Africa-Press – Eswatini. “I don’t see myself under anyone’s supervision for eight hours a day,” says 25 year old Sphosetfu Dlamini, who has beaten poverty, unemployment, and drought to build a thriving agribusiness from scratch in his village.
Raised by a single unemployed mother alongside seven sisters, Dlamini knows hardship firsthand. Yet, those early challenges inspired him to find a path that would provide for his family and community. “I loved how you see your money grow right in front of your eyes, even without investing a lot, especially as a young person,” he explains.
His farming journey began under the guidance of another farmer who mentored him with respect and patience. That experience sparked his ambition to run his own farm. In 2020, Dlamini realised the importance of planning and leadership in sustaining a successful farm.
Support from the Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund (YERF) through FINCLUDE enabled him to overcome initial financial hurdles and expand operations. Today, he cultivates cabbages and green peppers and manages a poultry project with layers at various stages, ready for sale at point of lay.
Despite his success, Dlamini faces challenges. Transport remains a major hurdle, especially during harvest season, forcing him to wait for bulk orders before hiring vehicles. Natural disasters, once a worry, are now mitigated thanks to insurance from Lidwala, which gives him confidence to farm without fear.
Farming has taught him patience, dedication, and responsibility. Seeing his produce sold at supermarkets with happy customers gives him a sense of pride and purpose. Beyond personal gain, it has helped him maintain a strong relationship with his family and community, providing fresh, local produce they can trust.
Looking ahead, Dlamini dreams of acquiring more land and resources to meet rising food demand as his community grows. His advice to young farmers is clear: never give up, ask for mentorship, and remember that in farming, there is no single “right” method — the goal is fresh, uncontaminated produce.
Sphosetfu Dlamini’s journey is proof that with determination, guidance, and resilience, young farmers can not only survive but thrive, turning their villages into hubs of opportunity and growth.
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