Naomi Seitshiro – Celebrating Women in Agriculture

You know you are doing a good job when your community gives you a nickname related to products and services that you sell. Farmers Review Editor, Rocky Gofamodimo, chats with Naomi Seitshiro to find out why they call her Mma Mmidi…

Summarise your business:

We grow maize at GFP Kernel farms which we sell to schools and some we sold cooked on the street which really was a good start for first timers. This month we starting growing rape, tomato and butternut

Why does it suit you?

I believe good health goes a long way on our happiness and I can contribute to that by ensuring people eat right. I would not be farming if I was not passionate about people in my country and Africa at large eating right because most of diseases affecting us are a direct result of what we eat.

Where did you get the idea from?

I was born a farmer. I started practicing backyard farming from a young age. I even had a backyard garden  at Lobatse Secondary School teachers quarters where my mother worked. She wasn’t fond of the idea though.

How did you get started? Did it take much investment?

My fiancée, who has been my pillar of strength gave me the piece of land that I’m currently using. I used my savings from my previous businesses to start up my current venture. Before I started growing maize at Zoroga, I used to buy maize from as far as Sherwood which I will then cook and sell. It was funds from that business that I used buy more equipment needed at the farm. I used to money to buy seeds, fertilisers and pesticides as well.

How did you find and grow your customer base?

Customers are the heart of our business. Without profitable customers no business can survive for long. I went supply  street vendor around Nata. I have also  signed contract to supply Choppies Nata with rape. I grew  my customer  through consistency supply of quality products. They trust me now. and they love what I gave them. That’s the only way one can grow his/her customer base. Consistent supply of a quality product. Around Nata people have now given me a nickname.  “Mma Mmidi”. I don’t mind because it shows people know what I do. So I will always be first in their minds whenever they need maize.

What skills do you need for the job?

I would say the main skill needed in farming is patience, willingness to learn, and be true to yourself. Do not be afraid ask if you dont know. Approach the extension officers, agronomists, as well as  agric shops to ask what you need to know. Also make sure that you read and research as much as you can. Always remember that agriculture is a profession of hope.

What’s been your biggest challenge so far? How did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge remains climate change. The rains this year were bad. The  water level in our borehole has gone down. We try to overcome this by employing good conservation agricultural practices like watering late hours or early hours and mulching using saw dust. Plans are at an advanced stage to change our irrigation system from spray to a drip system.

Where do you see the business in five years’ time?

I believe in 5 years we would have started penetrating the global market. Our target this year is to grow our market from Nata to other areas in Botswana, all the way to Maun and Kasane. Our plan is to start  processing our produce in order to export our produce and subsequently reduce post harvest losses.

What do you do when you’re not working?

I spend most of my time with my family when I’m no working. My three kids keep me busy.  Other than that I attend shows, workshops or field days to learn and interact with other farmers. I also enjoy reading and I’m currently reading a book by Goitsemang Khutsafalo.

Who inspires you and your business?

I am inspired by women who are unapologetic about their dreams. The type of women who can risk everything by quitting their 9 to 5 jobs  like Maria Zileni Zaloumis of Tuzini farms. Some from Botswana the likes of Neo Seate, Pearl Ranna, Chabana farms. Theo Bree Khumo of African prints. I am greatly inspired by people who are never comfortable with any level of their business but are always looking for ways to improve and bring something new the market wants.

Any advice for those who want to venture into agribusiness especially with a ground breaking product

I will say to them do not die with your dream. Launch it because Botswana needs it. Start small and never ever quit….