Tag: agriculture

Farmer.Chat: Shaping Modern Agriculture for Youth in Kenya

Posted on by michael

In Meru County, Kenya, at the vibrant heart of its agricultural community, Annred Gakii’s farm stands as a testament to innovation and resilience. At 29, this single mother has dramatically transformed her agricultural practices and economic outlook through the strategic use of advanced technology. By leveraging the capabilities of Farmer.Chat Kenya, an AI-powered digital assistant designed specifically for farmers, Annred has not only revolutionized her farm operations but has also become a source of inspiration and leadership within her community.

Annred’s venture into agriculture was born out of necessity—a young single mother returning to her parents’ home, determined to forge a sustainable future for her son and herself. Initially, her efforts were met with modest success, limited by traditional farming methods that did not yield enough to lift her family out of financial uncertainty. The turning point came when she discovered Farmer.Chat Kenya through a local agricultural training program. This innovative tool introduced her to a world of possibilities, including real-time agricultural advice and data-driven farming techniques.

One notable instance of the tool’s impact came when Annred faced an urgent crisis: her dairy cow became severely ill. Utilizing Farmer.Chat, she quickly accessed vital advice on how to handle the situation. “The cow was assessed and found to be fit for consumption and so I sold it off to the slaughterhouse in good time,” Annred recalls. The proceeds from this sale allowed her to purchase a new calf and sustain her dairy operations without financial loss.

Buoyed by this success, Annred expanded her agricultural endeavors. Initially focusing solely on millet, she diversified her crops to include maize, beans, bananas, sunflowers, and even ventured into poultry farming. Each step of the way, Farmer.Chat provided her with tailored advice that maximized her yields and minimized costs. The digital tool helped her understand the best planting practices and optimal harvest times, significantly boosting her farm’s productivity.

“The financial barriers that once seemed insurmountable are now a thing of the past. School fees are no longer a problem, and now, I even support my parents,” Annred shares with pride. This financial stability is a direct result of her embracing technological solutions in her farming practice, which have not only increased her yields but also enhanced the quality of life for her family.

Moreover, Annred’s success has elevated her status in the community, turning her into a local agricultural advisor. Her experience with Farmer.Chat has equipped her with the knowledge to assist her neighbors and fellow farmers, translating digital advice into practical, actionable farming strategies. This role has not only empowered her but also fostered a spirit of collaboration and mutual growth within her community.

Looking to the future, Annred is enthusiastic about further expanding her crops and exploring new agricultural technologies. She is especially keen on continuing to improve her advisory role, aiming to nurture a new generation of tech-savvy, young farmers in Meru County. “The potential to revolutionize farming with digital tools is immense, and I am just getting started,” she states confidently.

Annred Gakii’s story is a compelling example of how integrating technology into traditional farming practices can lead to remarkable outcomes. It underscores the critical role of innovative digital tools like our AI assistant, Farmer.Chat in empowering farmers to make informed decisions, increase productivity, and achieve sustainability. As we celebrate her achievements, we also recognize the broader implications for agricultural development—where technology and traditional knowledge meet, the possibilities for transforming lives and communities are boundless.

From Unemployment to Entrepreneurs: The Transformative Impact of a Youth-Led Enterprise in Ethiopia

Posted on by michael

In the vibrant region of Oromia, specifically in Jimma, a remarkable youth-led enterprise named Sabit, Medina, and Mubarak Youth-Led Enterprise (YLE) has emerged as a beacon of hope and change. This group of 30 determined young men and women came together in December 2022 as part of the ACAL-II Phase II project, which focuses on advancing conservation, agriculture, and livelihoods.

Before Digital Green and the Environment, Coffee Forest Forum (ECFF) stepped in through the ACAL Phase II project, the members of YLE faced unemployment and limited opportunities. Many had been helping their families with agricultural work in rural areas but lacked formal training in agriculture or nursery establishment.

With Digital Green’s intervention, YLE members received thorough face-to-face training on nursery establishment and management, youth group principles, by-law preparation, and entrepreneurship. This training gave them the theoretical and technical knowledge they needed to succeed. Additionally, the group received a significant operating capital of ETB 100,000.

The district administration generously provided 4 hectares of land for YLE’s nursery site. The group quickly seized this opportunity, producing various seedlings that not only generated revenue but also contributed to conserving the region’s biodiversity. Their current production includes 64,000 coffee seedlings, 4,500 avocado seedlings, 19,000 forest seedlings, 40 modern beehives, and 2.5 hectares of vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, onions, and potatoes.

Recently, YLE successfully harvested their vegetable crops, yielding 10 quintals of cabbage, 9 quintals of carrots, and 5 quintals of onions. These products were promptly delivered to the market, resulting in profitable returns for the group. Additionally, they ventured into honey production, reaping 350 kilograms of pure honey during one harvesting season. They sold 150 kilograms of honey in the local market, generating a total income of ETB 65,500. Combining the revenue from vegetable sales and honey production, YLE achieved an impressive total income of ETB 230,000 for the season.

These changes have been transformative for the YLE members. They have not only gained economic stability but also a renewed sense of purpose and hope. Sabit Seman, one of the group leaders, highlights the transformative power of Digital Green’s intervention, emphasizing how it has empowered the YLE members to become dynamic, visionary individuals ready for change.

The impact of the YLE’s success has not gone unnoticed. Abduselam Zakir, an expert from the district agriculture office, has been providing them with technical support for the past year. He commends the YLE as a shining example among similar groups in the district, praising their enthusiasm and readiness to contribute to the local economy.

Abdo Aba Mecha, the head of Gomma district administration, shares in the optimism surrounding the YLE. During his recent field visit with the Digital Green team, he highlighted the YLE as an exemplary group for the youth in Gomma Woreda, recognizing their potential to become future investors and valuable contributors to the country’s economy.

Looking to the future, the YLE envisions further progress and expansion. With 65,000 coffee seedlings maturing on their site, they anticipate selling each seedling for ETB 10, totaling a projected revenue of ETB 650,000. Moreover, they plan to diversify their production by venturing into animal fattening, beekeeping, and wintertime wheat irrigation. These endeavors hold the promise of acquiring even greater revenue and transforming their lives for the better.

The story of Sabit, Medina, and Mubarak Youth-Led Enterprise serves as an inspiring testament to the transformative power of youth empowerment and sustainable agriculture. With the support of Digital Green, these young individuals have overcome adversity and are now shaping a brighter future for themselves and their community in Oromia’s Jimma region.