When Mrs. Diane Sibanda speaks about smallholder farmers, you hear the heartbeat of Southern Africa’s soil in her voice, steady, determined, and full of purpose. Though she once saw herself simply as a farmer, her journey has proven she is so much more: a teacher, a builder, a leader, and a fierce advocate for those often left behind.Her connection with the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA) has been marked by collaboration, inspiration, and tangible impact. One of the most defining moments was when Diane, through the Botswana Farmers Association (BOFA), co-hosted a powerful Women and Youth Symposium with CCARDESA. The event created a safe and empowering space for knowledge sharing, bold discussions, and collective dreaming. For Diane, it became a pivotal moment.
"That collaboration with CCARDESA reminded me that I can do anything to uplift women and smallholder farmers," she recalls. "It gave me the courage to stand for the position of Chairperson of the Regional Farmers Association—and I’m proud to say I won the hearts of the members."
That courage and conviction have now been recognized on a continental stage. Mrs. Diane Sibanda has been voted as the new Chairperson of the Eastern and Southern Africa Small-Scale Farmers Forum (ESAFF) Headquarters. She continues to inspire and break border boundaries, showing the power of cross-border collaborations in advancing the voice and visibility of smallholder farmers, especially women.
Diane has never waited for ideal conditions. She built the Botswana Farmers Association from the ground up with minimal resources, armed only with vision, resilience, and a commitment to uplift others. Under her leadership, the association has grown in strength, reach, and influence. She thrives in community and believes that being a woman uniquely positions her to fight for equitable representation at decision-making tables.
“Smallholder farmers will always hold a special place in my heart,” she says. “They are the backbone of our food systems, and I will always champion any initiative that empowers them.”
A strong believer in the power of knowledge, Diane has led efforts to create platforms where farmers can access timely and practical information. For her, being a teacher is not about formal classrooms—it is about mentoring, guiding, and elevating others in the fields, in communities, and across regions.
Attending CCARDESA’s General Assembly further deepened her belief in regional cooperation. The partnerships, networks, and shared goals remind her that true transformation in agriculture requires unity beyond borders.
As she leads ESAFF with integrity and fire, Mrs. Diane Sibanda is not just representing Botswana she’s representing every smallholder farmer, every woman, and every young person waiting for their voice to matter in Africa. Through her story, we are reminded that change begins when one farmer dares to dream bigger.
