Synnefa Articles

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Janet Machuka

8 Essential Tips for Farmers to Navigate the Rainy Season

8 Essential Tips for Farmers to Navigate the Rainy Season

It has been raining in some parts of Kenya for a while now and farmers and agriprenuers have been impacted in various ways.  As the rainy season approaches, farmers gear up for a critical period that can significantly impact their yields and livelihoods. While rain is essential for crop growth, excessive rainfall can lead to flooding, soil erosion and crop diseases posing challenges for farmers. However, with careful planning and proactive measures, farmers can navigate through the rainy season successfully. These essential tips can help farmers make the most of this crucial period.

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How to Start a Successful Farming Journey

How to Start a Successful Farming Journey

Some us grew up in the countryside where going to the farm to tender for the crops was part of a routine. We never did it as a way of becoming successful farmers or gurus in the space. It was about feeding the family and ensuring that we were communally helping out. That's different from a farmer who wants to embark on a farming journey to ensure that they feed the growing world population and make a profit out of the business. For them, it is more than just planting seeds and tending to crops. That's why it requires careful planning, dedication and a willingness to learn and adapt. 

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Understanding Blockchain in Agriculture and Applications

Understanding Blockchain in Agriculture and Applications

What is Blockchain? A blockchain is a distributed database that keeps expanding by adding new records, which are called blocks. These blocks are linked together in a specific order, forming a chain-like structure. The best part about it is that once data is recorded in a block, it's extremely difficult to alter it without changing every subsequent block, which is practically impossible because of the way the blockchain is designed. This makes blockchain secure and trustworthy.

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What is a Farmshield and How Does it Work?

What is a Farmshield and How Does it Work?

Technology has changed all aspects of life; from farming to education. We live in an era of using technology to ease work and do more within a short time. Additionally, produce more not just one time but throughout the seasons. Agricultural technology has become a great way to produce food and raw materials related to farming. Meet the Farmshield! 

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5 Ways on How to Cultivate Your Tech Talent as an African Farmer

5 Ways on How to Cultivate Your Tech Talent as an African Farmer

Africa has a population of 1.5 Billion people as of January 2024, as reported by Worldmeter. At least 60% of the population is made up of young people below 25 years old, a more reason to educate this generation who are tech savvy to be involved in the farming space. According to the 2023 Africa Agriculture Status Report dubbed "Empowering Africa's Food Systems," 650 million Africans —50% of the continent’s population—lack economic or physical access to sufficient food. The question remains, how can Africa cultivate tech talents among young people venturing agriculture? 

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5 Ways to Support Traditional Farmers

5 Ways to Support Traditional Farmers

Traditional farmers often face numerous challenges in sustaining their time-honored practices. But still, these farmers play a vital role in preserving biodiversity, promoting sustainable agriculture, and maintaining the cultural fabric of rural communities. Supporting  them is crucial and these are the ways you can do so. 

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20 Reasons Why Greenhouse is an Effective Way of Farming

20 Reasons Why Greenhouse is an Effective Way of Farming

Greenhouse farming is a transformative practice in modern agriculture. Greenhouses offer a controlled environment that empowers farmers to optimize conditions for plant growth. With the growing world population, it is time farmers had a thought of trying out greenhouse farming to ensure consistent production of food to feed the populations. There are several key elements contribute to the effectiveness of greenhouse farming.

1. Controlled Climate Conditions

Temperature Management:  Greenhouses allow farmers to regulate temperatures, creating an ideal climate for plant growth. This control is crucial for cultivating crops that thrive in specific temperature ranges.
 
Humidity Control:  Maintaining optimal humidity levels prevents excess moisture, reducing the risk of fungal diseases and promoting healthy plant development.
 
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How to Digitally Attract and Empower Youth Talent in Agriculture

How to Digitally Attract and Empower Youth Talent in Agriculture

The agricultural sector is undergoing a transformation and at the heart of this evolution lies the integration of digital technology. As the industry grapples with the challenge of attracting younger workers, harnessing the appeal of digital tools becomes paramount. The question lies, how can the agricultural sector digitally attract and empower youth talent? Let's explore. 

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10 Ways Farmers Embrace Organic Farming in Greenhouses

10 Ways Farmers Embrace Organic Farming in Greenhouses

The world is awakening to the importance of sustainable agriculture as we seek to balance our growing global population's food demands with the need to protect the environment. Organic farming, which avoids the use of synthetic chemicals and prioritizes soil health, is increasingly becoming a cornerstone of this movement. One innovative way to practice organic farming is within the controlled environment of a greenhouse. 

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