Klerksdorp – Women farmers from across the North West who attended the Provincial
Women Farmers Dialogue in Klerksdorp on Monday, 31 August 2026, have welcomed the
engagement as an important platform for addressing barriers facing women in agriculture and
identifying practical solutions to strengthen their farming enterprises and improve their
livelihoods.
Hosted by the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the dialogue
brought together women farmers, government stakeholders, financial institutions, and other
key players in the agricultural sector to discuss challenges affecting women’s participation and
advancement. Key issues raised included access to land, infrastructure, farming inputs,
finance, training, technology, processing facilities, transport and reliable markets. Participants
stressed the need for coordinated support to enable women farmers to participate more
effectively across the agricultural value chain.
One of the participating farmers, Boipelo Barnard from the Greater Taung area, who is also a
member of the District Women in Agriculture and Rural Development (WARD) structure,
described the dialogue as a valuable platform for learning, engagement and networking.
Reflecting on her experience, Barnard said she was pleased to be part of the dialogue and
valued the opportunity to interact with women who have already established themselves in
the agricultural sector.
“As a woman farmer, I was happy to be part of this dialogue. It was a very interesting and
enriching session, and a privilege to engage with women who have already made their mark
in the agricultural sector. Listening to their experiences and interacting with them was what I
enjoyed most.”
“Platforms such as this allow us to engage directly with key stakeholders, share our challenges
and find practical solutions that can help our businesses grow, become sustainable and create
jobs in our communities. As women farmers, we welcome this dialogue and hope that similar
discussions can be held more regularly,” said Barnard.
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Addressing the dialogue, the MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha,
said women farmers must be supported to move beyond subsistence farming and develop
profitable, sustainable agricultural enterprises that contribute to economic growth, food
security, and job creation. He reiterated the government’s commitment to creating an enabling
environment for women farmers through targeted support programmes, improved access to
agricultural opportunities, and strategic partnerships aimed at helping them expand and
strengthen their operations.
“Women are making a significant contribution to agriculture and must have equal
opportunities to participate across the entire value chain, from production and processing to
marketing,” said MEC Sambatha.
MEC Sambatha called on businesses, financial institutions, development organisations, and
commodity bodies to strengthen collaboration in support of women farmers.
“Government, business, financial institutions, development organisations and commodity
bodies all hold different pieces of the solution. When they work together around the
entrepreneur, rather than leaving individuals to navigate a fragmented system alone, the
potential for sustainable growth becomes much stronger,” said MEC Sambatha.
The dialogue provided an important platform for women farmers and key stakeholders to
identify priority areas requiring intervention, share experiences and challenges, and
strengthen partnerships aimed at advancing women’s participation and empowerment within
the agricultural sector across the province.
Issued by:
The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Communication Services Directorate
For interviews, contact the Departmental Spokesperson
Ms Emelda Setlhako
Tel: 018 384 3117 / Cell: 060 745 4020
Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za
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