A young woman has dispelled the misconception that farming is only for the elderly and broken down the preconceptions associated with agriculture. Wangari Kuria (right) receives the Global Citizen prize. Wangari Kuria, who describes herself as ‘Farmer on Fire’, has been educating Kenyans on social media platforms on how they can grow different crops amid scarce jobs. According to the Federation of Kenya Employers, the country’s unemployment rate stands at 12.7%, with the youth demographic (15-34 years old) constituting 35% of the population, experiencing the highest unemployment rate at 67%. This group includes those who have discontinued their education or completed school without pursuing further college enrollment. The imminent doubling of the youthful population by 2045 presents a significant challenge to the struggling economy. Why agriculture has the potential to employ thousands Despite the increasing youth unemployment, the number of young people in the agricultural sector has declined. Research published in the Eurasian Journal of Agricultural Research showed that the agricultural sector offers excellent opportunities to employ young people, and this will ensure food security. The sector is yet to maximise its potential as most youth find it unattractive. “Young people have a negative perception of agriculture, they perceive working in the agricultural sector as a last resort, as an activity for the elderly, and they do not see farming as a profitable business, which makes the situation even worse,” the research stated. Why Wangari Kuria wants mindset change Wangari, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Farmer on Fire Global Consultancy, has gained recognition as a trailblazer in making agriculture attractive by creating captivating farming videos. She encourages Kenyans to participate actively and take the initiative to eliminate hunger and improve food production. The youthful farmer won the 2023 Global Citizen Prize, an accolade that honours activists and advocates for their proactive efforts in making positive contributions to their communities. “It is unacceptable for us to see people with so many resources around us, and yet, struggling to put food on the table,” she said. How Wangari Kuria is making a kill from mushrooms Wangari ventured into farming after losing her job at a real estate firm. She started with a home garden in Kitengela, Kajiado county, before asking her neighbours if she could farm on idle land.
BY Japhet Ruto