In a bid to give back and celebrate Women’s month, the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has donated 23 bulls to female farmers across the four districts of the province.
According to the department, the initiative that was held in partnership with the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District and Maquassi Hills Local Municipalities, in Makwassie, also aims to uplift and support the contributions of women in the agricultural sector.
“Women farmers are the backbone of our agricultural sector. This donation is a step towards ensuring they have the resources and support they need to thrive and lead successful farming enterprises,” said the Department’s MEC, Madoda Sambatha.
In an exclusive interview with YOUFM Malakia Matlhabe from the department, gave some insight on their selection process.
“We went to the four districts.
We have the data base of the women in Agriculture.
In line with our criteria, we are from the breeding briefing session and one of the questions that was raised was, have we made sure that the women who will be given Bulls have Heifers?
The beneficiaries selected have the Heifers and the Bonsmara Bulls given to them by the department, will help improve their livestock quality,” Matlhabe explained.
He adds that the quality of their breed will also be beneficial to their profit.
Despite this generous donation, the department noted with concern that women in the Agricultural sector still face challenges that include gender parity, lack of financial support and access to land amongst others.
Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries, Onneilwe Pudi echoed the concerns raised by the department, but expressed gratitude to the ongoing measures put in place to address them.
“Our department is really trying.
There are many of us, but the department is doing its best.
Every year they try to ensure that there is a certain number of women who receive support from the department,” explained Pudi.
Pudi also took some time to encourage aspiring female farmers to exercise patience and start where they’re with the little they have.
