If you have been following this blog for (just) a little longer than 5 years, then you know that I was once a travel and food blogger.
When I started exploring agriculture at Michigan State University, I thought of it as a natural extension of my work with Kwathu Farms—an opportunity to learn about modern farming techniques and contribute to food security in Africa. But it wasn’t until a conversation with my classmate Ramy that I fully realized the deeper connection between my past and present.
Ramy, in his characteristically thoughtful way, pointed out that my journey didn’t just begin with my recent interest in agriculture—it started years ago as a travel and food blogger. That single observation shifted my perspective, making me see the full arc of my journey—from a childhood love of food, to curating digital stories about dining and culinary experiences, to now working towards producing the food itself.
This realization has made me reflect on how all the dots connect. Food has always been at the center of my story.
A Childhood Love for Food
By Nthanda Manduwi – Economist, Policy Analyst, and Development Advocate
My love for food began in my childhood home, watching Food Network shows with my dad. I was fascinated by the artistry of fine dining, the creativity behind plating, and the precision required to execute a perfect dish. Cooking was more than just a routine—it was an experience, a craft, a passion.
As a child, I dreamed of curating a fine dining experience, bringing together flavors, culture, and storytelling through food. That dream translated into my early work as a food blogger, where I shared restaurant reviews, culinary adventures, and the beauty of gastronomy with my audience.
I traveled, I tasted, I documented. And through that process, I saw firsthand the gaps in the food industry—in sourcing, in quality, and in access.
From Blogging About Food to Understanding the Food Supply Chain
At first, my focus was on the final product—the beautifully plated dish in a fine restaurant. But as I engaged more deeply in conversations about food systems, I began to think beyond the plate:
- Where does our food come from?
- Who grows it, and under what conditions?
- Why do some regions have an abundance while others struggle with food security?
I realized that while I was passionate about food, there was an even bigger story behind it—the story of agriculture, supply chains, and food production. This shift in perspective made me realize that if I truly cared about food, I needed to understand everything that happens before it reaches the table.
The Pivot to Agricultural Production
Fast forward to today, and I find myself at Michigan State University, surrounded by cutting-edge agricultural research, greenhouses, and a world of possibilities. My focus has expanded beyond dining experiences to food security, sustainable farming, and agribusiness.
With Kwathu Farms, my team and I want to not only celebrate food but also contribute to its production. The questions I now ask are not just about flavors and presentation but about yield optimization, climate resilience, and agricultural sustainability.
The shift from food blogging to food production feels like a natural progression, yet it took Ramy’s insight to make me fully appreciate the depth of that transition.
Closing the Loop: A Full-Circle Moment
Reflecting on my journey, I see how every stage—food blogging, supply chain exploration, and now agriculture—has been a step toward something bigger:
- Blogging helped me understand the consumer experience and the demand for quality food.
- Supply chain research helped me uncover the inefficiencies in getting food from farms to tables.
- Agriculture is now my way of addressing those inefficiencies, starting from the ground up.
This journey isn’t just about me—it’s about the broader African food system, which has immense potential but faces significant challenges. If I can contribute even a small part toward closing the food security gap, then this full-circle journey will have been worth it.
So here I am, from food blogger to upcoming agricultural entrepreneur, now working towards growing what I once only curated and consumed.
From this aspiring farmer,
Ntha
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