

Hello, My name is Michelle I am a 37 year old female who is born and raised in Lusaka, My interest in Agriculture was driven by my curiosity where seasons were measured by rain and harvests rather than calenders. At 10 years i was intrigued on how food is grown and how farming supports communities and economies.
I started studying agricultural science while in primary at Lotus Basic School in Lusaka, particularly because of my interest in sustainable agricultural practices and the role of innovation in improving productivity while protecting the environment.
My grandmother's farm was my classroom during holidays, I planted potatoes and trusted the land to respond as it always had with the green surroundings and my curiosity about what else the soil might be capable of, the farm to me was not just an inheritance; it was a space for learning, experimenting, and adapting
I asked my grandmother if she could try planting cotton on a small section of her land. She was hesitant because cotton wasn't common in our area, and what does 13-year-old Michelle know about agriculture after a few studies and the risk of failure? But I framed it as a trial-and-error experiment, just a small plot, nothing that would endanger the rest of the farm
After some thought, she agreed, trusting both the land and my determination. That decision changed everything because, against our expectations, the cotton thrived
After I completed my senior high school at Lusaka Girls School, I moved to Cape Town, South Africa, where I attended college and studied (I.T) Information Technology And I currently run my own cosmetic business, My grandmother however ventured into politics, becoming one of the founders of UPND, the liberal party which is now in government.
Her political affiliation with the current government has placed her within circles that include senior party members and public officials. Through years of involvement and loyalty, she has built personal and professional relationships that give her access to ministers and other influential figures. My friend's husband is also the Nephew of a minister, which places him within a well known political family.