Discover how Lindiwe Somo, orphaned at two, found strength in farming. As one of Corteva Agriscience’s #SoilSistas, her journey from corporate life to thriving in agriculture showcases resilience and a commitment to empowering women in the field.
At the age of two, #SoilSista Lindiwe Somo lost both her parents and her maternal grandmother became her legal guardian. Having to uproot her life in Mpumalanga at such a young age, she moved to Limpopo, and a whole new adventure began.
Now selected as one of the inspiring women for 2023 Corteva Women Agripreneur, a year-long blended development programme at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) Entrepreneurship Development Academy, Somo is embracing farming life as a leader.
Uprooted to be replanted
The labour of love and growing food shaped Somo’s outlook on life today. As a farmer herself now, she values the lessons her maternal grandmother imparted.
“My maternal grandmother was a subsistence farmer, and we sustained ourselves through that. She cultivated potatoes, tomatoes, chillies, spinach – anything that could provide food for us,” she explains.
Initially, when she left home for Gauteng, Somo held a corporate job but felt deep within her that she was destined to run a business. “I believed I was meant to be an employer and manage people,” she shares.
Returning to her origins
She returned to Limpopo after deciding to leave her corporate job in 2019. She delved into poultry and vegetable farming. “The business has flourished. We recently secured a contract with a retail store to supply our poultry,” she explains.
While getting her hands dirty, Somo is committed to personal growth and bringing her business forward. She is a devoted believer, praying and fasting for the Corteva Agriscience programme to pave the way for her success, and indeed it did.
“I prayed for it and had faith that I would be selected. When I received the email confirming my acceptance, I was deeply moved, knowing it was all through divine guidance,” she says.
Resonance through struggle
Networking with other women in the farming industry was one of Somo’s primary objectives in joining the programme. She needs to broaden her horizons and do so alongside women who share similar goals and mindsets.
“As women, we often confine ourselves to a limited perspective, feeling isolated. What struck me again was during our second session in the programme when one of our lecturers suggested we introduce ourselves and share the challenges we face. That’s when I realised how much we all resonate with each other’s struggles,” Somo says.
ALSO READ: Rooted in agri: #SoilSista Muthumuvhi keeps glowing and growing
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