Women farmers are, without a doubt, paving the way for a better future and playing a massive role in securing food for future generations. This article celebrates a young woman farmer. Rita Joosten's story is a success story that should inspire and uplift others.
Rita (in her twenties) has powerful stories to tell in the world of agriculture, and she tells them passionately. She has been a farmer at heart since childhood. When she was small, she visited diversified farming projects with her father, which established a love of farming from a very early age. “There is nothing else I want to do,” she said. “I enjoy working in the greenhouses. “
Rita works in the greenhouses at Emseni Farming, located in the beautiful KwaZulu-Natal region, specifically in Kranskop. The greenhouses she refers to cover over eleven hectares and are dedicated to producing sweet peppers. Emseni is currently one of the largest, sweet pepper producers in South Africa. Rita enjoys farming alongside her family at Emseni and expresses her admiration for the leaders of the KwaSizabantu Mission, which owns the farm. She states, “The high moral values of the leaders have attracted me, particularly their respect for people and their approach to working with others.”
At Emseni, farming is done responsibly and with great respect for Mother Nature and her many valuable and unique creatures. Deceases are controlled in the greenhouses in a unique, eco-friendly way. Tiny insects are imported from the Netherlands and Israel in small envelopes. “It eats all the bugs that dare to think they will get a bite of the peppers!” Rita explains, “Although tiny and can hardly be seen with the naked eye, they have a big impact on the environment. I learned from insects that even though they are so small, they positively impact the plant. It reminds me that the smallest gesture can greatly impact the environment and others around us. The smallest smile can positively affect someone else’s whole day, and I try to live in such a way that I also make an impact.”
Rita mentioned that small plants are always at risk of becoming infected with diseases, which can lead to the loss of an entire crop in a short period. "We plant the seedlings in a U-shape to prevent viruses from infecting them. Our workers must also disinfect their hands thoroughly before handling the seedlings. We use milk on plants because its proteins have an antiviral effect. If a plant is infected with a virus, the milk helps prevent it from spreading to other plants."
The farm has been established and developed sustainably to ensure food security over decades, impacting the local remote community and future generations. Job creation and skills development cover various aspects, from germinating plants to packaging them. Many women are employed at the farm in multiple projects, allowing them to earn a decent living and support their families. Emseni has become a beacon of hope for these women and their families in an area where jobs are scarce.
Empowering, supporting, and celebrating women in farming is key to food security. Rita Joosten not only brings a feminine touch to agriculture, but she has been shaping the future of food security from a very young age. It seems that she is here to stay
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