For this week’s Farmer of the Week, we profile Nomvuyo Dlamini, a young, determined farmer who is proving that success in agriculture is built on learning, adaptability and smart decision-making. Farming on family land, Dlamini has carved a niche for herself through watermelon production and value-added cayenne pepper processing.Her journey into farming began modestly. “I started farming over three years ago on my family land,” she says. Like many young farmers, her early days were about exploration and trial. “At first, I was doing broilers and basic crops, just trying to find my way like many young people.”
A turning point came in 2025
When she joined the Women Farmer Foundation. “That’s where I learnt about climate-smart farming and cash crops. That’s when my mindset changed,” she explains. With new knowledge and a clearer vision, she made strategic crop choices. “I chose watermelon because when it’s done right, it brings good money,” Nomvuyo says. She paired it with cayenne pepper for sustainability and resilience. “I chose cayenne pepper because I don’t just sell it raw, I process it into sauce.”
This balance has been key to her stability as a farmer. “I like this combination because if watermelon disappoints one season, cayenne pepper carries me. As a young farmer, you can’t put all your hopes in one crop,” she adds.
Accessing the market has required creativity and persistence. Dlamini sells her produce through social media, local vendors, her community and word of mouth. “Social media has helped me a lot, people see the crop growing and get excited,” she says. However, challenges remain, particularly regarding logistics. “One challenge is delivery fees, because I deliver to my clients myself. It makes things harder for young farmers, but customers appreciate the service.”
Beyond selling raw produce, Dlamini is proud of adding value to her cayenne pepper. “An opportunity I’m proud of is that I sell raw cayenne pepper and also process it into sauce, which adds more value and income,” she explains.
Good planning underpins her production system. “I plant watermelon in summer because it loves warm temperatures,” she says, while noting that cayenne pepper is more flexible. “Cayenne pepper can grow well across seasons if managed properly.” Marketing starts long before harvest. “I plan my production early and start taking pictures immediately. I post updates on social media so my customers see the progress, know what’s coming and know when the crop will be ready. By the time I harvest, people are already waiting,” Dlamini shares.
She farms on a one hectare of family land, carefully divided to maximise output. “Half is for watermelon and half is for cayenne pepper,” she explains.
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