Agriculture is changing – and with that change comes new opportunities for women and young people to build businesses, pursue careers and take on leadership roles across the sector, says Betty Kiplagat of Corteva Agriscience.
By Maphuti Mongatane, business development manager at African Farming
The transformation under way in the agriculture sector is creating opportunities that extend far beyond the traditional image of farming, says Betty Kiplagat, government and industry affairs lead for Africa and the Middle East at Corteva Agriscience.
Agriculture has always been about more than crops and livestock for Kiplagat. It involves people, livelihoods and progress, it sustains families and communities, and it contributes to economies and food security. What excites her most today is the pace at which the sector is evolving. Advances in seed technology, data-driven decision-making, climate-smart agriculture and other innovations are opening new possibilities for farmers while helping the industry respond to some of its biggest challenges. As Africa’s population continues to grow, Kiplagat believes agriculture will become even more important in shaping the continent’s future.
Keeping the farmer at the centre
The farmer remains at the heart of this transformation. Putting the farmer first, Kiplagat says, means understanding the realities of farming and ensuring that innovations and services respond to those realities.
Farmers are navigating unpredictable weather, rising input costs, market volatility and growing sustainability expectations, often while making critical decisions with limited room for error. Technology and innovation therefore need to translate into practical value. Reliable seed technology, relevant agronomic advice and solutions that work under real farming conditions can help farmers improve productivity, profitability and resilience.
The objective is not simply to help farmers get through the current season but also to strengthen their ability to remain productive and competitive in the long term.
Also read: ‘Doctor for plants’ powers AFASA’s agricultural incubation programme for women
Innovation will help farmers do more with less
Climate change, water scarcity, pests and rising production costs remain some of the most urgent challenges facing agriculture. Kiplagat sees innovation playing an increasingly important role in helping farmers respond to these pressures.
Advances in plant breeding, improved genetics, biological products, digital agriculture and climate-smart solutions are creating opportunities to produce more efficiently while using fewer resources. Technologies such as genome editing and improved genetics could contribute to the development of crops that are better able to withstand drought, disease and changing climatic conditions. At the same time, digital tools can help farmers make more informed decisions, optimise inputs and improve resource efficiency.
For a sector under pressure to produce more food sustainably, these developments could prove increasingly important.
Women are ready for more
For Women’s Month, Kiplagat’s message about women’s place in agriculture is particularly relevant. Women already play a vital role across the agricultural sector, but she believes the opportunity now lies in expanding their participation into entrepreneurship, leadership and ownership.
The opportunities extend across the entire value chain, from primary production to agribusiness, processing, agri-tech and market development. Women are increasingly building enterprises, adopting technology, creating jobs and contributing to food security. Yet barriers remain. Access to land, finance, training, markets and professional networks continues to affect many women who want to establish and grow agricultural enterprises.
Kiplagat believes sustained investment in skills development, mentorship, leadership opportunities and market access will be essential if women are to realise their full potential. This is reflected in Corteva’s SoilSistas programme, which focuses on women’s leadership, entrepreneurship and agricultural development.
Creating opportunities for women is not simply about increasing participation; it is about creating the conditions in which women can build sustainable businesses and take influential positions throughout the agricultural economy.
Also read: Elevate Her | The women who grow without permission
Farming is a business
Kiplagat says production cannot be viewed in isolation from business management. A successful agricultural enterprise requires more than a good crop or strong livestock performance. Farmers increasingly need to understand their finances, identify market opportunities, manage risk, measure business performance and build relationships across the value chain.
Farmers also need to remain open to technology and new production practices that can improve efficiency. The strongest farming businesses, she says, are those that combine sound production with a clear business strategy and an understanding of their markets.
Also read: ‘Many opportunities for women in agriculture’ – SA Olive CEO
Changing the story for young people
Attracting young people to the agriculture sector remains a challenge. Kiplagat believes part of the answer lies in changing the way young people see the sector.
Agriculture is no longer simply about working the land. It encompasses science, technology, sustainability, entrepreneurship, innovation and business. It is also directly connected to some of the world’s most pressing challenges: food security and climate resilience.
For young people looking for careers that combine purpose with opportunity, agriculture has much to offer. But the industry needs to make those opportunities more visible. Greater exposure, mentorship and skills development can help young people understand the range of careers available across the agricultural value chain. Showing young people successful peers who are already building careers and businesses in agriculture can also help shift perceptions and demonstrate that the sector is dynamic, innovative and capable of offering rewarding career paths.
Also read: Africa’s women in agriculture take the spotlight with 2026 Women Agripreneurs of the Year (WAYA) Awards
A message to young women
For young women considering a career in agriculture, Kiplagat’s advice is to believe in your ability to lead and to never stop learning. She encourages young women to seek mentors, build strong professional networks and embrace opportunities that challenge them to grow. Agriculture needs diverse voices, ideas and leadership styles, she says, and women have an important role to play in shaping the sector’s future.
Leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about being willing to learn, collaborate and contribute to positive change. This mindset could become increasingly important as agriculture navigates a future defined by technological advancement, climate pressures and changing market demands.
Also read: 50 women graduate from Corteva’s SoilSistas programme in Limpopo
An opportunity to shape what comes next
Kiplagat’s vision of agriculture is ultimately one of possibility. It is an industry that must feed a growing population, respond to environmental pressures and remain economically viable for the farmers and businesses that depend on it. But it is also an industry creating new opportunities for women, young people, entrepreneurs, scientists, technologists and professionals across the value chain.
For women in particular, the opportunity is no longer simply to participate in agriculture. It is to lead, innovate, build businesses, create jobs and help shape the future of food and farming.
Kiplagat believes there has never been a more important time for women and young people to step forward and claim their place in the agriculture sector.
Also read:
AgriDuo Masterclass: Young women driving knowledge and compliance in agriculture
