BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Winning the Woman Farmer of the Year competition last year has opened many doors for Makhosazana Mngomezulu.
Mngomezulu said this today (Tuesday, November 26, 2024) when she motivated the 10 contestants (youth category) for the 2024 Woman Farmer of the Year competition. Mngomezulu said this during an interview she had with the Woman Farmer Foundation (WFF).
“Winning this award has not only validated my hard work, but has also given me a platform to inspire others,” Mngomezulu said.
“Winning the Women Farmer of the year award has been a pivotal moment in my farming journey. The recognition and support I received have enabled me to expand my operations, improve my techniques, and increase my yields.”
She said as young farmers, they faced numerous challenges, from limited resources to climate change. However, she urged the 10 contestants to remain resilient, adaptable, and committed to your passion. “This nomination is not just a recognition of youth achievements also a reminder that your work has the potential to transform lives and communities,” she said.
She urged the youthful contestants to continue to push boundaries, innovate, and support one another. Mngomezulu said together, they could revolutionise the agricultural sector and create a brighter future for themselves and generations to come.
Since winning the award, Mngomezulu said she has increased her farm’s production, introduced new crops and farming methods, expanded her market reach, and provided mentorship to other aspiring farmers.
“The award has not only opened doors to new opportunities but has also given me the confidence to pursue my goals with renewed passion and determination. I am proud to say that I have made significant progress in my farming journey, and I am excited to see what the future holds,”
According to WFF Officer Sanele Mtsetfwa, this story of success underscored the tremendous impact of the competition, not only on the finalists themselves, but also on their communities. Through increased production, new farming techniques, and mentorship, these youth farmers were making a tangible difference in the agricultural sector.
As the finalists continue their journey in agriculture, Mtsetfwa said they served as a beacon of hope for other young people looking to enter the industry. Their innovative practices, such as the use of modern technology in beekeeping, vegetable farming, and pig production, would play an essential role in Eswatini’s agricultural future.
The Woman’s Farmer Foundation, which organises the competition, was committed to providing ongoing support and resources for these finalists, ensuring that they could continue to grow and inspire others. As the competition moved forward, it was clear that the youth was not just changing the face of agriculture in Eswatini they were transforming it for the better.
The Youth top 10 finalists of the Woman Farmer of the Year competition were the embodiment of hard work, resilience, and innovation. Their passion for agriculture and their commitment to sustainable farming practices made them role models not just for women in Eswatini, but for all those dedicated to creating a better, more sustainable world, according to Mtsetfwa.
Despite the challenges they faced, Mtsetfwa said these finalists were unstoppable, and the future of Eswatini’s agricultural sector was brighter because of them. The competition could have been postponed, but the accomplishments and dedication of these women would continue to inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
