Transforming agriculture: The young entrepreneur behind smart greenhouses

Rayford Mwenda at one of his smart greenhouse projects [Photo: Silas Nyamweya]

Briefly introduce yourself

I am a multiple award-winning social entrepreneur, Resolution Project Fellow co-founder and the managing director of Vermi-Farm Initiative. I am also ICT for AG Next Gen Ambassador 2024, and One Young World and Z Zurich Foundation Scholar, 2024.

Tell us about Vermi-Farm Initiative and your low-cost greenhouses for smallholder farmers

The Vermi-Farm Initiative is a social enterprise dedicated to transforming agriculture through innovative and sustainable solutions. Our flagship product, the Vermi-Farm DigiShamba, is a low-cost, greenhouse designed for smallholder farmers. It uses technology to create an optimal growing environment, enhancing crop yields and ensuring food security for farming communities.

The DigiShamba integrates Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and automated systems to monitor and control critical factors such as temperature, humidity, and soil moisture. This technology enables farmers to optimize their resources, reduce water usage, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The greenhouse is designed to be affordable and easy to assemble, making it accessible to smallholder farmers with limited resources.

What motivated you to venture into this project? What skills and knowledge helped you?

It started from my personal experiences while growing up in Igoji. Witnessing the adverse effects of climate change on smallholder farmers and the resulting economic hardships impacted me. The unpredictably of weather patterns, coupled with limited access to modern technology, often left farmers struggling to sustain their families. I thought of how I could help find a solution to alleviate these challenges and improve the lives of farming communities.

My academic background in agricultural economics played a crucial role. I was able to understand the challenges faced by farmers and design a solution. Courses on sustainable agriculture, rural development, and resource management equipped me with the knowledge I needed to design interventions. Additionally, practical experiences through internships and research projects allowed me to gain insights into the dynamics of the agricultural sector.

Working with experts in agriculture, technology, and social development enriched my understanding, enabling me to incorporate modern technology into our solutions and adopt best practices in community engagement and capacity building. My role as an ICT for AG Next Gen Ambassador also provided me with exposure to global agricultural innovations.

What does making smart greenhouses entail?

The process, known as the Vermi-Farm DigiShamba, involves several key steps to ensure efficiency, affordability, and effectiveness. We begin with an assessment of local environmental conditions and the specific needs of the farming community. This helps us customize each greenhouse to optimise factors such as temperature, humidity, and light intensity, crucial for the growth of crops.

The construction of the DigiShamba incorporates locally-sourced materials, wherever possible, to ensure cost-effectiveness and sustainability. Each greenhouse is equipped with IoT sensors and automated systems that regulate climate conditions in real-time, allowing farmers to remotely monitor and adjust settings through a mobile application, to control the crop’s environment.

Our team works with agricultural experts and engineers to continuously refine the design and functionality of the DigiShamba.

Rigorous testing and piloting of the greenhouses are conducted to validate its performance under different climatic conditions and crop varieties. This ensures that the greenhouses are not only resilient but also adaptable to diverse farming contexts.

Training and capacity building are integral key the process, as we provide workshops and hands-on sessions to farmers on greenhouse assembly, maintenance, and crop management techniques. This holistic approach empowers farmers to maximize the productivity and sustainability of their farms.

How do you get clients and how much does one greenhouse cost?

This involves a community-driven approaches through our network of Village Champions and local leaders. They are community leaders who identify farmers’ groups in need of our solutions. They promote awareness, conducting demonstrations, and facilitating group discussions to showcase the benefits of the DigiShamba.

The cost of greenhouses varies depending on the size and specific customization required by the farmer. The greenhouses are priced competitively. We offer flexible financing options and partnerships with local financial institutions to facilitate access to our technology.

How do you use technology in your smart greenhouse project?

Technology plays a crucial role in our work. Our approach integrates cutting-edge technologies to optimise production and enhance productivity. We utilize advanced sensors and IoT devices within the greenhouses to monitor environmental conditions. This enables farmers to control the climatic environment in a greenhouse.