By Gugulethu Tshabalala
Agri Scientist, Ngwanamakgamatho Naledi Setsiba, Passionate About Tackling Food Insecurity and Empowering Rural Communities. Naledi Setsiba, an agricultural scientist and PhD candidate at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), is passionate about tackling food insecurity through post-harvest technology. Growing up in a village affected by climate change, she hopes to contribute to food security and rural development by reducing food waste, improving productivity, and one day producing animal feed to support struggling communities.
Please tell us a bit about yourself. Where did you grow up and what influenced
your interest in agriculture?
My name is Ngwanamakgamatho Naledi Setsiba, but most people call me Naledi. I grew up in a village in Mokopane, Limpopo, where I attended primary school and performed quite well. Seeing my potential, my father invested in my education and sent me to an agricultural high school in Lindberg, Harry Oppenheimer Agricultural High School , also in Limpopo. That is where my interest in agriculture really started.
Do you come from a farming background or was this a path you discovered along
the way?
My passion for agriculture truly developed at Harry Oppenheimer Agricultural School. That is where my foundation was built, and over the years, my love for agriculture continued to grow. I went on to study botany and environmental sciences, which deepened my knowledge and led me to where I am today.
What inspired you to study Crop Science and focus on post-harvest technology and agro-processing?
During my honours, I specialised in plant biotechnology and botany. For my research, I chose to focus on post-harvest technology, which was completely new to me at the time. I became very interested in it because I realised food insecurity is a serious problem. If we can save crops at the post-harvest stage, we can help reduce food waste and contribute to food security and the economy.
What has your experience been like working with farmers and what have you learned from them?
It has been an incredible journey. I have visited several farms, including raspberry and pomegranate farms in Johannesburg during my master’s research, and more recently, vegetable and herb farms as part of my PhD work.
I have learned a lot from farmers and have been able to share my knowledge with them too. For example, while working with raspberry farmers, they often complained about the short shelf life of raspberries. We worked on a project to dry raspberries so they could be sold as a value-added product instead of fresh produce. I really enjoy finding ways to help farmers extend the shelf life of their crops and add value through agro-processing.
What excites you most about agriculture and its role in South Africa?
Agriculture is such a diverse and vital field. It includes everything from crop farming and animal production to fisheries and agro-processing. Agriculture feeds the nation and drives the economy, so it is exciting to be part of a sector that solves real-world problems. I love that I am contributing to food security and helping to introduce new technologies that improve productivity.
Also, agriculture was once a space dominated by white people. As a black woman, I feel proud to be part of this industry, especially in the academic side of agriculture. I am passionate about learning and creating solutions, particularly in post-harvest technology, but I genuinely love the field as a whole.
Are there any career opportunities in agriculture that you think young people,
especially black youth, should xplore?
There are so many opportunities in agriculture, particularly in research and problem-solving. It is a dynamic industry with new challenges and new solutions all the time. I encourage black youth, especially young women, to pursue agriculture, to do research and to bring fresh ideas to the field. It is such a rewarding space where you can really make a difference.
Can you see yourself becoming a farmer in the future? If so, what type of farming would you like to pursue?
Definitely. I see myself getting involved in animal feed production. I come from a village where climate change has brought long dry seasons, making it difficult for animals to find pasture. I would love to help address this challenge by producing animal feed, especially in areas where access to these resources is limited. I want to be part of the solution for rural communities facing these difficulties.
In your view, what are the key ingredients needed to become a successful farmer
in South Africa today?
The most important thing is to start. You need to be passionate and willing to put in the effort. Farming is a learning process with its ups and downs, but you have to keep going, even when things do not work out. It is also crucial to understand the area you are farming in.
You need to know the climate, the rainfall patterns, and the type of soil because these will determine what kind of farming is suitable. It is important to engage with agricultural departments and support structures in the country because there are opportunities for funding and assistance for people who are serious about starting.
Farming is no longer just for our grandmothers. It is time for young black women to step into this space, xplore it, and make the most of the opportunities it offers.
