Corteva Agriscience has celebrated a major milestone with the graduation of 50 women from its SoilSistas programme in Moletji, Limpopo. This marks the culmination of a transformative 12-month journey focused on empowerment, technical training and agricultural entrepreneurship, equipping rural women with the tools, confidence and leadership skills to drive meaningful change in their communities.
Established by Corteva Agriscience in partnership with the Gordon Institute of Business Science’s (GIBS’s) Entrepreneurship Development Academy, the SoilSistas initiative was created to uplift and empower women farmers by addressing the systemic barriers they face in agriculture.
Through the programme, participants receive hands-on technical training, mentorship and access to critical resources that support sustainable farming practices, economic independence and leadership growth.
Also read: Empowering women, transforming agriculture
A key contributor to the programme’s success has been the ongoing technical support offered throughout the year. “Working with the SoilSistas has been immensely rewarding. Their commitment to learning and applying new techniques has been inspiring. We’ve seen real transformation in the field and I’m proud to have played a part in their journey,” said Reggie Mchunu, Key Accounts Manager at Pannar Seed.
Transforming Potential into Leadership
Betty Kiplagat, Government and Industry Affairs Leader for Corteva Agriscience Africa Middle East, emphasised the transformative impact of the initiative.
“The SoilSistas initiative was born from a deep commitment to empower women who are the backbone of agriculture,” she explained. “Many of these women face barriers, from limited access to training and finance to restricted market opportunities. SoilSistas bridges that gap by providing the knowledge, resources and confidence they need to grow their businesses and transform their communities.”
The programme blends academic learning with practical experience in areas such as modern farming techniques, financial literacy, marketing and sustainability. Participants are trained in market research, branding, packaging and pricing strategies, skills that open access to new markets and enable the development of profitable enterprises.
But the impact goes beyond technical skills. “We combine practical farming knowledge with business acumen, mentorship and a strong peer network,” Kiplagat added. “Our alumni are now leading by example, launching successful enterprises, contributing to local economies and mentoring the next generation of farmers.”
By pairing classroom instruction with field-based learning, the SoilSistas programme builds confidence and prepares participants to become effective business leaders and decision-makers capable of addressing the dual challenges of climate change and food security.
Sustainability lies at the heart of Corteva Agriscience’s mission. Through SoilSistas, the company promotes environmentally responsible practices such as crop rotation, water conservation and integrated pest management. These approaches not only enhance productivity but also strengthen resilience in rural communities, ensuring long-term environmental stewardship and food security.
Also read: Empowering Rural Women: A Catalyst for Sustainable Development
A Vision for Inclusive Agricultural Growth
The graduation of the 50 SoilSistas in Limpopo is a powerful testament to what can be achieved when potential meets opportunity. By investing in women-led, sustainable farming, Corteva Agriscience is not only addressing immediate food security challenges but also helping to reshape the agricultural landscape of rural South Africa.
Kiplagat underscored the importance of collaboration in achieving this vision. “Partnerships with organisations such as the Gordon Institute of Business Science and local agribusinesses have been crucial in providing exposure, world-class education and opportunities,” she said. “Together, we are planting the seeds of a more inclusive and resilient agricultural future.”
Empowering women in agriculture, she added, is far more than a social initiative, it is a strategic step towards eradicating poverty and hunger. Her message to aspiring female farmers was, “Believe in your power to lead. Agriculture needs your voice, ideas and vision. Don’t wait for permission, create your space. Programmes like SoilSistas are here to walk alongside you every step of the way.”
Also read:
Advancing agricultural research: Corteva’s collaboration with research institutions in SA
Claiming space, shaping futures: MEC Ramokgopa’s call at the Women and Young Entrepreneurs Awards 2025
Homegrown innovation is the key to Africa’s agricultural future
