Agriculture is often blamed for low returns and slow growth, but according to Mamua Elali, Founder of Layered Farms, the real issue lies not in the sector itself, but in how it is approached.

In a thought-provoking piece on LinkedIn, Elali argues that many individuals in agriculture struggle not because farming is unprofitable, but because it is treated as routine labour rather than a structured business.

“I’ve seen people invest time, energy, and resources into farming and still struggle to see real returns,” Elali notes. “Not because agriculture doesn’t pay, but because it’s often treated like routine work instead of a structured business.”

From Farm Work to Agribusiness

Elali draws a clear distinction between two types of players in the sector: those who simply work on farms and those who run agribusinesses.

According to her, the difference lies in focus. While traditional farming often centers on daily tasks such as feeding livestock or planting crops, agribusiness demands a results-oriented approach—one that prioritizes outcomes, efficiency, and long-term value creation.

“In agribusiness, every decision matters,” she explains, pointing to critical considerations such as market selection, pricing strategies, return on investment, and scalability.

Beyond Effort: Building Systems for Growth

A key theme in Elali’s perspective is that hard work alone is not enough to guarantee success in agriculture. Without structure, planning, and strategy, even the most dedicated efforts can fail to yield profitability.

“Effort alone is not a strategy,” she emphasizes, warning that being busy does not necessarily translate into financial success.

Instead, she advocates for building systems that ensure consistency and sustainability. This includes thinking in numbers, planning for expansion, positioning products effectively, and understanding customer needs.

Unlocking Agriculture’s True Potential

Elali believes agriculture holds immense potential, particularly in emerging markets, but only for those willing to approach it with clarity and intention.

She argues that the sector rewards entrepreneurs who move beyond subsistence thinking and begin to build scalable, profit-driven ventures.

“This space rewards those who think beyond survival and start building for sustainability and profit,” she says.

A Question for Entrepreneurs

Elali concludes with a challenge to those operating within the sector: to rethink their role and ambition.

Are they simply working in agriculture, or are they building enterprises that can grow independently and sustainably?

For Dorpenyo readers and the wider entrepreneurial ecosystem, the message is clear – success in agriculture is less about the land and more about the mindset brought to it.