By: Erastus Andreas
At 26, accountant-turned-entrepreneur Sofia Emilio is building a future in agriculture from Endola in the Ohangwena Region, turning her childhood passion for farming into a growing business.
Speaking to The Village Newspaper, Emilio said she ventured into farming after facing the reality of high unemployment despite being an accountant by profession.
She is the founder of Sosarina Sustainable Farming, a youth led project focusing on crop production, poultry farming and aquaculture.
The project currently focuses on catfish farming, with a pond holding more than 1,000 fish. It also produces fruit trees, seedlings and papayas, which are sold to people in the surrounding community.
For people in Endola, the project is already providing more than just food.
Community member Nekundi Junias said Sofia’s farming activities have created opportunities for young people to earn an income.
Junias said young people, including himself, assist with harvesting and selling produce such as papayas, earning commissions from the sales.
“Before, many young people thought farming was for old people. But seeing Sofia, a young woman, succeed has changed that mindset,” Junias said.
He added that Sofia’s integrated farming approach, including using water from the fish ponds to irrigate the garden, has also attracted learners from nearby schools who visit the project to learn about agriculture.
Sofia’s farm manager, Sara Hamaulu, said she has seen the entrepreneur’s determination firsthand.
Hamaulu described Sofia as “diligent, responsible and very initiative-driven”, saying her decision to enter agriculture despite having an accounting background demonstrates her determination and vision.
According to Hamaulu, Sofia’s accounting background has also helped her manage the business by keeping proper records, controlling costs and planning for growth.
“She saw a problem of unemployment, food insecurity and unhealthy practices and decided to be part of the solution. That’s leadership,” Hamaulu said.
Hamaulu believes the project has significant potential if it receives the necessary support.
She said Sosarina could grow into a model farm that creates more jobs, supplies larger markets and encourages more young people in Ohangwena and beyond to enter agriculture.
The farm currently has papayas available for sale, while its next catfish harvest is expected towards the end of October. Sofia says the project aims to harvest fish twice a year.
