By: Mpho Shelile
Maseru – Agriculture is vital to food security and economic stability, yet few entrepreneurs embody the drive, vision, and resilience required to address the sector’s most pressing challenges.
Among them is a remarkable Mamello Makhobotloane, an entrepreneur whose journey from a family-rooted farming background to being recognized among the top five in a prestigious agriculture award is nothing short of inspirational.
From grappling with post-harvest losses to pioneering a business model that fosters sustainable growth, Mamello exemplifies how innovative thinking and determination can transform agriculture into an empire of opportunity.
Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, she was introduced to the rhythm and demands of farming at an early age. Her grandfather, a dedicated farmer, cultivated not only crops but also a profound respect for agriculture in her heart. “Watching my grandfather struggle with post-harvest losses was heart-breaking,” she recalls.
Despite his hard work, the lack of market access meant much of the harvest went to waste. This recurring sparked within her a desire to find a solution, igniting the vision that now underpins her business venture: value-added processing.
“The idea was simple but powerful, rather than letting produce go to waste, we could transform it into convenient food products. This not only reduces post-harvest losses but also creates a stable market for local farmers, decreases reliance on imports, and offers local residents high-quality food.” Agriculture, after all, remains the backbone of Lesotho’s economy, and addressing these gaps became a personal mission.
Her decision to pursue a career in agriculture stems from a deep appreciation for the sector’s societal role. “Agriculture ensures food security and will always remain essential, no matter the crisis. It is one of the few sectors that remain sustainable even during unpredictable times,” Mamello explains.
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of agriculture, as global supply chains became unstable. “I realized that investing in agriculture is not only about securing the present but about building a future that generations can benefit from. My goal is to create a business empire that future generations can inherit and expand, ensuring long-term economic sustainability.”
For her, agriculture is not just a business but a legacy. With limited job opportunities in Lesotho, she sees entrepreneurship in agriculture as an opportunity to empower youth, create jobs, and contribute to economic stability.
Breaking into agriculture came with its share of challenges, particularly as a young woman. One of the earliest obstacles she faced was getting people to embrace her unique business model. Operating from Hlotse, she introduced a model that prioritized pre-orders to minimize losses and maintain product freshness. While practical, this concept was initially unfamiliar to many customers, requiring her to invest time in educating them about its benefits. “It was not easy at first, but over time, people began to understand and appreciate the value we were offering,” she notes.
Another challenge lay in securing a reliable supply of raw materials. “I overcame this by building partnerships with local farmers, ensuring not only a steady supply but also supporting their livelihoods.” These collaborations have created stronger community ties and promoted sustainable agricultural practices.
Her experiences in agriculture have not only shaped her business strategies but also had a profound impact on her personal growth. “This journey has made me bolder and more passionate about advocating for women and youth in agriculture. I now see the sector’s immense potential and want to inspire others to explore it.”
When asked about the key skills required for success in agriculture, she highlights a mix of risk-taking, patience, passion, and dedication. “Agriculture can be unpredictable, and success doesn’t come overnight. You need to be willing to take risks and remain patient as you wait for results.”
She also emphasizes the importance of increasing the representation of women in agriculture. “Although we are seeing more women entering the sector, there’s still a long way to go. Women bring unique perspectives and solutions to agriculture, but they often face barriers such as limited access to resources and support.”
For her, true representation goes beyond numbers; it’s about empowering women to lead, innovate, and influence the future of agriculture.
Despite the challenges, she is optimistic about the progress being made toward gender equality in agriculture. “There has been an increase in initiatives aimed at empowering women and youth, giving them access to resources, training, and leadership roles. This growing awareness of gender diversity is crucial in driving innovation and sustainability in the industry.”
She acknowledges, however, that continued efforts are necessary to ensure these gains are sustained and expanded. “We need more policies and programs that not only invite women into agriculture but also empower them to thrive and grow.”
Being recognized among the top five in a prestigious agriculture award and Winning the FWAA Award is a monumental achievement for this young entrepreneur. “This recognition is an incredible honor. Competing alongside some of the most established agripreneurs validates the work I am doing and assures me that my efforts are being noticed.”
Winning these awards was a culmination of hard work and dedication, affirming her impact in the agricultural sector. “It means the world to me, validating my efforts and inspiring me to keep pushing forward.”
Mamello shares that for her, this recognition has boosted her confidence and strengthened her resolve to continue pushing boundaries. “It serves as a reminder that my work is making a difference and inspires me to keep striving for more. It also reinforces my commitment to being a role model for other young women who aspire to succeed in agriculture.”
Reflecting on her journey, she expresses heartfelt gratitude to those who have supported her along the way. “First and foremost, I want to thank my family for standing by me through thick and thin. Their unwavering support gave me hope during tough times when I was demotivated, and my business faced challenges.”
She also extends special thanks to her boyfriend, who has been a constant source of encouragement. “He is my biggest cheerleader and has motivated me to pursue my passion for agriculture.”
Finally, she acknowledges her mentors, supporters, and clients. “I am blessed to have an incredible network of people who believe in me. Their guidance and support have played a significant role in my success.”
Beyond personal achievement, she sees the award as an opportunity to inspire other young women. “I want to show them that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible. Agriculture offers endless possibilities, and I hope my journey encourages others to explore and contribute to the sector,” Mamello concludes.