OPEN FOR BUSINESS
From page 37
In one respect plot owners in Gauteng are blessed when compared with smallholders and farmers in other provinces. Firstly, should you wish to enter the export field, producing cut flowers, mini vegetables or herbs, for example, you have on your doorstep sub-Saharan Africa ' s busiest international airport, with daily flights to any market you may wish to serve on our continent or overseas. But if exports seem a bit daunting there is a large urban market at your doorstep. According to economists ' figures the Johannesburg market is under-served by the agricultural sector of Gauteng. Your plot ' s position on a main road might allow you to open a farm stall or its position in relation to townships or informal settlements may also mean that you have a source of labour as well as a possible market.
Most important is to inform yourself about the laws and regulations that govern your chosen activity.
Even in a small province such as Gauteng, where you are situated will make a difference to your climate, which will dictate the kind of horticulture that can be undertaken successfully. ❑ Resources and Facilities: What your plot comprises, in terms of topography, geology and development will also dictate what you can successfully do upon it. The number, size and type of buildings on your plot will also make a difference. A plot with a large barn or stable blocks will be suited to a different form of income generation from one with small cottages dotted on it. ❑ Budget: Some say a plot is a bottomless pit into which you throw money and, certainly, developing any enterprise on one ' s plot will require some degree of capital, if not for buildings
and facilities, then at least for fertiliser, seed, animals, feed, machinery or other raw materials. ❑ Knowledge: It helps if you have some skills, knowledge and experience of the enterprise that you ' ve chosen. Find out about courses that are available and look for books on the subject and search the Internet. Most important is to inform yourself about the laws and regulations that govern your chosen activity. You might need to acquire permits for example and you also need to know what health and safety rules might apply. Check with the relevant government departments as to whether they offer assistance and information. ❑ Interest: The motivational gurus call it“ passion” or“ drive”. Whatever one calls it, it ' s the glue that holds all the parts of a business together. For there will be setbacks. Drought or frost might wipe out your crop or disease will kill your animals or your main market could disappear. The extent to which you can rise above these setbacks and forge ahead again undaunted will dictate whether your enterprise will thrive or fail. ❑ Business plan Some smallholders drift into a business from their plot ~ perhaps you have excess fruit, vegetables or crops which you sell and realise that there is a demand for your goods. Or you are so successful at your preserving or bottling that friends and neighbours are clamouring to buy your products. Other smallholders consciously set out to start a business from their plots. But however you go about it, you ' ll need a plan, particularly if you need to borrow money to realise your dream.
Continued on page 39
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