Africa. We must invest in research and development to breed and adapt crop varieties suitable for and the unique conditions faced small farmers especially. Let us collaborate with seed companies, NGOs, and government agencies to provide training, resources, and access to quality seeds for farmers. Through partnerships and innovation, we can.
Moreover, let us advocate for policies that support small farmers and prioritize their access to quality seeds. We must promote fair and equitable seed systems that empower farmers, particularly women, to be active participants in shaping their own future. By nurturing our seed systems, we nurture the growth of sustainable agriculture, food , and social justice.
It’s time to be brave and drive the change we want to see. I will leave you with a quote from Matshona Dhilwayo — “A seed neither fears light nor darkness, but uses both to grow.”
Thank you.
