"We can still farm like my mother”: Fallow land in Cwebe

Written by Zipho Xego

Figure 1: Ploughing my field outside my home  in Cwebe (Taken by Zipho Xego) 

After returning to the field following a short break in November, I took the time to reflect, digest, and engage with the information I had gathered during my fieldwork. This period provided me with the opportunity to process even the seemingly trivial and insignificant encounters and observations that I had made, which, upon reflection, turned out to be important pieces of information in the broader context of my project. One such realization was how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted people differently, particularly in comparison to my own experiences.

What stood out to me were the varied effects of the pandemic on the area of my research site compared to my own hometown. It's evident that every village experienced a significant number of deaths during the pandemic, and virtually everyone lost a family member or a loved one. These were the similarities shared across communities. However, notable differences existed between my village and my research site. One impact was how the pandemic hindered people's ability to generate income, including their creative approaches to earning money from home, whether it was their primary source of income or supplemental income. 

During my time in the field, I witnessed land lying fallow, neglected, and unattended. Through a few inquiries with the Cwebe community farmers, it became evident that one of the primary reasons for this neglect was the disruption caused by COVID-19. The loss of income resulted in a decline in agricultural activities as farming became less viable for many households. Reflecting on this, I recalled how, before the pandemic, I actively engaged in growing crops both for subsistence and for sale. This practice had been a significant part of my life since I began earning a modest income, which I had initially learned from my mother—a single parent who juggled multiple informal income streams. Following her example, I took over the responsibility of farming, which she used as a livelihood means to sustain my family and generate additional income. However, as my mother's energy waned with age, my involvement in farming became even more crucial, with assistance from my aunts and brother.

The life histories I have been collecting further reinforced the importance of farming for rural women, who, while not necessarily major players in the agricultural sector, relied on small-scale farming to support their families. Prior to the pandemic, even the smallest plots of land were utilized to grow crops, reducing dependence on external sources for vegetables and other essentials. However, the onset of COVID-19 disrupted these activities, leading to a decline in agricultural productivity. In response to these challenges, I made the decision to return to farming, rallying my two aunts and brother to cultivate vegetables once again. This, of course, was inspired by what I had observed while in the field. This endeavor required considerable effort, as four years had passed since we last planted due to constraints related to finances and time. The pandemic had significantly dampened our enthusiasm, resources and  ability to engage in such initiatives.

For the people of Cwebe, it was more than just the lack of enthusiasm; it was further impoverishment or destitution that families found themselves in. There were no alternative incomes, nor were there a few rands to spend on buying seeds. The impact was far-reaching, to the extent that even growing maize, which is a staple in the area, had stopped. The decision to stop growing maize, a crop that has been a staple for generations, highlights the gravity of the situation. It's a stark reminder of the profound economic and agricultural challenges which confronted our community during the pandemics and continue to persist post-pandemic.

One might have assumed that, since incomes were decreased or limited, people would have turned to farming to mitigate the impact of lost incomes. However, the reality is that farming requires investment and does not yield immediate returns. Additionally, crops take time to grow, leading people to prioritize immediate needs such as food over long-term investments like farming. Many individuals and families were already living hand to mouth before the pandemic, and the added strain exacerbated their financial struggles. Despite these challenges, individuals and communities demonstrated resilience by seeking alternative ways to rebuild and revitalize their agricultural practices. This included returning to traditional farming methods and mobilizing community resources to overcome barriers to agricultural productivity. While some individuals may have the ability to return to traditional farming methods or mobilize community resources to sustain agricultural activity, many others may still struggle to afford basic necessities, including food.

In the community of Cwebe, the EPWP program of LIMA remained active, albeit with some employees experiencing job losses or salary cuts. While this program provided some support, many individuals were unable to fully recover their employment or lost wages. The pandemic highlighted the importance of small-scale farming for rural communities, particularly for women who often play a significant role in household food production. Prioritizing support for small-scale farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices can help enhance food security and resilience in the face of future crises.