Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
AT 79 years of age, Ms Hilda Maphosa from Matshetsheni area in Gwanda District has proved that age is no barrier to pursuing one’s passion.
Participating in the 66th edition of the Matabeleland South Agricultural Show, she proudly displayed her horticulture crops and hand-crafted items, demonstrating her enduring love for farming and craftsmanship.
Ms Maphosa, who was the oldest exhibitor in the crop section, has embraced climate-smart agricultural practices to combat the challenges posed by climate change. Her exhibit featured a variety of horticultural produce, alongside traditional crafts such as stools, mats and clay pots.
As a dedicated member of the Nkosiphathise Group, a 12-member farming collective, Ms Maphosa has turned her passion into a platform for sharing knowledge.
“I grew up in Ntepe area where farming was our mainstay and we used to produce small grains. When I moved to Matshetsheni, I continued farming and despite the drought, I’m here to show what we’ve achieved,” she said.
Her group cultivates a variety of crops, which include green vegetables, tomatoes, onions and maize, which they sell to locals.
Ms Maphosa also emphasised the importance of crop rotation for soil fertility, noting that their efforts have enhanced food security in their community.
“We ensure our families and neighbours have access to nutritious food, which was scarce before we started our project,” she said.
Beyond her group work, Ms Maphosa also tends her garden with the help of two workers.
“Most of the work is done under my guidance and supervision,” she shared, adding that she still participates in tasks like weeding.
“This time around I didn’t harvest much because of the drought. I’m here to exhibit some of the craft, which I produce alone and the horticulture crops, which we produce in our garden as a group,” said Ms Maphosa.
Her farming endeavours keep her active and fulfilled.
“The Bible says for us to eat, we have to work. As long as I have strength, I will work and earn my income. I don’t want to be a burden to others,” she said.
Her crafts provide an additional income stream, which she uses to support her grandchildren.
“I also mould clay pots, plates and bowls and weave mats and other craft, which is not labour intensive and this is another source of income, which I use to take care of my grandchildren,” said Ms Maphosa.
The 2024 Matabeleland South Agricultural Show, themed “Smart Interventions in Agribusiness: Our Top Priority”, highlighted value addition, beneficiation and climate-smart agriculture in response to the El Niño-induced drought.
The event, officially opened by Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi-Chiwenga, wife of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, attracted diverse exhibitors, including crop and livestock farmers, government departments, NGOs and private sector entities.
Ms Maphosa’s participation in the show not only exemplifies resilience but also underscores the vital role of elderly farmers in preserving sustainable agricultural knowledge and practices within their communities. — @DubeMatutu
Online Reporter