From Pilot to Practice: Farm-proven Solutions Aim to Open Doors for Young Women in Agriculture
On Africa Youth Day (1 November), Nestlé, in partnership with Farming in Heels, highlighted the critical role of young women in agriculture and the opportunities for youth to shape the continent’s agricultural future. This collaborative initiative underscores Nestlé’s longstanding commitment to creating shared value ensuring that business growth goes hand in hand with positive social impact, particularly by empowering youth and women in agriculture.
Africa is a young continent: more than 60% of its population is under 25. Women already supply a large share of agricultural labour across the region, yet they frequently have the least access to land, credit, training and technology. In sub-Saharan Africa, women account for roughly 40% of agricultural labour; sole ownership of land remains rare: only about 13% of women report sole ownership of land, compared with 36% of men. These gaps help explain why many young women find it difficult to turn farming into a reliable business.
“This was a gathering of people who know that growth begins beneath the surface, in cared-for soil and tended communities, and that true progress comes from creating shared value for all,” said Comfort Tshisikule, Youth & Learning Development Lead, Nestlé East & Southern Africa” said Comfort Tshisikule, Youth & Learning Development Lead, Nestlé East & Southern Africa. “Nestlé aims to support young people with practical skills, mentorship and market links. Our interest in this partnership is pragmatic: to extend our knowledge of what works at farm level, to share those lessons with aspiring women farmers, and to learn where policy and finance still fall short.”
Founded in 2021 by actress and poultry farmer Kamohelo “Kamo” Bombe, Farming in Heels has grown into a platform that provides practical training, mentorship, and engagement for young women interested in farming and agribusiness. Bombe added, “I founded Farming in Heels to support young women in agriculture, giving them access to knowledge and networks that make success possible. Partnering with Nestlé amplifies this mission, reaching more young women and demonstrating the tangible impact of youth-led initiatives.”
Since its launch, the initiative has attracted hundreds of participants across South Africa. Past summits, including the 2023 Midrand conference and the 2024 provincial masterclasses, have offered training in poultry and crop production, agro-processing, farm finance, and market access.
This year’s summit continued that tradition, reflecting Africa Youth Day’s theme of digital pathways for sustainable development. Participants engaged in workshops with key industry experts and panels that explore digital tools in agriculture, regenerative farming practices, and entrepreneurial resilience, reinforcing Nestlé’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth. By investing in young women through these programmes, Nestlé is not only nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders but also creating shared value by strengthening rural communities and supporting broader economic development.
A practical proof point discussed during the event referenced Nestlé’s work with supplier farms to pilot regenerative practices that reduce emissions and improve soil health. “Through projects like the Skimmelkrans low-carbon dairy farm, we’ve seen how focused, evidence-based interventions at farm level can drive measurable progress,” said Hoven Meyer, Group Manager: Agricultural Services, Nestlé ESAR. “These initiatives show that when we understand what works, what improves yields, strengthens resilience, and lowers emissions, we can share those lessons with emerging farmers, including young women entering the sector.”
Farming in Heels and its partners will continue to track which interventions prove scalable and where gaps, in land access, finance, or policy, still need attention. As Comfort Tshisikule said in closing: “If industrialisation is to be sustainable, it must be inclusive; and if it is to be inclusive, it must centre women and youth. Our hope is that every participant leaves with one idea, one connection or one commitment they can act on.”
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About Nestlé
Nestlé is the world’s largest food and beverage company. It is present in 187 countries around the world, and its 291,000 employees are committed to Nestlé’s purpose of unlocking the power of food to enhance quality for everyone, today and for generations to come. Nestlé offers a wide portfolio of products and services for people and their pets throughout their lives. Its more than 2,000 brands range from global icons like Nescafé or Nespresso to local favourites like Ricoffy. Company performance is driven by its Nutrition, Health, and Wellness strategy. Nestlé is based in the Swiss town of Vevey where it was founded more than 150 years ago.
