Freetown, 12 August 2026 – For Dr. Juliet Norman and her father, farming is more than a livelihood; it is a mission to transform communities and challenge long‑held perceptions about agriculture.
As Chief Executive Officer of Southern Farming Empire, Dr. Norman is building an integrated enterprise focused on innovation, education and sustainable food production. What began as a modest poultry operation has grown into a vision to strengthen food security and prove that educated women can lead large‑scale agribusinesses.
“I was taught to see agriculture as the last resort, and today my father and I are here changing that narrative,” she reflected.
Southern Farming Empire started with 1,000 birds before expanding to 3,000. Seeking to scale further, Dr. Norman secured support from the Food System Resilience Program (FSRP), receiving about US$70,000 in funding. The first tranche has enabled the acquisition of a 22,000‑capacity battery cage and construction of a poultry building, with additional funds earmarked for expansion.
The enterprise currently employs six permanent staff and casual workers, but faces challenges including rising feed costs, inadequate infrastructure and a shortage of trained personnel. Dr. Norman’s ambition is to reach a 22,000‑bird capacity within two years.
“Don’t see agriculture as a last resort. Don’t see agriculture as something for the uneducated,” she urged, stressing that farming can be a powerful pathway to national development.
For Dr. Norman, FSRP support is helping turn her dream into reality. “I wanted to be one of the women in agribusiness. So far, FSRP is helping me achieve that dream,” she said.
Her journey demonstrates that agriculture is not only a viable business but also a major source of employment and community empowerment.