By Emily Mamza Elias
1. Neglecting a business plan – Farming is a business and needs a solid plan for success.
2. Underestimating startup costs – Ensure you have sufficient capital for equipment, seeds, land, and labour
3.Overplanting without a market – Don’t grow more than you can sell or store.
4. Lack of irrigation planning – Proper water management is crucial for crop success.
5. Not tracking finances – Keep detailed records of income, expenses, and profitability.
6. Relying too much on one crop – Diversify crops to spread risks and ensure steady income.
7. No marketing efforts – Growing crops is only half the battle; marketing is crucial.
8. Mismanaging equipment – Maintain equipment regularly to avoid costly breakdowns.
9. Rushing into large-scale farming – Start small, manage risks and gradually scale up
10. Failing to secure contracts –Without agreements in place, you risk not having buyers for your produce.
11. Over-fertilizing – Excess fertilizer can damage crops
12. Underestimating record keeping – Tracking weather, harvests and crop performance improves future yields.
13. Not networking with other farmers –Farming communities & events offer support&opportunities
14. Mismanaging cash flow –Plan for periods of low income between planting&harvest
15. Ignoring buyer diversification –Relying on a single buyer can be risky aim for a diverse base.
