By Lorato Kgakatsi
My name is Tlotlo, CEO of Native Feeds in Botswana. I am a young woman in agribusiness, and my greatest passion is to see women advancing in this field—not just as workers but as leaders, innovators, and decision-makers. I believe in a future where equality, fair policies, and representation are not just aspirations, but realities for every woman in agriculture. I feel a deep sense of duty to ensure that women are given a fair chance to contribute meaningfully to our economies through agriculture, a sector that sustains millions of livelihoods across Africa.
Growing up in the village, agriculture was part of everyday life. Like many African children, I was surrounded by farming, and my love for it stems from the influence of my parents. From an early age, I was immersed in small-scale farming, which opened my eyes to the challenges that many farmers face. As I grew older, I became determined to find solutions—not just for myself, but for the countless farmers who work tirelessly and yet continue to struggle.
One of the most glaring issues I saw was the lack of market structure. Farmers were producing food, but they had nowhere reliable to sell their produce. This broken value chain left many discouraged, unable to profit from their hard work. This challenge is what inspired me to start my company, Native Feeds—a venture aimed at creating value in agriculture by addressing gaps in the supply chain.
Through Native Feeds, I began working with the Ministry of Agriculture under the Integrated Support for Arable Agriculture Development (ISPAAD) program, supplying seeds and fertilizers to small-scale farmers. It was during this time that I truly connected with farmers and heard their stories. One issue stood out—farmers were not maximizing their produce. Crop residues were wasted, and yet these same farmers were spending huge amounts on livestock feed.
In 2017, I decided to expand Native Feeds into livestock feed production, using indigenous plants, crop residues, and plant by-products. This move was not just innovative—it was sustainable and eco-friendly, offering farmers affordable, locally-produced feed options. It was a game-changer, and it opened new doors for both my business and the communities I serve.
Fast forward to 2025, and I am proud to say that I have grown into an agribusiness specialist. I now run capacity-building programs for rural farmers, equipping them with modern techniques in farm management, animal health, nutrition, and market access. My mission is simple: to empower farmers to be productive, self-reliant, and profitable.
Yet, despite all the milestones I’ve reached, the journey hasn’t been easy. Many assume that with my experience and impact, I must have achieved significant recognition and success. The reality is, I am still fighting for inclusion—fighting for a seat at the table, for a chance to share my expertise, and for equal opportunities in a male-dominated industry.
Being a woman in agriculture is not easy. I have often found myself at the mercy of men who attempt to exploit my ambition. It’s heartbreaking that women are still coerced into exchanging sexual favours for opportunities, simply because they want to succeed in their field. This is unacceptable, and it must change.
That’s why I’m now using my platform—through workshops, community engagement, and media—to advocate for gender-sensitive policies. I believe in a future where women are valued, not violated; included, not ignored. We need more engagements, more support, and more action to ensure that women in agriculture are given the same respect and opportunities as men.
Agriculture is not just a way of life—it is a powerful tool for economic empowerment. If we truly want to transform our economies, we must start by investing in women—because when women thrive, communities thrive.
The author is a Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture and she is also CCARDESA Focal point person for Botswana
