How innovations led by women are reshaping Africa’s agriculture future

Four forward-thinking innovators from Uganda and Zimbabwe are reshaping the continent’s agricultural systems, blending indigenous knowledge with modern, sustainable solutions.

As MOURICE MUHOOZI writes from the recently-concluded Eastern Africa Agroecology Conference in Nairobi, their ventures are not just about profit, but redefining success by integrating biodiversity conservation, youth employment and socio-economic transformation into their core.

As the wave of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) expands globally, a distinctive subset is emerging that challenges the conventional business model; agroecology-driven SMEs. By adopting innovative agroecological practices, they are addressing environmental and economic issues in tandem, proving that sustainability can be a powerful driver of growth.

Supported by the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) and other strategic partners, these forward- thinking businesses are demonstrating that the path to a resilient future lies in harmonizing ecology with enterprise.

During the recent second Eastern Africa Agroecology Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, on March 25, 2025, Bob George Sande, the senior agricultural officer in charge of food security at the Agriculture ministry, encouraged investment in agroecology-based enterprises. In a discussion centered on promoting agroecological entrepreneurship to scale up agroecology in East Africa, he urged all stakeholders, particularly the youth, to think beyond conventional frameworks and embrace enterprises that could drive job creation and reduce biodiversity loss across the continent.

“This is about synthetics. What are the alternatives? Are the options we’re offering sufficient? I believe it’s time to scale up research and innovation,” Sande emphasized.

“We must come together and invest more in research and innovation to find sustainable solutions.” Andrew Adem, the Food Systems Coordinator at Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), echoed these sentiments, stating, “Supporting entrepreneurs is crucial for building a market where the food produced by the farmers we support can reach consumers who recognize it and choose it. This is why AFSA, alongside various partner organizations, is focused on fostering agroecological markets and businesses. Each of us, from different sectors, must come together to advocate for agroecological enterprises and create the conditions for their growth.”

INNOVATORS PIONEERING THE CHANGE

Several forward-thinking innovators were recognized for reshaping the continent’s agricultural systems, blending indigenous knowledge with modern, sustainable solutions.

JULIET KANYESIGYE: Transforming dairy goat farming in Uganda

Kanyesigye is redefining sustainable farming with her Kanyes dairy farm. Launched in 2018, Kanyesigye’s farm has over 30 goats, each playing a pivotal role in her innovative agroecological approach.

Through her farm, she focuses on breeding dairy goats for milk production and cosmetics products, creating a ripple effect of benefits for both people and the environment.

“Our goal is not just to produce milk, but to provide a nutritious and accessible alternative for people with specific health needs,” Kanyesigye explained.

The milk produced on her farm is used to create a variety of health-centric products, including goat milk soap, body lotions and organic fertilizers, in addition to yogurt and ice cream.

These products are particularly beneficial for individuals with allergies, low immunity, or those who need specialized nutrition, such as cancer patients or pregnant women. Her business has quickly grown from a small farm to a thriving social enterprise with long-term prospects.

ZORORO TARUVINGA: Bridging culinary arts and agroecology in Zimbabwe

Taruvinga’s journey into agroecology was born out of her passion for food and her desire to support sustainable farming practices. A trained culinary arts chef, Taruvinga started her business, ZoroNeMugoti Investments, with the goal of turning locally-grown, organic horticultural produce into delicious, nutritious foods.

She sources ingredients like tamarind, wild berries and yams from small farmers and transforms them into snacks, drinks and other value-added products. “

For me, the joy of food is not just about taste—it’s about the emotional connection it creates,” Taruvinga shared.

Her focus on indigenous crops, such as yams, reflects a deeper appreciation for local food cultures.

“When I was working outside Zimbabwe, I missed foods like yams. Being able to have them all year round brought me back to my roots,” She recalled.

Her business has become a vital part of the food value chain, empowering small farmers by providing them with access to markets. Farmers who previously practiced subsistence agriculture are now suppliers to her business, transforming them into small-scale entrepreneurs.

GERTRUDE CHAMBATI: Revitalizing indigenous food systems in Zimbabwe

Chambati is championing the cause of indigenous food systems through her enterprise, Majestic Africa PVT Limited. A strong advocate for agroecology, Chambati’s work centers on the processing of small grains and indigenous fruits, products that have been an essential part of the region’s diet for generations.

Her passion for these foods stems from the realization that traditional agricultural practices were inherently sustainable and healthy.

“Our mothers and grandmothers had strong yields and lived healthier lives because they ate foods that were in harmony with nature,” Chambati explained.

By processing small grains like millet and sorghum, as well as indigenous fruits, Chambati is not only preserving these foods but also highlighting their importance for human health and environmental sustainability.

RITA NAGUDI: Herbal teas as a pathway to health and sustainability

Nagudi’s venture, Kipeeke Solutions Limited, is making waves in Uganda’s agroecological landscape with its unique product line—Pumzi blended herbal teas.

These teas are crafted from a carefully curated mix of herbs, spices, fruits and flowers, all selected for their health benefits. Nagudi’s company offers consumers a convenient, health-focused alternative to traditional teas, providing an instant blend that incorporates the powerful healing properties of natural ingredients like ginger, orange and lemon.

“We wanted to make it easier for people to get the health benefits of herbs without the hassle of sourcing individual ingredients,” Nagudi explained.

What started as a backyard project in 2020 has since grown into a thriving enterprise that works with both small-scale farmers and larger commercial growers.

“We’re working with farmers to integrate these herbs into their farms, allowing them to generate income even when their cash crops aren’t in season,” she added.

Beyond their health benefits, these herbs contribute to soil health by increasing nitrogen levels and improving moisture retention.

RISK OF FAILURE TO SCALE

Despite the success stories emerging across Africa, the path to scaling agroecological enterprises is not without its challenges. As highlighted by Thomas Obiero Were, director of Program and Enterprise Development at Agile Consulting Limited, access to financing, supportive policies and institutional backing are crucial to the growth of these businesses.

While agroecological SMEs are well-positioned to innovate, their ability to scale depends on overcoming barriers such as limited access to capital, regulatory bottlenecks and a lack of technical support.

“These businesses need more than just good ideas,” Obiero said.

“They need a conducive environment to thrive—one that provides the right policies, financial support and infrastructure to enable growth.”

Africa has the opportunity to lead the world in reshaping its agricultural systems. By scaling up agroecological innovations and supporting these forward-thinking entrepreneurs, the continent can build a future that is not only economically prosperous but also ecologically balanced and socially just.