Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba urges shift beyond subsistence to sustainable agribusiness
The 2026 Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba convened key agricultural leaders who emphasised the urgent need for farmers in South Africa and the region to transition from subsistence farming towards building sustainable, market-oriented agribusinesses.
During a dynamic panel discussion including CEOs from Kagiso Trust, Agricultural Development Agency (Agda), FNB Commercial Agri, Land Bank, Joburg Market, and John Deere Financial, industry experts unpacked strategies for investment, innovation, and meaningful inclusion within the agricultural value chain.
Listening to farmers: aligning development with real needs
Dr Mankodi Moitse, CEO of Kagiso Trust, stressed that agricultural development extends beyond inputs and infrastructure, encompassing market access, business viability, and long-term growth. “We really had to listen to farmers and observe that this is not just about projects,” she said, underscoring the importance of operating within a connected agricultural ecosystem.
Moving beyond subsistence farming
Leona Archary, CEO of Agricultural Development Agency, pushed for development models that do not keep farmers indefinitely at subsistence level. She advocates for continuous progress, stating, “When we talk about development, we are not talking about people staying at subsistence level and being trained repeatedly. We are talking about moving forward and building a sustainable agricultural business.”
Archary also highlighted the critical need to approach agriculture as an integrated value chain that includes production, business management, and market responsiveness.
Managing risks and embracing data
Bertie Huggett, CEO of FNB Commercial Agri, discussed the inherent risks farmers face amid uncertain conditions but highlighted that better data tracking around production can enhance farmers’ credibility and access to finance. He urged farmers to focus on tangible factors within their control such as securing land rights, maintaining reliable records, and cultivating partnerships.
A holistic approach to agricultural growth
The consensus among panellists called for a comprehensive development pathway linking finance, market access, innovation, and ecosystem support. This strategy aims not only to increase production volumes but also to strengthen farmers’ roles and incomes within evolving agricultural markets.
Implications for Zimbabwe and the region
Zimbabwean farmers face similar challenges related to market access, business development, and sustainable growth. Aligning Zimbabwe’s agricultural policies with such holistic approaches can empower farmers, particularly women and youth, advancing national development goals including NDS1.
As agriculture moves beyond subsistence, policy-makers and stakeholders must focus on enabling farmers to become competitive entrepreneurs in a dynamic market environment.
By Vateka Halile, Food For Mzansi
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