Meshark Sikuku

Name: Ripple Effect
Price range: $

Meet Meshark Sikuku, Ripple Effect Farm Systems and Sustainability Coordinator, based in Nairobi

I grew up on a farm in western Kenya. But my formal education in agriculture was like most of the training offered by institutions across east Africa. It was focused on conventional, mechanised techniques designed on large-scale farms. This was what a “modern approach” looked like.

When I started visiting small farms as part of my work I understood how agriculture is really practised by most of the rural communities across our region.

Learning from farmers

It was clear that smallholder farmers couldn’t afford these expensive inputs, that these practises were very damaging for the environment long-term, and the land was still unproductive.

Ripple Effect’s integrated farm systems methodology is unique. Everything is interconnected: people, their land, their resources, their community. I haven’t seen this approach in other organisations.

In my daily work I see how we are supporting farmers and communities to practise sustainable farming which increases their food production, develops their livelihoods and builds resilience to climate change.

See more of our global team

Want to hear good news stories from Africa, get involved in fantastic fundraising and be part of exciting events? Fill out your details below and we will keep you updated by email.