In the heart of Zambia, Muleya Kazabu is quietly challenging a conventional perception about commercial agriculture in Africa: that it is always be dominated by men. With her determination and passion for the farm and the people who work it, Muleya exemplifies the power of women in agricultural leadership. She’s not only breaking down obstacles in her role at Kakulu Farm but also creating pathways for the next generation of women.
Stepping into a leadership role in agriculture wasn’t easy for Muleya. Agriculture in Zambia, like in many parts of the world, is a male-dominated field, with deep-rooted social norms that often discourage women from pursuing leadership roles. Muleya noted that, as the only woman on her team, she's had to prove her strength and expertise continually. "You have to be tough on the inside before you show it on the outside," she said. Muleya credits her resilience to the strong example set by her mother, who instilled in her a mindset of independence and determination from a young age.
Muleya’s role at Kakulu is multifaceted, blending administrative oversight with a deep commitment to employee well-being. Her primary responsibilities span human resources, farm sustainability and workplace safety, where she fosters a healthy and respectful environment for her colleagues. She emphasizes the importance of balancing professionalism with empathy, which she believes helps build strong and trusting relationships with her team. “It’s about creating a space where employees feel heard and valued,” she explains.
One of Muleya’s standout achievements at the farm is her leadership in educational initiatives. Under her guidance, Kakulu offers a pre-school for the children of farmworkers, and has now begun adult education classes. The adult learner classes are open to all farm workers and their spouses, but have been particularly successful in attracting women learners. These classes cover essential life skills, from reading and financial literacy to parenting techniques. For many women in the farmworker community, this has been transformative, allowing them to communicate more confidently, manage household finances, and take on leadership roles within their families.
Muleya is immensely proud of the positive impact these educational initiatives have had on the women of Kakulu. She describes how some women, previously hesitant to speak out due to language barriers or a lack of confidence, now participate in community decisions and even help their children with schoolwork. Muleya recounted one of her proudest moments when a woman from the community proudly reported a 95% score on an English test. “It’s a fantastic feeling,” Muleya shared, her pride evident. This empowerment and newfound confidence among the women highlight the significance of these programs in building a resilient and capable community.
Muleya’s journey in agriculture began with an unexpected love for the fieldwork that lies behind the administrative side of farming. Initially envisioning a life spent primarily in the office, she soon found herself captivated by the agricultural process itself—from planting seeds to seeing the full harvest. Today, Muleya sees her role as more than just a job; it’s her calling. Even after a brief stint in finance, she missed the hands-on experience of farm life, which led her back to agriculture. Now, she hopes her story will inspire more young women to consider careers in this field.
Her advice to those women? “Just go for it. Nothing is impossible.” Muleya firmly believes that with the right resources and training, women can thrive and drive productivity in agriculture. This empowerment, she says, not only benefits the women themselves but also strengthens the communities they support.
Looking to the future, Muleya has a vision for Kakulu: to see more women in leadership positions, paving the way for a balanced and inclusive workplace. She hopes to inspire future generations of female leaders, showing them that women have just as much to contribute to agriculture as men. As Muleya put it, “We add a touch of perfection to everything we touch.”
Her ultimate goal is to change perceptions, to prove that women are equally capable of making impactful decisions in agriculture. By leading programs that teach women essential skills, from literacy to financial management, she hopes to leave a legacy of resilience, confidence, and ambition.
Muleya Kazabu is more than just a leader; she is a symbol of the progress and possibilities for women in agriculture in Africa. Her work demonstrates the essential role women play in food security and sustainable development and highlights the importance of creating spaces where they can thrive. In Muleya’s words, celebrating and empowering women in agriculture isn’t just about supporting individuals; it’s about building a future where all women in the sector are valued, capable, and driven to succeed.
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