In celebration of Youth Month, we caught up with Yolanda Maphalala, the founder and CEO of Isithelo EsiHle Ecological Farm in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal. Maphalala is among a growing number of young leaders leveraging agri-tech innovation and sustainable farming practices to transform rural agriculture and empower their communities.
Maphalala’s journey into agriculture was not a direct one. Growing up in Zwelisha, Bergville, she was surrounded by a deep respect for the land and a strong sense of community. However, she initially did not see agriculture as a business opportunity. Her perspective changed when she studied BSc Agricultural Economics, which opened her eyes to the potential of combining sustainability with innovation. This led to the birth of Isithelo EsiHle Ecological Farm, a venture aimed at regenerating soil, empowering rural farmers, and bringing ecological awareness into food production.
Her perception of the agriculture sector has evolved significantly since she began her agribusiness journey. Initially, she viewed agriculture as a traditional, manual industry with limited innovation. However, she soon realised the potential for transformation, particularly in the areas of data, technology, sustainability, and systems thinking. She now sees agriculture as a powerful vehicle for economic development, climate resilience, and social justice, especially in rural communities.
Maphalala’s journey has not been without challenges. Access to capital has been a significant hurdle, particularly for tech-based agricultural ventures led by young people. She recalls her business plan being laughed at because it was tech-based, and she was told that no one would fund such a venture. Additionally, navigating harsh weather conditions and changing mindsets around new technologies among older farmers has required patience and relationship-building.
Despite these challenges, Maphalala has made significant strides, thanks in part to her participation in the Metropolitan Collective Shapers programme. The programme provided her with access to mentorship, entrepreneurial exposure, and the confidence to position her ideas more persuasively. It gave her the platform to refine her vision, network with like-minded innovators, and be taken seriously as a young, tech-driven farmer.
Maphalala’s advice to other young people interested in pursuing a career in agriculture or agri-tech innovation is to start with their “why.” She encourages them not to wait until they have everything figured out but to start small, fail fast, and learn. She also emphasises the importance of leveraging free resources, talking to people in the industry, and not being afraid to ask for help.
Looking ahead, Maphalala sees technology playing a crucial role in shaping the future of farming in South Africa, particularly in terms of youth involvement. She believes that technology makes agriculture more appealing and accessible to the youth, creating new career paths beyond the fields.
Her goals for the future of Isithelo EsiHle Ecological Farm are ambitious. She aims to scale the farm into a full agri-system, supplying inputs, processing crops, and distributing to retail markets. She also plans to establish an agricultural bank that supports farmers and agripreneurs with tailored financial products and business training.
Maphalala’s journey serves as an inspiration to other young people looking to make a difference in the agriculture sector. Her story highlights the potential for innovation and technology to transform traditional industries and empower communities. It also underscores the importance of support and mentorship programmes in helping young entrepreneurs overcome challenges and achieve their goals.