Zimbabwean entrepreneur Chipo Tachiona, co-founder and director of Farmyard Investments, runs a company that focuses on using modern technological approaches to provide solutions in the agricultural sector.
“Our company is focused on developing cutting-edge solutions that streamline agricultural processes, such as precision farming and sustainable water management. We are currently based in the Willowvale area of Harare. At the moment we have a team of builders and engineers totaling about 20,” says Chipo.
“The inspiration behind starting Farmyard Investments stemmed from a combination of my husband’s passion for agriculture and belief in the transformative power of technology.
“I caught on and my desire in this industry grew. I noticed that many traditional farming practices were labor-intensive, inefficient, and unsustainable, while also realizing the potential of innovative technologies to revolutionize the industry,” she adds.
Growing up in Harare
Growing up in Zimbabwe’s capital city of Harare, Chipo had an urban upbringing. From losing her mother to eventually starting her business with her husband, Chipo’s entrepreneurship journey has been driven by persistence and determination.
“My story begins with my upbringing in the city of Harare. Nothing to do with the countryside whatsoever. I was exposed to the healthcare industry, as my mom was actually a nurse, and so I wanted to be a doctor.
“I grew up in a supportive and nurturing environment where education was highly valued. This encouraged me to pursue my educational journey, where I excelled in Mathematics and Science. However, I lost my mother at the age of 18 just before writing my A-level exams and so I did not do as well as expected.
“I moved to the UK, studied Nursing Science, and married my high school sweetheart. My husband, on the other hand, grew up in a family that was big on farming and my mother-in-law actually holds a degree in Agriculture.
“My husband and I established a company that supplied veterinary equipment such as livestock-castrates, ear tags, and drenchers. Farmyard Investments achieved a breakthrough by supplying big companies like Farm and City and Fivet,” adds Chipo.
Spreading Wings
After Chipo and her husband moved back to Zimbabwe, their company continued supplying vet equipment before expanding into manufacturing silos, chicken egg incubators as well as cattle spray races.
With the agricultural landscape undergoing significant changes in recent years, driven by technological advancements, growing environmental concerns, and evolving consumer preferences, Chipo and her team have managed to adapt.
“We were actually the second company to start manufacturing spray races during Covid-19. To stay ahead of these changing trends, our company invests heavily in research and development to constantly innovate our products and services.
“We also prioritize partnerships and collaborations with industry experts, and farmers themselves. This helps us stay informed about emerging technologies, consumer demands and best practices, allowing us to adapt our strategies accordingly and maintain a competitive edge,” Chipo notes.
Overcoming Skepticism
Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with challenges. Chipo and her team at Farmyard Investments have had their fair share of challenges. However, using setbacks and obstacles as a learning curve has been critical for Chipo in ensuring her business stays afloat and continues to grow.
“One significant obstacle we encountered was skepticism from farmers and clients who were hesitant to purchase from us. Some would end up going with another company only because it was run by Caucasians.
“I learned that persistence and an unwavering belief in your vision are crucial. By demonstrating the value and potential of our solutions, we were able to secure the necessary funding and establish ourselves as a leader in the industry.
“This experience taught me that resilience and determination are essential traits for any entrepreneur,” explains Chipo.
‘Build Strategic Partnerships’
As the leader of a thriving business that has done work for big organizations such as World Vision, Heifer International, Welthungerhilfe, and many renowned cattle farmers across Zimbabwe, Chipo is well-placed to advise other entrepreneurs trying to establish themselves.
“For small businesses or entrepreneurs entering this industry with limited resources, I would suggest that they focus on innovation. Identify a niche or develop a unique solution that addresses an unmet need in the market. This will help you stand out and attract potential customers and investors.
“Build strategic partnerships by collaborating with like-minded individuals or companies that can offer complementary skills, resources, or knowledge to help your business grow.
“Leverage technology by using cost-effective technology solutions to streamline your operations, improve efficiency, and scale your business effectively. Foster a culture of agility and adaptability and be prepared to pivot your strategy or business model in response to changing market conditions or customer needs,” Chipo advises.
Looking Ahead with Optimism
Chipo, who is excited about the integration of Artificial Intelligence, the internet as well as robotics in agriculture, says her entrepreneurship journey has taught her the importance of resilience and adaptability.
“Starting and growing a business comes with numerous challenges, and it is essential to be able to bounce back from setbacks and pivot when necessary. This lesson has shaped my approach to business and leadership in several ways.
“I recognize that the business landscape is constantly evolving, and staying open to new ideas and approaches is crucial for success. I also believe that having a diverse, resilient, and adaptable team is key to navigating challenges and seizing opportunities.
“Finally, encouraging my team to learn from both our successes and failures enables us to grow, innovate, and stay ahead of the curve,” explains Chipo.
