A swimmer, a dancer, a reader and an agriculture lover are the adjectives best used to describe Alphaxard (Alpha) - a youthful farmer who has found agriculture not only rewarding but also a career that allows him time to engage in fun activities. It also helps him to exercise too.
Contrary to the belief that agriculture is for those who have not schooled, Alpha is a graduate of economics from the University of Nairobi and he chose to use his education to grow his farming business and work on youth development and empowerment projects.
A swimmer, a dancer, a reader and an agriculture lover are the adjectives best used to describe Alphaxard (Alpha) - a youthful farmer who has found agriculture not only rewarding but also a career that allows him time to engage in fun activities. It also helps him to exercise too.
Contrary to the belief that agriculture is for those who have not schooled, Alpha is a graduate of economics from the University of Nairobi and he chose to use his education to grow his farming business and work on youth development and empowerment projects.
As the manager of Alpham Fresh farm, Alpha keeps dairy cows, poultry and cultivates horticultural crops organically. Alpha has big dreams for his business; he wants it to grow into one of the leading agri-products companies in his county of Kiambu and even the country. His business will address the need for organic produce delivered straight to customers’ homes - people struggle to access healthy organic food because they don’t have time to go to the market. Therefore he plans to do deliveries from his farm to their houses at subsidized costs and with consistency.
Position | Agropreneur, Alpham Fresh farm |
Country | Kenya |
Education | BA Economics (University of Nairobi) |
Mentor | James Aucha, African Network for Agriculture, Agroforestry and Natural Resources Education (ANAFE) |
Alpha is also the convener for the Kenya Youth Climate Network and is also passionate about creative a platform for the youth to voice their grievances and other issues dear to them, particularly when it comes to climate change. Climate change impacts range from affecting agriculture, further endangering food security, to sea-level rise and the accelerated erosion of coastal zones increasing the intensity of natural disasters, species extinction and spread of vector-borne diseases.
This issue is of immense importance for every global citizen and more so for the youth. The youth bears the largest brunt because climate change has long term effects and in the long term we the youths are going to be there. Alpha believes there is need to engage youths through policy formulations and their implementations to make them part of the solution – for sustainable solutions.
As a mentee within the YPARD mentoring program, Alpha hopes to learn a lot from both the mentors and fellow mentees. As an agropreneur, his greatest expectation is the opportunities that will help him grow his business – the networks and experience will help him grow as a person and enhance his technical, business and intellectual skills.
To his fellow young people, Alpha says it’s all about attitude – as Aristotle said: “Where your talent and the needs of the world cross, there lies your vocation.” It has worked with him and so he assures you success and fulfilment if you consider this in your career selection.
He’s also just started a blog where he hopes to share his stories as he proceeds through the 12 month mentoring program!