Agnes Hove, director of African Women in Agriculture, embodies her passion to empower and develop women agripreneurs and entrepreneurs in Mzansi.
In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, she talks about transitioning from the corporate world to finding joy in partnering with nature, and about her work as a director of African Women in Agriculture.
Hove shares that after entering the agricultural industry, she quickly realised that it wasn’t her area of expertise. However, through her experience and observation, she identified a need in the field – strategic planning.
Although the advantages of logic, markets, demand, and supply chains are all applicable to farming, the planning of agricultural strategies is quite distinct. She says that farmers have no control over food prices even though they essentially grow crops.
“It’s all about planning, strategising, and using expertise too. I supposedly achieved a different goal. But part of what I really love with what I do is the development part. We empower women; it’s not just us farming, but we teach them how to learn to farm. From poultry farmers to essential oil manufacturers.”
Challenges faced by women in the sector
Hove cites women’s lack of access to land as one of the industry’s biggest problems. She says that having a title deed grants you access to a variety of resources, including funding, and thus serves as a “key” to unlock many different opportunities.
Her passion for levelling up women in business also saw her partner with four other women to found an organisation called “We Connect”. Their mission is to introduce businesswomen to the corporate world.
“We all come from totally different backgrounds, all of us are passionate about the development of women. I think that’s been the glue that kept us together, that’s been our purpose.”
This episode also features # SoilSista Tandiswa Hopa who worked at a development funding organisation before she decided to quit and pursue a career in agriculture.
ALSO READ: Why purpose is the x-factor in successful farming
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