Agnes M Tjiramba is a women farmer who have been farming on a full time basis, for the past 11 years at a resettlement farm in Omaheke region. Agnes who prefers to be called Supii, is a nurse by profession and have more than three decades of experience in nursing.
Among her accolades, she have a Bachelor & Master of Arts degree in clinical & Industrial Psychology and a Post graduate certificate in Pharmacotherapy. Supii is also one of the recipient for the “Women in Biomass industry awards 2020” in which she scooped the entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership category award.
Supii was resettled at farm Groot rooi built 686 in 1999.The farm has about 1 500 hectares. Farm Groot rooi built has a diverse portfolio of farm operations including; livestock farming, crop production as well as charcoal production. They further intends to add a division on poultry and aquaculture. Supii highly believe that, hard work can result in great productivity and lives by the motto “smart farming on past and present principles”.
“I was born a farmer and have been involved in farming activities in communal land since early childhood,” says Supii. She believes that farming is fundamental to human existence and survival (no farming, no food). According to her, there is no profession in the world which will compete with farming as food is a physiological need. She further emphasised that in 20 years to come, many professions might become irrelevant but farming will remain forever.
Supii encouraged and advised those that intends to be resettled on farms, let they only apply for land once they have a clear vision on what and how they want to utilise it. “Do not get land for status or greed” she said.
According to Supii, land is a commodity that can feed, create wealth and employment opportunities. She encourages those that are scheduled to be resettled and those occupying land to use it for maximum potential to improve Namibian livelihoods at individual and collective levels. Supii further advised farmers to properly access their need for land as this will enable them to avoid underutilization and mismanagement. “Farmers should use land sustainably in order for the future generations to reap off fruits,” she said.
With a diverse portfolio of farm operations, she encourages other fellow livestock farmers to also be involved in Charcoal production. According to her, Charcoal production should be a must for any livestock farmer. Apart from alleviating bush encroachment with benefit of grazing enhancement and underground water improvement, charcoal brings an additional income. “Additional income for a farmer is always good as it will create more opportunities in assisting the farmer to improve farming method; such as buying farming implements to increase production,” she stated.
The farming journey has taught her that, farming is a business that does not only entail leaving tasks and obligations in the employees hand but it requires oneself to be present in order to succeed. She has further learned to continuously sharpen her knowledge and skills on all core activities and to remain focus on what she intends to achieve.
Supii can be reached at: Kandjoukaiko@gmail.com