Minette Batters to present radio appeal for Farm Africa
© Premiere Pro Former NFU president Minette Batters is to present a funding appeal for Farm Africa on BBC Radio 4 on Sunday 13 April, sharing the story of Juliet Muthoni, a smallholder farmer in Kenya whose life has been transformed by the charity’s support.
Minette, now a crossbench peer, recently travelled to Kenya to witness first-hand the work of Farm Africa and its profound impact on smallholder farmers.
One of the farmers whose story particularly resonated with her was Juliet from the Embu region.
Juliet’s journey from a struggling farmer to a key member of her community, helping other women improve their farming practices, is at the heart of Minette’s appeal.
See also: Broadening horizons: Connecting with Kenya’s female farmers
The Embu region – once known for its fertile soil and consistent rainfall – has seen its agricultural landscape change drastically.
Extreme weather and population growth have led to soil degradation, making it increasingly difficult for farmers to grow enough food to feed their families, let alone sell for profit.
Extreme weather and population growth have led to soil degradation, making it increasingly difficult for farmers to grow enough food to feed their families, let alone sell for profit.
Smallholder farmer in the Embu region, Kenya © Farm Africa
Regenerative farming
Juliet, however, has been able to turn her fortunes around by applying regenerative agriculture techniques, learned through Farm Africa’s training programmes.
Farm Africa supports farmers like Juliet through its Village-Based Advisor (VBA) programme, training individuals in sustainable farming practices.
These VBAs are then equipped to share their knowledge with other farmers in their communities, creating a ripple effect of change.
Juliet’s training in regenerative agriculture – which focuses on boosting soil health and adapting to unpredictable weather patterns – has allowed her to significantly increase her crop yields.
Minette, who is an ambassador for Farm Africa, explains how Juliet’s story left a deep impression on her.
“I came back really empowered by Juliet’s story. Working with Farm Africa, she had learned how to make her own compost.
“She’s selling the compost now. Using kitchen waste, she has set up her own wormery that is making fertiliser to go onto her crops.
“She’s creating a totally sustainable little farming business that is allowing her to produce food for herself and her family, but also allowing her to be profitable,” says Minette.
© Farm Africa
Struggle to make a living
Before joining the project, Juliet struggled to make a living from farming. “My yields were low and I was not getting any profit from farming,” she says.
“Due to climate change, when we are expecting rain, it comes a little and then it moves.
“After using regenerative agriculture practices, you increase your yields, so you are able to sustain yourself.
“You get enough food for your family and then the rest you sell. You pay for school fees and your other family needs,” Juliet explains.
Raise awareness
Minette’s Radio 4 appeal is an opportunity to raise awareness of the vital work Farm Africa is doing in Kenya and other parts of East Africa.
“I’m just thrilled to present the appeal. Going to Kenya changed everything for me,” she says.
The show will air on Sunday 13 April at 7.54am and 9.25pm, with a repeat broadcast on Thursday 17 April at 3.27pm.
The funds raised will support the charity’s transformative work to assist smallholder farmers in East Africa grow more, sell more, and build more resilient livelihoods.
To find out more about Farm Africa or to make a donation, visit the Farm Africa website.
Farmers are given access to training, markets and finance © Farm Africa
Farm Africa transformative programme is ‘empowering’
Minette Batters’ own journey with Farm Africa began long before her visit to Kenya.
As a trustee and marathon runner for the charity, she has been actively involved in its mission to support smallholder farmers for years.
Her visit to Kenya gave her a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by farmers in rural Africa and the vital role that organisations, such as Farm Africa, play in addressing these issues.
“What struck me most was the leadership role that Farm Africa’s Village-Based Advisors play.
“It’s not just about farming; it’s about giving women a platform to share knowledge and inspire others. This programme is truly empowering women in a way that you wouldn’t have believed,” she says.
Minette’s reflections on her trip also reveal how transformative the training and support from Farm Africa can be for farmers like Juliet.
“I was really struck by how Juliet started with nothing and ended up not only farming and making a profit, but also becoming a qualified adviser herself. She’s now able to give advice and benefit others.
“This is about providing a ladder to climb, to improve your life, and to have better opportunities for your family. What more can you ask for?”
Holistic approach
The charity’s holistic approach to farming – which includes providing farmers with access to training, markets and finance – has enabled people to build profitable and sustainable businesses.
It also allows them to invest in their families’ futures, particularly in their children’s education. Minette recalls how Juliet’s daughter – who now works for a non-government organisation – was able to call on her mother for financial support while studying away from home.
“As a parent, I think that’s one of the fundamentals you want: to be able to look after your children. Juliet’s story really struck me on a personal level,” Minette says.