When employment opportunities became unavailable, Moleke Mapila decided to apply his agricultural knowledge in practice. In the Farmer Mentor article, he shares his experience co-managing the Baswa Temong farm in Limpopo, which spans 22 hectares and utilizes crop diversification, livestock farming, and efficient drip irrigation.
For many people aspiring to become farmers, an agricultural specialization is seen as a path to employment. However, for Moleke Mapila, difficulties in finding work in this sector served as a catalyst for realizing his knowledge and establishing his own agricultural business.
Today, Mapila helps manage Baswa Temong PTY Ltd, a diversified farming enterprise located near Bela-Bela in Limpopo. This 22-hectare farm integrates vegetable production, livestock rearing, and value addition, with a focus on increasing profitability and sustainability.
His experience offers practical lessons for farmers operating in modern agricultural conditions.
Mapila's interest in agriculture stemmed from observing how livestock farming and vegetable cultivation supported rural households. He initially planned to become a veterinarian but later recognized the broader role agriculture could play in improving people's lives.
Mapila's academic background provided him with a strong foundation in agriculture and extension. He earned a diploma in agriculture specializing in irrigation from Taung Agricultural College, as well as an advanced diploma in agricultural extension from Mpumalanga University. Furthermore, he graduated from Limpopo University with a Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Management and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in the same field, focusing on agricultural extension at Limpopo University.
When he failed to find work in the sector, he decided to utilize his agrarian skills and knowledge by starting his own farming venture with family support. Together with business partner Tapelo Mashabela, they gained access to a 22-hectare farm. Instead of waiting for a full complement of resources, the team focused on maximizing the use of available resources.
Initially, the business faced limitations in mechanization, insufficient equipment, inadequate water infrastructure, and challenges in market access. In the early stages, the business was also financed primarily through personal funds, requiring close attention to cash flow and profitability.
Baswa Temong produces vegetables such as cabbage, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and spinach, along with several other high-value crops. The farm also acquires and finishes Boer goats for sale at nearby auctions. Diversification has created multiple income streams, but Mapila cautions that it must be based on real business needs.
He explains: 'With limited land and production capacity, we had to ask ourselves how we could increase our profit margin.' Consequently, the farm began exploring opportunities for value addition and processing some produce, including spinach and sweet potatoes.
He notes: 'Sometimes you cannot keep doing things the same way when you see that the system no longer gives you the desired results. You need to introduce innovation.'
Mapila is convinced that successful farm management cannot be achieved alone. He believes that 'running a farm alone is difficult. You need a team that understands the vision and shares the business goals.'
He invests in training and upskilling workers in livestock and vegetable cultivation. This allows team members to take responsibility for different aspects of the work, helping the farm function even when he is physically absent.
Water remains one of the farm's biggest challenges. Mapila, who has expertise in irrigation, states that the business responded by focusing on efficiency. Approximately 90% of the active production area uses drip irrigation. He emphasizes: 'With limited water, the question is not just how much water you have, but how efficiently you use it.'
The farm implemented drip irrigation and new technologies to enhance efficiency and reduce unnecessary water loss.
Farming taught Mapila that technical knowledge is not enough. He asserts: 'Every season brings new challenges. Agriculture requires patience, consistency, and resilience.'
The encountered problems helped strengthen his confidence and adaptability. Nevertheless, two principles remain central: passion and discipline. He concludes: 'If you are not passionate about what you do, and not disciplined in how you do it, it will be difficult for you to get through tough times.'
Ultimately, Mapila hopes that his farming journey will extend beyond personal success. His goal is to contribute to food security, job creation, and rural development while helping improve people's lives through agriculture.
