By Maphuti Mongatane
On Saturday 17 August, I had the privilege of attending the Farming in Heels summit at the Matambandou conference venue in Hartbeespoort, representing African Farming, a brand extension of Landbouweekblad, South Africa’s largest agricultural multimedia platform.
Hosted by the visionary Kamohelo Bombe, the summit was an inspiring gathering of women making significant strides in agriculture. It was a day filled with knowledge-sharing, empowerment and a collective commitment to advancing the role of women in this crucial industry.
Farming in Heels
Bombe, an accomplished TV presenter and poultry farmer, established Farming in Heels in 2021. Her goal was to create a platform that not only celebrates the contributions of women in agriculture but also provides them with the resources and support they need to succeed.
Farming in Heels was born out of a recognition of the incredible potential of South African women in the agricultural sector and a desire to uplift them as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of farming.
The Hartebeespoort summit was a testament to this mission. It brought together women from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared passion for agriculture. The event was designed to equip participants with practical skills and knowledge to help them thrive in their agricultural ventures.
From discussions on poultry, livestock farming and crop management to insights on funding and agro-processing, the summit was a comprehensive educational experience for everyone involved.
Nestlé Needs YOUth
The collaboration between Farming in Heels and Nestlé Needs YOUth (NNY) is a powerful example of how partnerships can drive meaningful change.
Launched by Nestlé in 2013, NNY is a global initiative focused on empowering young people through economic opportunities.
The programme is built on three core pillars: entrepreneurship, employment and employability, and agripreneurship. These pillars reflect Nestlé’s commitment to creating pathways for young people to secure jobs, start businesses and lead the way in innovation and sustainability.
Nestlé Needs YOUth has reached more than 5 million young people worldwide and aims to impact 10 million youth by 2030, offering them the tools and opportunities they need to build successful futures. In Africa, this commitment is particularly crucial, given the continent’s young population and the immense potential for growth in the agricultural sector.
Hoven Meyer, group manager of Nestlé agricultural services for eastern and southern Africa, said: “Nestlé is deeply committed to empowering the next generation of leaders through our Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative.
“By continuing our partnership with Farming in Heels, we are not only supporting women in agriculture but also advancing sustainable development that will benefit communities for years to come. Together, we are creating pathways for young people to secure jobs, start businesses, and lead the way in innovation and sustainability.”
The Hartebeespoort summit was the latest chapter in a growing collaboration between Nestlé Needs YOUth and Farming in Heels. The partnership, which began last year, is rooted in a shared vision of empowering young women in agriculture. By combining their resources and expertise, these two initiatives are making a significant impact on the lives of young women across South Africa.
Summit participants had the opportunity to engage in workshops and discussions led by experts in the field. Topics ranged from the technical aspects of poultry farming to the broader challenges of accessing funding and markets. The event also provided a platform for networking, allowing women to connect with each other, share experiences and build valuable relationships that could support their future endeavours.
One of the highlights was a poultry masterclass which offered participants hands-on training in poultry farming techniques. This session was particularly valuable for those looking to enter or expand their presence in the poultry industry, a key focus area for Farming in Heels.
Looking to the future
Farming in Heels has ambitious plans, including more summits and training sessions designed to empower even more women in agriculture. These events will continue to build on the foundation laid by the partnership with Nestlé Needs YOUth, offering women the tools and resources they need to thrive in a rapidly changing agricultural landscape. The next summit will be on 14 September at the Capital Hotel in Mbombela, Mpumalanga.
The collaboration between Nestlé Needs YOUth and Farming in Heels is more than just a partnership; it is a movement. Together, these initiatives are helping to create a future where women play a central role in agriculture, driving innovation, sustainability and growth in the sector.
As I reflect on my experience at the Hartebeespoort summit, I am struck by the resilience, determination and passion of the women I met. Their commitment to agriculture and their willingness to share their knowledge and experiences is inspiring.
The summit was not only a celebration of their achievements but also a powerful reminder of the potential that exists when women are given the support and resources they need to succeed. The work being done by Nestlé Needs YOUth and Farming in Heels is paving the way for a new generation of female agricultural leaders.
By investing in these women, we are investing in the future of agriculture in South Africa and beyond. The impact of this work will be felt for years to come, as these women continue to lead the way in creating a more inclusive, sustainable and prosperous agricultural sector.
It was an honour to be part of this journey and to witness the incredible impact these initiatives are having on the lives of young women in agriculture.
