The Yield

Imagine two farmers.They grow the same crop.In the same region.They receive similar rainfall, buy similar seed and apply similar fertilizer.Yet one consistently harvests more, spends less and survives difficult seasons far better than the other.Why?The answer often lies beneath their feet.In this episode of The Yield, host Zanele Hlatshwayo sits down with Soinato Leboo, Co-Founder of Rhea, a Kenyan AgriTech company helping farmers make better decisions through faster, more accessible soil intelligence.Together, they explore one of the most overlooked topics in African agriculture: soil health.From declining fertility and degraded soils to the role of microbes, organic matter and data-driven farming, this conversation examines why soil may be the single most important asset on any farm—and one of the least understood.Soinato shares insights from working with farmers across Africa, building agricultural technology solutions and helping producers move from guesswork to informed decision-making. The discussion also explores regenerative agriculture, soil testing, fertilizer use, climate resilience and the practical steps farmers can take today to build healthier, more productive farms.If you’re a farmer, agribusiness owner, investor, researcher or simply interested in the future of African food systems, this episode will change the way you think about what lies beneath the surface.In This Episode• Why soil health remains one of the most overlooked topics in agriculture• The hidden factors behind farm productivity and profitability• What healthy soil actually looks like• Why some farms consistently outperform others• The role of soil biology, microbes and organic matter• Common misconceptions about fertilizer and soil fertility• How technology is changing soil testing and farm decision-making• Practical steps farmers can take to improve soil health today• Why soil health matters for Africa’s food security futureKey Takeaways• Healthy soil is one of the strongest predictors of long-term farm performance.• Fertilizer alone cannot solve every productivity challenge.• Soil biology plays a critical role in nutrient availability and plant health.• Better data leads to better farming decisions.• Soil restoration is both an environmental and business opportunity.About the GuestSoinato Leboo is the Co-Founder of Rhea, a Kenyan AgriTech company focused on improving soil intelligence for farmers. Through a combination of portable diagnostics, technology and farmer-centered advisory services, Rhea helps producers better understand their soils, improve productivity and make more informed management decisions.Her work sits at the intersection of agriculture, innovation and sustainability, with a focus on helping farmers unlock better outcomes through data-driven decision-making.About The YieldThe Yield is a podcast exploring the stories, businesses, markets and ideas shaping the future of African agriculture.Hosted by Zanele Hlatshwayo — investor, farmer and storyteller — the show brings together farmers, entrepreneurs, researchers, investors and industry leaders to discuss the opportunities, challenges and innovations transforming food systems across the continent.New episodes every week.ConnectFollow The Yield for weekly conversations on farming, agribusiness, investment and the future of African agriculture.Instagram: @theyield.africaLinkedIn: The Yield AfricaWhatsApp Community: Join The Yield community for insights, opportunities and conversations from across African agriculture.Connect with The YieldSubscribe for new episodes exploring the future of African agriculture.Follow The Yield:Instagram: @theyieldafricaLinkedIn: The Yield AfricaYouTube: The Yield AfricaWhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbDJYD011ulPjxJCiv3OHosted by Zanele Hlatshwayo, investor, farmer, and storyteller.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone passionate about agriculture, agribusiness, and Africa's future.Because when Africa grows, the world thrives.

Welcome to the very first episode of The Yield.I'm Zanele Hlatshwayo, a South African farmer, investor, and storyteller based in Kenya.By day, I work across some of Africa's largest agribusiness and food security investments. By early morning and late afternoon, you'll usually find me walking fields, fixing irrigation problems, checking crops, and learning first hand what it takes to build a commercial farm.In this episode, I share the journey that led me to launch The Yield and why I believe Africa's agriculture story is far bigger than most people realize.We explore the opportunities, challenges, and contradictions shaping African agriculture today, from food security and climate resilience to export markets, entrepreneurship, and investment.Most importantly, we discuss why Africa needs better agricultural storytelling and why the future of the continent may depend on it.Whether you're a farmer, agribusiness founder, investor, policymaker, student, or simply curious about the future of food, this podcast is for you.In This Episode Why I started The Yield  My journey from South Africa to farming in Kenya  Lessons from building an export farm  Why storytelling matters in African agriculture  The future of African food systems Key Quotes"Plants don't care about your plans.""Every economy depends on agriculture.""Africa doesn't have a shortage of opportunities. We have a shortage of stories being told."Chapters00:00 Welcome to The Yield02:45 How I Found My Way Into Agriculture05:01 What Farming Has Taught Me07:19 The People Behind African Agriculture10:02 The Future of African Agriculture12:01 What's Next for The YieldConnectInstagram: @theyield.africaNewsletter: The Yield on SubstackConnect with The YieldSubscribe for new episodes exploring the future of African agriculture.Follow The Yield:Instagram: @theyieldafricaLinkedIn: The Yield AfricaYouTube: The Yield AfricaWhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbDJYD011ulPjxJCiv3OHosted by Zanele Hlatshwayo, investor, farmer, and storyteller.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone passionate about agriculture, agribusiness, and Africa's future.Because when Africa grows, the world thrives.

Welcome to The Yield.Africa is home to some of the world’s most innovative farmers, entrepreneurs, investors, and food system leaders. Yet many of their stories remain untold.Hosted by investor, farmer, and storyteller Zanele Hlatshwayo, The Yield explores the people, businesses, ideas, and investments shaping the future of African agriculture.From export farming and agribusiness growth to food security, agricultural innovation, climate resilience, and investment, each episode brings practical insights and honest conversations from those building Africa’s agricultural future.Whether you’re a farmer, entrepreneur, investor, policymaker, student, or simply curious about the future of food, The Yield is your front-row seat to the conversations driving change across the continent.Subscribe now and join us as we explore the opportunities, challenges, and stories behind African agriculture.Because when Africa grows, the world thrives.Connect with The YieldSubscribe for new episodes exploring the future of African agriculture.Follow The Yield:Instagram: @theyieldafricaLinkedIn: The Yield AfricaYouTube: The Yield AfricaWhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbDJYD011ulPjxJCiv3OHosted by Zanele Hlatshwayo, investor, farmer, and storyteller.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone passionate about agriculture, agribusiness, and Africa's future.Because when Africa grows, the world thrives.