Empowering Women in Agriculture Essential for Advancing the Value Chain, Experts Assert at PepsiCo Event

At PepsiCo’s recent event, The Business of Being a Woman in Farming, industry leaders and experts convened to discuss the pivotal role women play in agriculture and the challenges they face in advancing within the value chain. The event emphasized the need for systemic changes, collaboration, and equal access to resources to empower women and enhance productivity in the agricultural sector.

Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) and event moderator, underscored agriculture’s significance to the South African economy, contributing approximately 8% to the GDP and labor market. He highlighted how women’s involvement in farming is essential to sustaining this sector.

Anthony Viljoen, Agronomy Director at PepsiCo SA, pointed out that women’s natural nurturing abilities could lead to a 20-30% increase in productivity if they were given more control over agricultural activities. He also noted that women in agriculture tend to work around 680 hours more annually than their male counterparts.

The event spotlighted PepsiCo's commitment to supporting women in farming through its Kgodiso Development Fund. Tshegofatso Selepe, Head of Agribusiness at the fund, explained how they provide not only financial support but also essential business guidance to black new-era farmers, ensuring their long-term success.

Keneilwe Nailana-Mabona, Senior Manager for Agribusiness Insights at Standard Bank, stressed the importance of creating spaces for women to collaborate and share their experiences. She highlighted the need for women to be confident in engaging with the value chain and financial discussions.

Ayanda Mbonani-Vana, COO at Khula!, discussed how technology is helping to break down barriers for women in agriculture. She emphasized that platform businesses like Khula! are enabling women to access the same markets as their male counterparts.

Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, passionately advocated for empowering women to move higher up the agricultural value chain. She highlighted the need for better training in business and financial management and stressed the importance of overcoming land ownership barriers that hinder women’s progress in the sector.
The event concluded with a call for continued efforts to support women in agriculture, recognizing their potential to drive transformative change within the industry.