Born in Nkowankowa, Nsuku Nhlangwini always knew from a young age that she wanted to provide food for those who lack.
“When I was about eight-years-old, I was watching the news with my mother. It was at the time when there was famine in Ethiopia. I remember them showing a lady with two kids under the age of three, all of them looking very skinny and malnourished. Out of confusion and curiosity I asked my mom why they looked like that and she said that it was because they did not have food.
At that moment I said to myself “when I grow up, I want to be able to give them food” and that is when I knew I would end up in agriculture,” she said.
Nsuku said she initially studied agricultural management in her first year, however it wasn’t challenging enough for her.
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“In my second year I changed to mixed farming management mainly because I wanted to do animal production, soil sciences and crop production.
After completing my degree in 2017, I did a short online course with Agricolleges International in fundamentals of avocado production in 2019.
This course was helpful because we have avocados on our farm and my degree did not cover fruit production,” she said.
As a research technician Nsuku plans and oversees all the trials that take place on the farm.
When asked how they use technology to enhance the future of agriculture and food security, Nsuku said
“there are a lot of apps that we use on the farm as the 4th industrial revolution has taken over. I am happy that I developed “digital citizenship” through the Agricollege short course I did. I am now able to use technology to plan and run trials which are mainly aimed at improving yield as well as internal and external quality of our produce.”
Working in a male dominated industry has had its challenges, however, she has displayed a defiant spirit.
“Honestly it is difficult but possible. I believe that what has worked for me in overcoming the challenges that come with working in a male dominated industry has been knowing my identity and being defiant. It is very important to know your purpose in life and who you are.
My studies through Agricolleges made me realise that as a woman I can compete in a male dominated agri-environment,” she said.
She advised young aspiring female farmers not to allow anyone to make them feel intimidated because of their gender.
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“I highly doubt that intelligence, passion, and hard work have anything to do with gender. Women are rocks, so never forget that when you enter this industry.
The word “Farmer” has no gender attached to it. Always let the love for what you do speak for you,” she said.
Nsuku told Herald how humbled she was knowing that she is one of the women breaking the stereotypes that farming is for men.
“I feel humbled and blessed. I have always loved a challenge. I remember in my first year when our soil lecturer told us that Soil sciences was difficult and only a few would make it to second year, and maybe none would make it to third year. Because he said that, I registered for Soil sciences and made sure I got distinctions for all my tests and exams.
So being in farming and breaking the stereotypes kind of feels like getting those distinctions for the “difficult” Soil sciences, humbling, yet exciting,” she said. 
Even though she has been struggling to get funding for her honours degree since 2017, she believes that she will get it soon.
“In 10 years’ time I will have a PhD in agriculture. I will most probably still be doing research while educating rural communities all over the world about sustainable agricultural practices. I also intend enrolling in further short courses through Agricolleges,” she said.
Nsuku finds her motivation from her family and her curious mind and passion for agriculture and learning.
