As South Africa focuses on food security, a new generation of women farmers is emerging, breaking barriers, and transforming the agricultural landscape. These women are proving that small-scale farming can produce high-quality crops for both local and international markets, creating a more inclusive and sustainable food system.
Women have long been at the forefront of progress across industries, and agriculture is no exception. A growing number of women are taking ownership of their farming businesses and driving both economic and social change. This shift in leadership is empowering women to reshape the agricultural sector, promoting more sustainable farming practices, and encouraging innovation within the industry.
One such trailblazer is Nomsa Ngwenya, the founder of Ntl Baraka Eco Farming. With a master’s degree in agricultural science, Ngwenya chose to venture into entrepreneurship rather than follow a conventional career path. She established an organic farming business specializing in cocktail tomatoes, herbs, and the highly sought-after moringa. Despite the challenges she faced, such as obtaining international certification and finding reliable transportation for her produce, Ngwenya remained determined.
Her journey took a positive turn in 2022 when she joined the SPAR Rural Hub programme, which offers small-scale farmers access to resources, training, and markets. “SPAR’s support was a game changer, helping me increase production and transport my produce to market,” she says. Today, Ngwenya supplies over 52 tonnes of cocktail tomatoes annually through the SPAR Mopani Hub.
Ngwenya’s dedication and hard work were recently recognized when she was named Female Farmer of the Year in the SPAR Mopani Hub programme by The Kagiso Trust’s Tyala Impact Fund. She used the prize money to invest in solar-powered irrigation, significantly reducing costs and improving operational efficiency.
Beyond her farming endeavors, Ngwenya is passionate about training the next generation of farmers. She offers internships and encourages young people to consider careers in agriculture. Looking ahead, she plans to establish a processing factory for moringa-based products and is exploring opportunities in turmeric coffee and morula oil production, both of which will support her business and benefit her local community.
The SPAR Group continues to champion small-scale farmers, offering support that allows them to scale up and integrate into the retail supply chain. “Our goal is to create a truly inclusive food system where women-led farms can thrive, and for people to know that with every SPAR Freshline product purchased, there is a woman farmer behind it,” says a representative from the company.
As South Africa celebrates International Women’s Day 2025, Ngwenya’s story stands as a powerful example of the resilience, entrepreneurship, and innovation that women bring to the agricultural sector. Her success is a testament to the growing impact of women in shaping the future of agriculture, and she continues to inspire others to join her in transforming the industry for the better.
