STRATEGIES TO MITIGATE THE CHALLENGES FACED BY WOMEN IN AGRIBUSINESSES IN RURAL UPHONGOLO, KWAZULU-NATAL

Abstract

This study examined the structural, institutional, and socio-economic challenges faced by women in agribusiness in rural uPhongolo, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Despite women contributing significantly to agricultural production and rural livelihoods, their participation remains constrained by persistent gender inequalities in access to land, finance, markets, and institutional support. A qualitative research design was employed using purposive sampling, where participants were selected based on predefined criteria including active involvement in agribusiness, years of experience, and engagement with local agricultural or institutional structures. The sample comprised twenty participants, including fifteen women engaged in smallholder agribusiness activities and five local government officials. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. The results reveal four key challenges: institutional fragmentation, limited access to financial and physical resources, deficits in skills and technological capacity, and weak policy implementation. These challenges are reinforced by inadequate infrastructure, poor service delivery, and limited coordination among government stakeholders. The study proposes actionable strategies including strengthening intergovernmental coordination, improving monitoring and accountability mechanisms, expanding capacity-building and digital training initiatives, and implementing gender-responsive policy reforms