Ms Obakeng Kgono Sebape- Small- Stock Farming- Lobatse

Ms Obakeng Kgono Sebape, a wife and mother of 4 boys and 1 girl decided to really take a chance and follow her dream of becoming a small-stock farmer and approached Gender Affairs for financial assistance to start farming. After a few years of watching her small stock business grow Mrs Sebape decided to approach CEDA through Mabogo-Dinku for financial assistance to buy more stock in 2016.

Where it all started?

It all started in 2013 whilst I was working for the Lobatse Town Council (LTC) picking up litter. I saw on Botswana Television (BTV) that there was a programme offered by Gender Affairs which aimed to help women to start their own businesses. I was really interested and subsequently approached Gender Affairs for funding to start a small stock project. After my application was approved I was given money to buy 100 Goats to start with.

What motivated you to start your own business?

Whilst working for the Lobatse Town Council, I really had a passion for breeding goats and wanted to be my own boss. I was also motivated by the fact that I came from a family that had a passion for small-stock farming. My family convinced me to resign from my job and take up farming as a business. With the support of my family I resigned and went into farming on a full time basis.

What led you to apply for CEDA’s Mabogo-Dinku?

I had always wanted to increase my stock and improve my farming implements but I was stalled by lack of funds. I heard about Mabogo-Dinku via BTV and my friends gave me more information. I visited the CEDA Branch in Kanye and was given further information on how Mabogo-Dinku works. I was told to form a group of 5 or more people and come to apply for financing. I subsequently went to a few people I knew to tell them of the product and they were equally interested in accessing the money to start their own projects. My colleagues also submitted their financial requests and I was fortunate to be financed.

Tell us about the application process. What is it difficult or easy?

The first challenge I had when applying for Mabogo-Dinku were the long and lengthy forms. Fortunately, the officer we were assigned to was very helpful as she went through the forms with the group. We were all trained and told how to fill out the forms and also trained on how to run our business and ensure that we pay back the loan that we had received. They were also good in making us understand that it was equally important that all of us pay back the money we had received. After the training the process was relatively quick. We also had to be patient as a group as we all understood that there were a lot of other groups that had applied for funding through Mabogo-Dinku. This did not however deter us.

Tell us about some of the processes you had to go through before being financed?

When applying for Mabogo-Dinku there is a lot training that is required. Training helped us to fully understand what was expected of us and the time frames we had to pay back the money we had loaned. We were trained twice a week for six weeks. I give credit to the Officer assigned to our group as she was very efficient and helpful at every opportunity.

What challenges does small stock farming present?

Small stock farming is challenging as my animals are prone to disease. There is a high mortality rate of these animals and to curb this one can only manage if there is money for vaccines and medication. I am the sole owner of my farmer and thus I make a living off these animals. Trying to survive on this income and farming is difficult and that is why I needed financial assistance through Mabogo-Dinku for buy medication, dips and farming implements.

How do you fare against other local farmers?

In my community I am the only one that is doing well with goat farming. I have raised a good number of goats and have built a good name for myself with my customers who buy goats for breeding and for meat.

How do you set yourself apart from your counterparts?

Over time I have managed to continuously satisfy my customers by providing good customer service. My customers rely on me to provide quality livestock as and when they want them. As difficult as it is I ensure I deliver on this. It is what keeps them coming back.

What are the key factors that lead to your business success?

Since starting my business in 2015 I have primarily supplied to government through the Nyeletso-Lehuma project. I mainly supply to this initiative to farmers that are helped through this programme.

What aspirations do you have for your farm?

I really want my farm to expand and increase my stock. By increasing my stock I will be able to supply schools and butcheries in this area. I will also be able to deliver as opposed to my customers coming here all the time.

How many people do you employ?

For my farm it is only my husband and I running it. At the moment we cannot afford to hire any other people as we do not make enough money to pay them at the end of the month.

How do you maintain relationships with customers?

I am always on the farm. My customers always find me on the farm when they want me. I also ensure I deliver on time when they want stock. I think that is one of the most important things in this kind of business.

What else are you passionate about?

I am also passionate about sheep farming. Sheep equally bring in good income. In the near future I will also buy sheep for my farm

What advice can you give those that want to venture into small stock farming and any other business?

Farming in general needs attention. If you want to go into farming you need to consider it as a full-time job that requires a lot of attention. Your stock constantly needs to be maintained and kept healthy.

Small stock farming is also very rewarding as goats give birth to their kids twice a year and your stock can potentially grow. Resilience is so important for upcoming farmers. You need to be hands on at every point in your farm.