Farming videos make work easier

After unsuccessfully running for the East Wanga ward seat in Kakamega in 2013, James Kamuye, went into depression. “In addition to the loss, I was also left with huge bank loans to repay and I had a family to take care of,” Kamuye recalls.

Kamuye, an IT graduate says after weighing his options, he designed his own website and started blogging on an array of issues. It was while on this mission that he discovered a new area of making money; shooting short videos for farmers on tips on various farm operations. His entry point was Scientific Animations without Borders (Sawbo). Sawbo, he explains, is a Purdue University-based programme that carries out research on relevant topics such as agriculture into 2D and 3D animations, which are then translated into various global languages, including African.

Role of extension services

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“The videos are between two to three minutes. In Kenya, they have been translated into local languages like Luo, Kikuyu and Wanga among others. They are meant for the semi-literate and illiterate people to improve their farming,” says Kamuye.

The farmers get the videos for free. The videos explain simple processes like preparing organic fertiliser, post-harvest loss management, drip irrigation and preparing seed beds among others.

Kamuye, uses his networks to share the videos with farmers in Kakamega and other counties and for that service, he earns a commission from Sawbo. Now they have active farmers in 44 counties.

“We use WhatsApp to disseminate the information to farmers and those who embraced the technology, are into farming for commercial purposes,” says Kamuye, who is the content manager, developer and disseminator volunteer for Sawbo in Africa.

“We have recruited 500 volunteers who work with NGOs, community based organisations and self-help groups in dissemination of information on best farming practices,” he says.

And so far, so good. John Okoti, 65, from Bulecha village in Mumias East Constituency is one of the successful farmers who ventured into commercial farming after receiving tips from Sawbo videos.

“I watched a video on how to preserve grains using the jerrycan and none of it went bad after six months. After harvesting the grains, a farmer is supposed to dry the beans in the sun using a dark sheet to ensure they have very low moisture content,” Okoti says.

Bilali Kweyu, an agronomist from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology lauds the idea.

“Government extension officers are missing in action and the animated videos are filling this gap.

“The videos use the creative technique of animation to highlight how agriculture can help address the many challenges the country  faces today,” said Kweyu.

According to Kweyu, the videos have made the work of farmers easier because even the illiterate ones can learn modern farming techniques and increase their productivity.