Seeds of Change - Women in Agriculture

Karabo Mabuza is a dedicated market trend analyst in agricultural economics at the Land Bank, where she serves within the Agri Economics & Advisory division. Her work is crucial in helping the Bank navigate the complexities of both local and global economic and agricultural markets.

In her role, Karabo diligently monitors and analyses trends across various agricultural commodity markets, employing a mix of quantitative and qualitative data sources. This rigorous approach enables her to identify patterns, forecast future market conditions, and provide the Land Bank with invaluable insights. Her work plays a key role in risk management and supports internal stakeholders in making informed decisions.

Karabo considers it a privilege to be part of the Land Bank team and is committed to continuing her contribution, providing insights that guide the institution through the intricate and ever-evolving landscape of local and global food and agriculture. Based at the Head Office in Centurion, she is responsible for several critical functions:

- Conducting in-depth research and analysis on global agricultural supply, demand, and pricing trends.

- Developing scenario analyses to anticipate market shifts and opportunities.

- Preparing regular reports, presentations, and briefings to inform the decision-making of Land Bank leadership and stakeholders.

- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to integrate market intelligence into the Bank's strategic planning and product development.

- Maintaining strong relationships with industry organizations, policymakers, and other stakeholders to stay abreast of emerging trends and issues.

Karabo envisions a future for agricultural sector funding marked by increased investment and diversification. She anticipates a growing focus on sustainable and regenerative farming practices, which will necessitate significant funding for research, development, and implementation.

She also foresees an evolving role for women in agriculture, with greater recognition of their critical contributions and more opportunities for leadership and decision-making.

However, Karabo acknowledges key challenges, particularly technological disruption and the digital divide. To address these, there are plans to:

- Accelerate the adoption of digital technologies, such as precision farming and data-driven decision support tools.

- Provide training and extension services to help farmers, especially in remote areas, leverage digital solutions.

- Collaborate with technology companies and start-ups to develop affordable, user-friendly solutions.

"To young women aspiring to enter the agricultural sector: Believe in yourself and your ability to drive change. Farming needs passionate, innovative women to lead the way towards sustainable models. Gain as much hands-on experience as possible and connect with networks of women farmers and mentors who can guide you. Join cooperatives and associations to build solidarity, amplify each other's voices, and stay informed with market information to aid your decisions.

Leverage education, technology, and partnerships for greater productivity and market access. However, always adapt solutions to your context. Learn about climate-resilient, regenerative techniques that protect the health of soil, water, and biodiversity. As stewards of the land, we owe it to future generations.

Know your worth and negotiate firmly and fairly. Create your own savings and aim for financial independence." She adds

"To all farmers nurturing the land and feeding nations – you have my deepest respect and admiration. Without your labour, we would not survive." Karabo Mabuza.