Discover #SoilSista Patience Moyo’s serendipitous leap from health and safety to chilli, garlic, and ginger cultivation. Amid challenges and unexpected shifts, her journey embodies resilience and community spirit.
Patience Moyo’s path to agriculture wasn’t a straight line; it was a serendipitous stumble into the world of chilli, garlic, and ginger cultivation. Coming from the health and safety industry, this #SoilSista’s journey back to her family’s farming roots was unexpected yet filled with determination.
“I got into farming as a fluke,” she confesses, recalling the moment opportunity knocked. An acquaintance nudged her towards the untapped market of chilli, garlic, and ginger, drawing her back to her family’s agricultural legacy.
Moyo hails from Roodepoort in Gauteng, but she farms in Mpumalanga. Challenges were part of the package.
“The first time we planted, we didn’t understand much about it,” Moyo reminisces. Learning became a communal effort, involving stakeholders and experts to navigate the unfamiliar terrain.
Exploring the world of agritech
Covid-19 brought both demand and climate variability, a double-edged sword. While the pandemic bolstered the demand for her produce, climate change posed significant threats. Balancing these dynamics became crucial for stability and sustainability.
Yet, Moyo’s journey didn’t stop at traditional farming. Embracing innovation, she delved into the drone industry, recognising its potential to shake up agricultural practices. Drones weren’t just gadgets; they became tools for efficient data collection and informed decision-making.
Her entry into the 2023 Corteva Agriscience Women Agripreneur Programme marked a turning point. “It was one of my highlights,” she beams. The programme wasn’t just about learning; it was about unlearning and relearning. “I was absorbing everything that came my way,” she says.
The #SoilSistas programme wasn’t solely about skills; it was about community. “I met so many different women,” she adds, reflecting on the camaraderie and shared experiences that emerged. It wasn’t just knowledge; it was finding “soul sisters for life”, women sharing the same journey, united in support and motivation.
Persevering through loss
Through all this, Moyo’s advice echoes a simple truth: “Form your own little community.” She recognises the power of networking and building support systems, urging others to create their circles, fostering shared learning and lighter burdens.
Her story isn’t just about crops or drones; it’s about resilience amidst loss and the continuity of life. “After having lost my husband,” she briefly mentions, her voice carrying the weight of her journey. It’s about finding inspiration, even in the most unexpected places, and embracing change, regardless of life’s uncertainties.
Patience Moyo’s story isn’t a glossy narrative of success; it’s a candid account of navigating the twists and turns of life, finding strength in community, and persevering against all odds to nurture a dream on the farm.
ALSO READ: From finance to farming, #SoilSista Matjene found her destination
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