Smallholder farmers
control the land they farm
and they own the land.
--
They sow the seed deep,
and keep their soil warm and moist.
Seedlings appear soon.
--
First, a wobbly stalk.
Plenty of water needed
to form green pepper.
--
Walking to the field
every day for three month,
caring for the plants.
--
Ten peppers per plant?
This year - unachievable
due to prolonged drought.
--
Time for harvesting
the green fruits before Christmas.
Will it be enough?
--
The wholesale market.
Nightmare for small producers.
Every pepper counts.
--
The price is too low.
On the bush - the green fruit rots.
No earnings for them.
--
Great vegetable loss.
Failed market mechanisms.
Who are suffering?
--
Smallholder farmers.
Ensure food security.
And barely survive.