Young innovator turns to technology to get youth into farming

He has won five awards due to his passion for agriculture, but he says he has barely scratched the surface to get more youth interested in farming.

The young man from Langas in Uasin Gishu County received his latest award for creating farming tutorials that he disseminates through his website and on social media platforms, including YouTube.

During the African Green Revolution Forum held last month in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Larry Keya, 28, was recognised for his video messaging concept. His videos document the planting, management and harvesting of various crops.

“It is a concept that I started three years ago; the uniqueness of the venture is in the detailed explanations given for the processes involved from planting to harvesting crops. The information given in video format gives beginners a better idea on farming,” he said.

Mr Keya said his entry was voted the best in a competition on concepts that encourage the youth to invest in agriculture.

Born and brought up in Kakamega County but currently living in Eldoret with his wife and two children, the youthful innovator said his interest in incorporating technology into farming began after he attended a trade fair during the second year of his studies.

WELL TENDED

“I visited one of the greenhouses on display that had nice tomato plantations, and I was impressed by the manner in which short-term crops could grow if well tended,” he said.

Keya soon teamed up with a friend to rent a greenhouse while still in campus, and they began growing tomatoes for sale.

“The experience was challenging because we incurred huge losses. I remember being very disappointed because of the poor yields.”

Reversing the losses took up a lot of his time, which meant Keya did not receive his undergraduate degree in agriculture because he did not do the industrial attachment, which was required for him to graduate. He insists, however, that he did his practicals at his farm and will soon seek a certificate.

“I am optimistic that the undergraduate nightmare shall soon pass, I wish the university would have seen me on my farm, which has been my training ground for the past four years.”

His focus to make his farm a success saw Keya stumble on the idea of creating video messages to inform farmers on what to expect from their crops, and how to maximise output.

“Most people lose hope soon after incurring losses from their produce. My videos are meant to tell them how to plant and care for their crops, and also prepare them for potential challenges.”

He posts the clips on his iFarm website where anyone can access them, and those interested in learning more can sign up for online courses at a fee.

INFORMED POSITION

“In most cases, I post videos on cultivating various crops and an estimated financial plan for the entire process so that those interested can try cultivating them from an informed position,” Keya said.

“The initiative is aimed at helping farmers improve production and incur as few losses as possible.”

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