This fact needs to be taken into account by those people who are of the opinion that agriculture is only a platform for people who have failed making it in other sectors. Nthabiseng Kgobokoe, a 33-year-old farmer from Mahikeng in North West, believes a person who is actually able to think and apply what they have learned would be able to serve nations with food. This law graduate, who decided to pursue her dream in agriculture, firmly believes there are great opportunities in agriculture for young female farmers.  Kgobokoe founded Batswana Farms and Training in 2013 and prioritised her farming business while ensuring that youth, particularly young black women, play a part in agriculture. She recently shared her view on a webinar that focused on women and the role they play in agriculture.  

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She believes young people are the best mouthpiece to pay the way forward for the new normal which is what the Covid-19-pandemic has brought to the world. It is therefore important to acknowledge there are people who are affected and also infected by the pandemic, hence the importance that "the soldiers who are responsible for food security," bear that in mind.

She says gender equality is not just a moral pursuit, but it is an economic imperative and it is the responsibility of government, commodity groups, and every person who works on the face of the earth.  Strong institutions are needed to drive this integrated agenda.

Kgobokoe also highlights that this year has been a year of many interesting revelations.  This includes International Youth Day where there was an emphasis on engaging young people in different spheres,  especially in the agri space, because it is a crucial sector.  What remains important is to focus and drive the fact that women have always been in the food and agriculture sector. Some were not on the platform of commercial farming, but subsistent production has always been led by women.  Women must stop complaining about what is not, but rather have a positive input on what can be done.

She says young people in South Africa are now saying the time has arrived to stop working in silo's, but they must work together and not only complain. 

Kgobokoe says she studied law, but is proud to say she is now producing food. Agriculture is a space for "cool heads,"  willing to learn, and it is a platform to produce millions of billionaires by advancing opportunities for young women in the country through all roleplayers engaging in this goal.  

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