Startup Story
Nokuphila Gumede is the CEO and founder of Field Tech Environmental Solutions, a pioneering South African company that integrates advanced drone technology with precision agriculture. Since founding the business in 2021, she has led its growth, providing farmers with cost-effective, efficient, and sustainable solutions for crop management. Under her leadership, Field Tech has expanded to employ 10 permanent staff and deliver services such as pesticide spraying, fertilizer application, and farm mapping. A recognized leader, Nokuphila has won numerous awards, including the 2024 Green Youth Innovators Pitch, and was a finalist in both the Standard Bank EmpowerHer Awards and National Presidential Awards.
LoA spoke to the innovation-driven Nokuphila Gumede about her work, her vision for the business, and the impact she and her team are making harnessing the power of drone technology to help local farmers.
What does your company do?
Field Tech Environmental Solutions specializes in precision agriculture by using advanced drone technology to help farmers improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase yields. The company offers services such as pesticide and herbicide spraying, fertilizer application, farm mapping, and sugarcane ripening, providing a more precise and eco-friendly alternative to traditional farming methods
“Field Tech’s services are special because we combine cutting-edge drone technology with a deep understanding of agriculture to offer tailored, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions for farmers.”
What inspired you to start your company?
I was inspired to start Field Tech Environmental Solutions by witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by farmers—inefficient resource use, labor-intensive practices, and the pressing need for sustainable solutions. During a period of unemployment, I saw an opportunity to combine my passion for technology with the urgent need to modernize agriculture. I realized that advanced drone technology could revolutionize farming by improving efficiency, reducing waste, and ultimately boosting crop yields. This vision, paired with my commitment to empowering underserved farming communities, motivated me to create a company that not only transforms agricultural practices but also drives economic opportunity and environmental sustainability.
What makes your business, service or product special?
Field Tech’s services are special because we combine cutting-edge drone technology with a deep understanding of agriculture to offer tailored, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions for farmers. Our precision services allow farmers to optimize resources, reduce input costs, and improve crop yields with minimal environmental impact. Unlike traditional methods, our drone services are efficient, precise, and eco-friendly, promoting sustainable farming practices.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to accessibility. We make these advanced technologies affordable for smallholder and rural farmers, empowering them with the tools to modernize their operations.
“What truly sets us apart is our commitment to accessibility. We make these advanced technologies affordable for smallholder and rural farmers, empowering them with the tools to modernize their operations.”
Tell us a little about your team
Field Tech’s team is composed of highly skilled and passionate individuals committed to driving innovation in agriculture. Nokuphila Gumede, the CEO and founder, is a qualified drone pilot with a deep understanding of both agriculture and technology, ensuring precision in every service offered. Thabiso Sithole, the Operations Manager, holds a BCom degree and brings strong operational expertise to ensure efficient daily management of the business. Khanya Nyawo, our Marketing and Sales Manager, holds a diploma in Agriculture and leverages his knowledge to effectively communicate our services and build strong relationships with farmers
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
My entrepreneurial journey began in my childhood, growing up in a farming household where my grandmother, mother, and aunts cultivated vegetables for both consumption and sale. I was actively involved in the growing and selling of produce, which sparked my passion for agriculture and its potential for economic growth. Inspired by my upbringing, I pursued a path in agriculture as I studied agriculture at tertiary level. Apart from being a qualified drone pilot I hold an honours degree in Agriculture from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
We plan to expand our drone fleet and operational capacity to serve a broader range of agricultural sectors across South Africa. Our goal is to establish a national presence by forging strategic partnerships with agricultural cooperatives and local government initiatives, enabling us to extend our cutting-edge, sustainable solutions to more farmers.
“Our goal is to establish a national presence by forging strategic partnerships with agricultural cooperatives and local government initiatives, enabling us to extend our cutting-edge, sustainable solutions to more farmers.”
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
For me the most satisfying aspect of being an entrepreneur is witnessing the tangible impact of my vision come to life. For me, it's incredibly rewarding to see innovative ideas transform into solutions that make a real difference in people's lives.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
For women looking to start up, my advice is to trust your vision and take bold steps forward. Embrace your unique perspective as an asset, and don't be discouraged by challenges—they’re opportunities to learn and grow. Seek mentorship and build a supportive network; surrounding yourself with people who uplift and guide you can make all the difference.
Find out more
Email Address: nokuphilagumede455@gmail.com
Website: http://fieldtec.net
Why LoA loves it…
If South Africa’s smallholder and rural farmers are going to fulfill their economic potential, ensuring local food security, they need to be empowered with the technology and knowledge to modernize their practices. Field Tech Environmental Solutions, founded by Nokuphila Gumede, is providing real, cutting edge drone technology solutions to address these challenges. Her business is creating access to affordable technology and expertise, providing smallholder farmers with the tools they need to take their operations to the next level. Inspirational! — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa