A woman in a man’s world

Farming is usually perceived to be a man’s world, but part-time farmer Ellenora Muranda says this is not the case.

She farms with livestock, crops and poultry in Tsintsabis in the Tsumeb district.

According to Agribank, growing up, Muranda spent some of her school holidays on the farm with her grandparents and that is when she developed a passion for farming.

She decided to venture into diversified part-time farming.

She currently farms with goats and chickens while also producing cabbages, tomatoes, green peppers, butternuts, watermelons and sweet melons.

She supplies produce to local retailers such as Spar supermarkets and National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) service stations.

“The future of my agribusiness looks very bright. I can say that there is indeed local support for farmers. We have retailers that are supporting us,” she said.



Triumphs and challenges

Muranda aspires to become a full-time farmer soon, Agribank said.

She narrated how farming has made her more appreciative of her journey and has increased her passion to the point that she does not mind working long hours.

“I honestly do not mind waking up early in the morning and going to bed very late because I love and enjoy what I do,” she said.

Muranda added that some of the challenges she experienced were finances when she started her agribusiness.

Another challenge she experienced was gender discrimination. Some of her employees were not as comfortable taking orders from her as they would from a man, she explained.

Travelling to the farm every weekend, especially during harvesting season, was also difficult for her, she said.

Muranda considers her first crop and poultry harvest some of her best experiences, Agribank said. Some of her best experiences at the farm include sitting around the fire and sharing amazing stories.

“Agriculture is the way to go. Farming is usually perceived to be a man’s world. However, it is not the case. Women can also be part of that world. That is my motto.”