During my fellowship, I had the incredible honor of attending a session on Agriculture in Africa, led by Enock Chikava of the foundation. It was, without a doubt, the most exhilarating and eye-opening experience of the entire program. This session not only reignited my passion for agriculture but also connected the dots between my urban upbringing in Nairobi and the rural farming adventures I enjoyed during school holidays on my grandparent's farm in Kirinyaga, Kenya.

As a child, my grandmother would involve me in various farming activities, and after the harvest season, she'd reward me with some money or a small treat, attributing it to the hard work I'd put into the farm. These moments not only made farming exciting for me but also sowed the seeds of my love for agriculture.

When Enock shared his journey, transitioning from a smallholder farmer to an advisor on policies shaping agriculture in Africa, I was utterly captivated. His words resonated deeply with me, and I couldn't help but draw a parallel between my childhood experiences and the broader issues he addressed.

Two key takeaways from the session profoundly impacted me. First, the importance of empowering women in agriculture. Enabling and supporting women in this sector directly contributes to ending hunger, reducing malnutrition, and indirectly, mitigating conflicts that can arise from food scarcity.

The second point that stood out was the significance of identifying the food baskets of a region and investing in technology to enhance the genetics of crucial crops like Cassava, Millet, Sorghum, and Sweet Potato. This strategic approach has the potential to significantly improve Africa's food security.

Inspired by these insights, I chose to depict the scene with women as the central figures in my artwork. I aimed to underscore the vital role of women in all aspects of agriculture, from technological advancements to financial decision-making. Their empowerment and involvement are not only central to food security but also to the sustainable development of our beloved continent, Africa. 🌾🌱👩‍🌾 #AgricultureForChange #EmpowerWomenInAgri #FoodSecurityAfrica