Ofentse’s love for agriculture pays dividends

In this era where the youth is consumed by the cyberspace, the world of convergent cultures and popular personalities, only a few care about agriculture, which involves hard work. Ofentse Mogowa explains to Aobakwe Gofamodimo that she has always been more than ready for hard work.  By the time she reached her teens, her grandmother had already instilled in her the value of hard work.

Where it all started

Ofentse started growing vegetables in her 1.35 hectares farm in Oodi-Matebeleng in 2016, and two years down the line, Ofentse is now an established farmers. She grows red cabbage, normal cabbage, cherry tomatoes and grapes at her farm. A small portion of the farm has been given to other family members, neighbours and friends to grow traditional crops like water melons and maize.

This idea of farming, which is shunned by most of the youth of her age, was first mooted by Justice, her husband, whom she married in 2015. “My husband saw farming as a means to earn an extra income for our family.” She elaborates. The urge to make ends meet has now turned into an inexhaustible passion burning through Ofentse’s veins.

After what started as a trial in her first year, she slowly became a success story as her small farm now supplies the retail giant Choppies, vendors as well as individuals. “Knowing that my produce can be in any dining table in any home is quite inspirational. That alone is a great reward for my hard work,” says Ofentse.

Challenges are part of every business

It hasn’t been all smooth sailing though. Unpredictable climatic conditions that includes drought and scotching heat-waves are a challenge to the young farmer. Ofentse describes her two year farming experience as a “rollercoaster” coming with stress and headaches, but she soldiered on as she says for her quitting is not an option.

Farming, which some refer to as a profession of hope, requires unprecedented levels of determination, patience and perseverance. Challenges in farming are many. The weather can be your best friend in one moment, capable of transforming into your worst enemy in an instant. “ Hailstorms wiped out our tomatoes last year, and heat waves also cost us as we had to water more than normal due to the hot weather,” Explains Ofentse.

Pests are also a problem for farmers. The deadly pesticide resistant American lead miner devastated Ofentse’s tomatoes at one point last year. Not only that, she has also had to contend with the diamond black moth. As if pests and weather were not enough for the budding young farmer whose farming career is still in its infancy, lack of skills and inexperience proved to be a problem for her, especially during the first few months.

 Magowa is grateful that she didn’t quit farming although the thought did cross her mind during those first months. She believes that is was during those tough times where she learnt a lot and gained the experience needed if she was to cut it out in farming.

Humble beginnings

The Mapoka born lass started her farm from scratch without any funding. Unlike other young farmers, she never really thought of applying for youth funding from government. Instead, she dug deeper into her own pockets and started an enterprise that is now supplying big retailers.

She compares her investing into the venture to a big, intoxicated, carefree gamble. Ofentse, who goes by the adage hard work pays, knew that there was no room for failure once she invested her own capital. While lack of knowledge and experience was an impediment at first, she was determined not to never give up. This was made possible by a supportive and daring husband together with her inspirational grandmother who instilled the spirit of hard work in her.

Juggling farming with studies

Ofentse is a very busy young lady. If she is not at her farm you’ll most likely find her at the University of Botswana premises. She doubles farming with schooling part-time. She is studying for a degree in Business Studies and Accounting at University of Botswana.

Advice for youth

She encourages the youth to venture into farming and not look at it as a profession for old timers, retirees or pensioners. “The youth need to understand that employment opportunities are scarce in Botswana today” Emphasizes Ofentse.

She goes on to say that money can be made in farming if it is done well.  This includes good record keeping.  Ofentse explains that while setting up a record keeping system is definitely not exciting and can be time consuming, it is essential for an efficient and profitable farming enterprise.

Botswana imports a lot of produce from neighbouring countries like South Africa and youth who are still energetic and techno savvy, can bridge that gap. She says that the youth must take advantage of government initiatives such as youth development fund to venture into farming.

Finally, Ofentse’s future plans include acquiring more land, venturing into aquaponics as well as poultry farming.