In the arid landscapes of Loitoktok, a young woman’s passion for agriculture and sustainability is reshaping the community’s future. Jacinta Ndanu’s journey is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication to empowering her community through sustainable agricultural practices and renewable energy solutions.
At 25 years old, Jacinta is a beacon of hope for her community, positively transforming the agricultural sector. Armed with a Diploma in community development and social work from Africa Nazarene University, she channels her passion for agriculture and environmental sustainability into tangible initiatives that make a difference.
By day, Jacinta works diligently as a data clerk at St. John’s Community Centre, where she plays a vital role in organizing and managing essential information. However, her aspirations extend far beyond the confines of her office. She is the driving force behind the Smart Agriculture group, formerly known as the Youth for Sustainable Development group, a grassroots organization committed to promoting sustainable farming practices and food security in the region.
The mission of the Smart Agriculture group is simple yet profound: to educate, empower, and uplift the community by establishing kitchen gardens and adopting sustainable agricultural techniques. Jacinta and her team work tirelessly to support the less privileged, orphanages, schools, and communities in starting their small-scale kitchen gardens, providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to cultivate nutritious, chemical-free vegetables for their families.
Jacinta’s journey took an exciting turn when she learned about the Wezesha training program offered by Africa Instore Solutions (AIS). Wezesha, meaning “empower” in Swahili, is a comprehensive training initiative designed to equip farmers with skills in smart, sustainable farming practices, safe agricultural inputs, home economics, and green energy solutions. Intrigued by the opportunity to enhance her knowledge and skills, Jacinta eagerly enrolled in the program.
The Wezesha training proved to be a turning point for Jacinta. Inspired by the innovative techniques and sustainable principles shared during the sessions, she wasted no time putting her newfound knowledge into action. Armed with a vertical bag and a handful of seeds, she embarked on her journey as a modern-day farmer, planting her first vegetables on her small balcony.
Driven by a passion for learning and a desire to share her knowledge with others, Jacinta became a mentor within the Smart Agriculture group, teaching her fellow members the innovative techniques she had learned. Together, they embarked on a mission to spread awareness and promote sustainable farming practices across Kajiado and Makueni counties.
One of the group’s most impactful initiatives is the installation of vertical bags in communities, allowing residents to grow their vegetables even in limited spaces. Through workshops, demonstrations, and hands-on training sessions, Jacinta and her team empower individuals to take control of their food security and embrace sustainable living practices.
As the Smart Agriculture group continues to expand its reach and impact, Jacinta has set her sights on even greater ambitions. With plans to register as a community-based organization (CBO), she aims to scale up their projects and reach more needy people.
Beyond agriculture, Jacinta has ventured into poultry farming, utilizing an electric-powered egg incubator to hatch chicks for her community. With a keen eye for innovation, she is exploring the possibility of transitioning to solar-powered incubators, further reducing her environmental footprint and promoting sustainable practices in animal husbandry.
In her own words, Jacinta shares her vision for the future: “Agriculture is the cornerstone of our society, and by empowering youth to venture into this field, we can ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. My journey has just begun, and I am committed to making a lasting impact on my community and beyond.”
As Jacinta’s story illustrates, individuals like her are the driving force behind positive change in rural communities. She is paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for all through education, innovation, and collaboration.
As Africa Instore Solutions continues to empower individuals like Jacinta, the ripple effects of their initiatives are felt far and wide. Together, we can sow the seeds of change and harvest a future brimming with possibility and prosperity.