BY Sipho Alphi Mkhwanazi
2024 is definitely my year of yes, and the most ideal time to dream of the absolute extraordinary. This week I found myself in the most mind-blowing agricultural summit in South Africa and this is exactly how I know that we’re on a whole new level of manifestation.
Every year, thousands of farmers, industry professionals, and agriculture enthusiasts flock to the small town of Bothaville in the heart of South Africa for the largest agricultural trade show on the continent – NAMPO. This event, organized by Grain SA, plays a crucial role in bringing together all stakeholders in the agricultural sector and showcasing the latest innovations and technologies that are shaping the future of farming.
NAMPO, short for the National Maize Producers’ Organisation, has been running for over 50 years and has grown to become a showcase of the entire agricultural value chain. From seed suppliers to machinery manufacturers, from financial institutions to agribusinesses, NAMPO attracts a wide range of service providers who are all essential in supporting the farmers in their quest for greater productivity and sustainability.
We took a simple sunset drive from Gauteng and spent the night in Klerksdorp, which is 30 minutes away from Bothaville. Checked into a simple guesthouse we found on Booking.com, with the simple intention of activating a completely different form of dreaming and aspiring. I don’t usually talk about my love for agriculture, conservation, and the farming economy. As a small fish and big dreamer in these spaces, NAMPO is the fertile ground for young dreamers like myself.
One of the key aspects of NAMPO is the exhibition area, where over 700 exhibitors from around the world showcase their products and services. Farmers and other interested parties have the opportunity to interact with these companies, learn about the latest trends in agriculture, and make informed decisions about the tools and technologies that will help them improve their farming practices. From tractors to crop protection chemicals, from irrigation systems to precision farming technologies, NAMPO has it all.
But NAMPO is not just about buying and selling products. It is also a platform for knowledge sharing and networking. The event hosts a wide range of seminars and workshops where experts from the industry share insights and best practices with the audience. Farmers have the opportunity to learn about the latest research in agronomy, crop management, and animal husbandry, and to connect with other like-minded individuals who share their passion for agriculture.
It is slightly disheartening that quite a lot of the information shared here will never be heard by some of the people who need to hear it most. The agricultural and farming space may not necessarily be gatekept but one needs a very solid support structure coupled with intense industrial knowledge to benefit fully from it. As my mentor will always preach to me, “Farming and agriculture are not a get-rich-quick income stream, it’s a lifestyle, it needs time, patience, and a whole lot of learning. But humans are teachable, and soon, you will be an expert.”
The importance of NAMPO cannot be overstated. In a country where agriculture is a critical sector of the economy, events like NAMPO play a crucial role in driving innovation and progress in the industry. By bringing together all stakeholders in the value chain – from input suppliers to farmers to agribusinesses – NAMPO fosters collaboration and partnerships that are essential for the growth and sustainability of the sector.
As I have mentioned, this place has offered me a completely new world of dreams. This is an entire untapped and unexplored community of like-minded individuals who are essentially responsible for virtually everything we consume. You may not necessarily meet every professional in your day-to-day living, but if you eat food, I can bet that you meet a farmer from the comfort of your house.
To conclude, NAMPO is more than just a trade show. It is a gathering of the best and brightest minds in agriculture, a hub of innovation and collaboration, and a platform for driving positive change in the industry. As the event continues to grow in size and scope, its impact on the agricultural sector will only continue to grow. For anyone involved in agriculture, NAMPO is a must-attend event that offers a wealth of opportunities for learning, networking, and growth. I may not be an expert today, but pretty soon, in fact, very soon, this is another dream of mine that is valid and that will see its day in the sun.
