#SoilSista Pheladi Chiloane epitomises passion and purpose. Her farming journey champions community empowerment and sustainable progress, challenging stereotypes through innovative agribusiness.
#SoilSista Pheladi Chiloane’s journey embodies the fusion of passion and purpose. With a background rooted in subsistence farming and a degree in politics and public management, she carved a different path. As the founder of African Agricultural Solutions, her mission transcends mere career aspirations – it is about catalysing empowerment in marginalised communities through agribusiness.
Through various projects like poultry farming, chilli cultivation, and cassava processing, she aims not only to provide economic opportunities but also to enrich the lives of those in rural communities. From providing quality protein to engaging the local workforce, her initiatives reverberate with sustainable progress.
Overcoming hiccups
However, the journey wasn’t without hurdles. Challenges loomed large, from securing funding in the nascent stages to battling age-old stereotypes. As a young woman in agriculture, she faced scepticism and biases entrenched in societal perceptions. The lack of infrastructure compounded the struggle – inadequate roads, limited internet access, and the inability to navigate during heavy rains posed constant challenges.
Chiloane’s determination eclipsed these obstacles. Self-funding her venture initially, she sought grants and support from various programmes and private institutions. Her commitment to empowering herself and her community remained unwavering, demonstrating that her passion for change outweighs the adversity encountered.
A story of hope and resilience
Her involvement in the Corteva Women Agripreneur Programme marked a turning point. The mentorship and networking opportunities not only provided business insights but also connected her with a sisterhood of women facing similar rural challenges. Through these connections, she found solidarity and emotional support, countering the isolation often felt in the agricultural realm.
Her vision expands beyond profit margins; it’s about community impact. Projects like cassava processing aim to skill and empower the women and youth in her community, opening doors to opportunities previously unseen.
Chiloane’s advice to aspiring women in agriculture resonates with wisdom forged through experience – brace for challenges, embrace disappointments, but remember the intrinsic reward of positively impacting lives.
The spirit of resilience
Her story, ultimately, isn’t just about agricultural success; it’s about rewriting narratives, shattering stereotypes, and nurturing communities. Her journey embodies the spirit of resilience, echoing the profound impact of a single individual’s determination to create a ripple effect of change.
In a world where agriculture often sits in the shadows, Chiloane shines a spotlight on its diverse facets, inspiring a new generation to see beyond the soil and envision a future where empowerment and progress flourish hand in hand.
ALSO READ: Rooted in agri: #SoilSista Muthumuvhi keeps glowing and growing
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