Soweto Urban Farming Experience

Hlalefang Farm Involved in the Soweto Urban Farming Project.

Mr Monyobi,the farmer and Masakhane
students from the University of Johannesburg

Soweto Urban Farming is the project I have worked on as a second year student in Public Relations and communications at the University of Johannesburg.We have worked on this project as a group of students,we named our group "Masakhane Practitioners" . Giving a brief information about the project itself,it involved quite numerous chosen farmers that students were dealing with.Well, Let's admit we all have that mind set "Arg! no man, Farming is boring" and some of you still have those thoughts but I promise you its not boring once you get involved and learn more to it.I, Myself too never thought once in my life I'll have to deal with farming.So I say thank you to Professional practice as one of my modules that I had to work on such a project.Today I can say "Never underestimate farming." Farming is very extensive and there's more to it than just what we know.So Hlalefang farm is owned by Mr Elliot Nketso Monyobi 65 of age,he's an individual farmer and he is based in pimpville zone 2 Soweto. The farm is operating just at the same area actually not far from where he stays.Honestly?! it was really a privilege for me to work with a farmer that has been farming for three years.I have learnt so much about farming that I even felt working on this project was for a short period of time but the greatest thing is that I came out with knowledge on farming.Practical practices were involved,what else could I ask for?! Because the most important thing is that I could apply the theoretical information into practical.As Masakhane Practitioners we have worked together as a team to try the best we could.To me,Mr Monyobi was not just a farmer but someone I could learn from,Ask questions from  and look up to.Someone who has been in the farming industry for such a long time.By this I'm forced to mention that He is the best Farmer ever!.

Activities Involved in the project

Interesting enough the project required us as students to do so much for the farmers including the undertaking of visiting the farm more often , coming up with a way to make a difference and be useful, going all out for our farmers and so on. So as the Masakhane practitioners we did all that.Yes,It was not easy and all but it was worth it.I was one of the members that went to visit Mr Monyobi once or twice a week while we were still working on the project,helping him with everything he needed like; cleaning the farm by picking up the rubbish.However , Creating a flyer for Mr Monyobi's  business was the most exciting thing ever! then we had to be creative and advertise his farm so we walked all around the areas that are close to the farm.Well,the smile on Mr Monyobi's face showed how he actually appreciated what we had done for him so I can loudly say "I'm very proud of myself" Having to work with the farmers was not only for them or to help them but at the same time I had learnt and I now know better about farming. Funny enough I didn't know that farming is like any other business,I find out when Mr Monyobi told us about how he had a problem with his competitors and the community as well.Then we had to help him build a relationship with his community and collaborate him with his competitors , as they say it is not about "Competition but Cooperation." Other activities included initial environmental scan,Asset register and compiling a Public Relations plan by doing a swot analysis.By working on this I have learnt what the farmers face on a daily basis,I tell you! Farming is not as easy as ABC. Like any other businesses,Farming has challenges.As the member of Masakhane practitioners it was not easy to come up with objectives but it was required,Objectives have to be realistic ,measurable and achievable.We also had to develop a message , evaluate and have a budget plan. All we have done, I don't regret or feel like it was just a waste of time instead it was very valuable or worthwhile and helpful.