Fortunate Sokiri has built a diverse career in agriculture, shaped by different sectors, perspectives and countries. Now with South West NRM, she brings that breadth of experience to her work with farmers and landholders across the South West.
In the field as Sustainable Agriculture Project Officer
Six months into her role with South West NRM, Fortunate is spending plenty of time out in the field, working on projects that support healthier soils and sustainable livestock production, strengthen biodiversity, improve water efficiency and build more climate-resilient farming systems.
Fortunate Sokiri, Sustainable Agriculture Project Officer, South West NRM
For Fortunate, the opportunity to work directly with farmers is one of the best parts of the job.
“Every farmer brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. I’ve found farmers to be some of the most generous people I’ve ever met, always willing to share their knowledge and experiences,” she said.
“I enjoy helping producers find solutions that are practical, sustainable and suited to their individual circumstances.”
Fortunate’s particular interests include sustainable livestock production, animal welfare and soil health for better pastures, as well as the potential for new technologies to support smarter, more climate-resilient farming systems.
Her work with South West NRM takes her from collecting samples and analysing data in the field to farm assessments, trials and workshops.
For Fortunate, the goal is to balance productivity with environmental stewardship in the face of climate change, while ensuring agricultural businesses remain viable for generations to come.
Agriculture is a universal language
Fortunate’s connection to agriculture began long before she arrived in Western Australia.
Growing up in Zimbabwe, she was surrounded by agriculture through her family. Her father and uncle were involved in the country’s beef and tobacco industries, with roles spanning agronomy and primary production through to export administration.
“Witnessing their dedication to supporting growers, improving production and contributing to agricultural development sparked my own passion for the sector,” Fortunate said.
Since then, her career has taken her across livestock production, feed manufacturing, biosecurity surveillance, dairy processing, agricultural education, research and food processing.
“Coming from a diverse background, I’ve learned that agriculture truly has no boundaries. The language is universal,” she said.
From paddock to product
Fortunate’s interest in agriculture extends beyond primary production to understanding how decisions made on farm influence what happens further along the supply chain.
Driven by an interest in combining agriculture with food innovation, she pursued postgraduate studies in Food Science and Technology to better understand how primary production techniques influence the quality, safety and processing of farm produce and its by-products.
Her breadth of experience gives her a practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing modern agriculture, from driving productivity and building resilience on farm to meeting the expectations of processors and markets.
Curiosity comes naturally
Ask Fortunate something people might not know about her and the answer explains quite a bit about how she approaches her work.
“I think I would have made a great detective,” she said.
“I’m naturally curious and have a habit of asking a lot of questions. If something doesn’t make sense, I’ll keep digging until I find the answer.”
That curiosity also shapes the way she works with farmers, researchers, industry and community groups. Fortunate believes successful agriculture is built on strong partnerships, continuous learning and a commitment to caring for the land.
“I hope to help farming businesses become more resilient, profitable and environmentally sustainable, while contributing to thriving rural communities,” Fortunate said.
Find out how South West NRM is working with farmers and landholders across the region. Explore our Sustainable Agriculture programs, projects and resources.