Different women from different social and career backgrounds all contribute immensely to the sustainability and diversity of the Zambian agricultural industry.
During our visit to the Copperbelt, in January, we had the opportunity to meet Effatah Jele: a pioneer for women in agriculture and one of our country’s earliest female dairy farmers.
Effatah is passionate about farming, having been farming herself in Luanshya (Fisenge) since 1975, and has made great efforts and developments over several decades to advance the inclusion of women in agriculture.
She has also provided a safe and encouraging space for women to rise to decision-making positions in what was once a male-dominated sector.
Just like any farmer starting out, Effatah faced hurdles in her journey to becoming the successful farmer she is today. These ranged from animal illness and death to facing challenges purchasing fresh cow’s milk for her infant son.
Fortunately, Effatah is a solutions-oriented woman and these hurdles did not stop her journey; instead she saw an opportunity to earn an income, sustain her family and make impactful change for women in agribusiness.
In 1982, Effatah became a member of the Zambia National Farmers' Union (ZNFU), of which she became the first female vice-chairperson. This position led her to sit proudly on the board of the Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SACAU) when it held its annual policy conference on March 29, 2010.
Effatah has been participating in the Zambia Dairy Transformation Programme (ZDTP) since 2017, which has seen her implement skills and knowledge in her business practices – from record keeping to preventing mastitis.
‘Mama Jele’, as she is known by her peers, encourages all women, especially young women, to invest and participate in the farming and livestock industry.
Known for her kindness, initiative and proactiveness, Effatah is committed to transforming the livestock sector in Zambia and invites other women to join her on the journey.