Nadine Botha is the technical and commercial manager at Insectec. The company operates in the agriculture sector and focuses on the production of natural insect enemies and their implementation in integrated pest management (IPM) programmes.

Insectec is situated in Limpopo’s beautiful Letsitele Valley and was founded to develop a secure and steady supply of biological pest-control solutions for producers of a variety of fruit and vegetable crops in the area.

From a small town to the agriculture sector

Botha grew up in a small mining village close to Burgersfort, and later in Polokwane in Limpopo. After finishing high school in 2011, she studied for a bachelor of science degree in zoology, botany and microbiology, and then went on to obtain a master of science degree in IPM at North-West University in Potchefstroom in 2019.

At present, she is enrolled for a PhD at Rhodes University, specialising in the biology and management of the delottococcus mealybug (Delottococcus aberiae), a major citrus pest in South Africa.

During her studies, she was introduced to the agriculture sector and, more specifically, IPM.

“This exposure made me realise what immense potential the agriculture sector holds in creating a sustainable society. Within the sector, we can make a meaningful impact, as it offers countless opportunities to promote sustainable farming, whether through innovative pest-control strategies or technological advancements to improve crop yields,” she points out.

Botha adds that the moment she realised the critical role agriculture plays in shaping a sustainable future, she knew that it was a field she wanted to dedicate her career to.

“The efforts of so many people in the sector contribute to enhancing food security while protecting our natural environment. That realisation shaped my future,” she says.

Career progression

In 2020, Botha accepted a position as a field services and marketing representative at BioBee. Next, she joined the Insectec team in 2022 as a sales representative. The potential of this skilled entomologist was soon recognised, and she was given more responsibility.

Today, as technical and commercial manager at Insectec, Botha’s responsibilities regarding marketing include managing the sales team; focusing on business development, including the identification of new markets and product opportunities; and building strong relationships with farmers, distributors and industry partners.

From a technical perspective, she gives advice to the sales team, clients and distributors; conducts on-site field visits; and organises training opportunities.

“I also collaborate with the research and development team to improve current products and develop new solutions to address emerging pest challenges,” adds Botha.

Looking at her career, she points out that being able to actively advocate for and implement IPM strategies fuels her enthusiasm for the sector.

“Educating and supporting farmers to adopt sustainable farming methods, thereby contributing to improved sustainability, remains the highlight of my daily work. Helping them make informed and smart decisions on which farming practices are more sustainable and suited to their farms and crops is a privilege, as these decisions are essential for balancing productivity and environmental stewardship,” she says.

On her specific contribution to the agriculture sector, Botha says that her ability to translate entomological research into practical solutions has helped farmers achieve better pest control through biological methods. She adds that she hopes her research will make a valuable on-farm contribution.

Driving the expansion of biocontrol adoption

According to Botha, 2025 is the year that Insectec will focus on further expanding the adoption of biological control methods.

“We hope to incorporate new solutions into our portfolio. In addition, we will also focus on collaborating closely with farmers to provide them with customised pest-control strategies based on their crops, pest challenges, and environmental conditions,” she adds.

On a more personal note, Botha says that finishing her PhD is one of her priorities for the year.

Challenges faced and overcome

When asked about any challenges she has had to overcome in her career so far,
Botha says: “One challenge I have been confronted with is having to navigate industry scepticism about the efficacy of biological control. I try to overcome this by showing
results through trials, field data, and case studies, and by supporting [farmers] on their farms.”

According to her, the person who has had the biggest influence on her career is Prof Johnnie van den Berg, a well-known entomologist in the agriculture sector, especially with regard to his work on the maize stalk borer (Busseola fusca).

“[Van den Berg] exposed us to agriculture and made us see the value of our contributions as entomologists in the sector,” explains Botha.

She is adamant that young women should consider agriculture for career opportunities.

“Agriculture is not just about farming; it’s about science, technology, and sustainability. The sector is brimming with opportunities for young women and offers diverse career paths and the opportunity to address some of the world’s most pressing issues, such as food insecurity and climate change.

“By choosing a career in agriculture or agricultural science, young women have the opportunity to contribute to solutions that will help feed a growing global population in a more sustainable manner,” adds Botha.

Breaking boundaries

She stresses that young women should not be afraid to break stereotypes: “Pursue your passion for science, and you will find an abundance of opportunities where you can make a lasting impact.

“Women are bringing new perspectives, innovative ideas and transformative leadership to agriculture.”

She continues by saying that collaboration, whether in science or any other field, is key.

“No scientist works alone. It is imperative to collaborate with peers, mentors, and people in other fields. Try to build a strong network from a wide audience and share ideas. It is equally important to learn from others,” she explains.

In her spare time, Botha loves to run: “My biggest hobby is running, but I enjoy many others like hiking, birding and collecting insects.”

She warns, however, that achieving a work-life balance isn’t always easy: “It is quite hard to balance everything, especially while being a part-time student as well. I try to schedule and prioritise downtime and time for my family.”

For more info email Nadine Botha at [email protected].