Corteva Agriscience strengthens women-led farming through SoilSistas initiative

SOUTH AFRICA – Corteva Agriscience has expanded its SoilSistas initiative, an empowerment programme designed to support women farmers in South Africa with the knowledge, skills and networks they need to thrive in modern agriculture.

The initiative grew out of a survey by Corteva that revealed the obstacles women farmers face in achieving commercial success.

Many remain central to food production in South Africa’s rural regions, yet still struggle with land ownership, training opportunities, financial services, market access and professional support systems.

To close these gaps, Corteva partnered with the Gordon Institute of Business Science’s Entrepreneurship Development Academy (EDA) to create a 12-month blended learning programme.

The approach combines classroom study with hands-on field training, focusing on leadership, sustainable business management and modern farming practices.

Since its launch, SoilSistas has supported more than 120 women across South Africa. In 2025, the programme entered its fourth year and welcomed 60 women from Moletji Village in Limpopo, one of the country’s most active agricultural areas.

“The expansion of the SoilSistas programme is a testament to Corteva’s ongoing commitment to empowering women in agriculture and fostering economic growth, resilience and self-reliance within rural communities,” said Betty Kiplagat, Industry and Government Affairs Leader, Corteva Agriscience, Africa Middle East.

Skills for growth and resilience

Participants receive training in farming techniques, financial literacy, branding, pricing and marketing strategies.

They also gain confidence and leadership skills that prepare them to manage profitable farms while strengthening food security in their households and communities.

The initiative places strong emphasis on market access. Through training in packaging, research and building business relationships, participants learn to identify opportunities and improve their income potential.

“These women are not only running farms but also developing enterprises that contribute directly to rural economic development,” Kiplagat said.

Sustainable farming practices remain central to the programme. Women farmers apply methods such as crop rotation, organic farming, water conservation and integrated pest management.

These approaches boost productivity while helping communities adapt to climate change.

“The SoilSistas programme is part of a larger global effort by Corteva to support women in agriculture and to help them become change agents within their communities. Women play a vital role in tackling global challenges such as food security and climate change and empowering them is a strategic necessity – not just an issue of social justice,” said Kiplagat.

A broader vision for inclusion

Corteva has also expanded its support for women-led agriculture beyond South Africa. In 2025, the company announced new investments in plant nutrition solutions that reinforce its mission of promoting sustainable farming and resilience against climate shocks.

“Corteva Agriscience’s commitment to women-led agriculture shows how targeted empowerment can transform South Africa’s rural economy. The SoilSistas programme demonstrates that empowering women is one of the most effective ways to tackle food security, poverty and climate resilience while laying the foundation for a more equitable agricultural sector. The journey of these women farmers shows the powerful change that happens when potential is met with opportunity,” said Kiplagat.

Through initiatives like SoilSistas and its continued investment in sustainable practices, Corteva is working to build a future where women farmers play a central role in shaping resilient and inclusive agricultural systems.

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