How to Start a Smallholder Farm

Over 70% of farms in Africa are smallholder farms. They collectively contribute huge amount of agricultural produce. Despite a host of challenges with proper farming techniques and management they can succeed.

Production is only a piece of the puzzle because they need proper marketing. It is important to judiciously manage natural resources. Conserving the soils natural nutrients and waste water is very important.

Challenges of Smallholder Farms

The challenges of smallholder farms are many. They lack proper funding, overused fields, poor seed stock and illiteracy.

Smallholder farms employ labor intensive technique, poor skill acquisition. Another major challenge is lack of innovation. The farmers are generally stuck in their old ways of doing things.

•         Lack proper funding

•         Overused fields

•         Poor seed stock

•         Illiteracy

•         Labor intensive technique

•         Poor skill acquisition

•         Lack of innovation, motivation

•         Stuck in their old ways of doing things

Government Intervention

The majority of smallholder farms are run by very poor individuals. They do not have enough capital to grow or produce large scale. African governments are not doing enough to encourage or boost smallholder farms.

Ways government can improve their lot is through public private partnership. They should also reduce the complexity in the agricultural sector.

Skill Acquisition

Smallholder farmers need to acquire the appropriate skill. To earn considerable income, sustainability they need hands on training. There are many agricultural, research institutions willing to pass-on knowledge.

They also offer improved seeds, organic fertilizer and modern tools. The farmer could seek an established mentor, read books, and attend seminars or workshops.

•         Hands on training

•         Improved seeds

•         Organic fertilizer

•         Modern tools

•         Seek an established mentor

•         Read books

•         Attend seminars

•         Workshops

Farm Management

The farmers need a sound organizational, management and financial skills. The farmer needs to maintain financial records, save judiciously. To succeed they also need entrepreneurial and marketing skill.
How to apply for unsecured loan

Building Capacity

Experts believe capacity building starts with rural communities working together. This includes joining a group, association or farmers union.