Your Impact: Empowering Agricultural Leaders and Entrepreneurs to Strengthen Food Systems, Reduce Poverty, and End Hunger.
In a world of uncertainties and ever-present challenges, your commitment and generosity ensure we can continue to keep the lights on, providing knowledge, mentorship, and resources to Changemakers...
Six weeks ago, a group of passionate changemakers embarked on a journey that would redefine their role in agriculture. They weren’t just here to learn, they were here to lead. From Uganda to Liberia, these young leaders came together under the Roots Africa Changemakers Program V, determined to create solutions, drive innovation, and transform farming communities.
Now, at the halfway mark, we reflect on the lessons learned, the skills developed, and the road ahead as we shift from weekly intensive sessions to deeper monthly engagements that will shape the next six months.
Week 1: Building the Foundation – Business Model Canvas
Every great enterprise starts with a plan. The Roots Africa Core Team launched the program with a Business Model Canvas session, equipping changemakers with the tools to structure their agribusiness ideas. From defining value propositions to identifying customer segments, this session laid the groundwork for changemakers to build sustainable, impactful ventures that go beyond just growing food, they are creating agricultural businesses that solve real-world problems.
Week 2: The Art of Engagement – Agricultural Extension Training
Knowledge without communication is like a seed without soil. That’s where Chuck Schuster and Dave Pearce stepped in, sharing their expertise in agricultural extension. Changemakers learned how to engage farmers, communicate best practices, and build trust within their communities. With these skills, they are now not just agricultural leaders but effective educators and advocates for sustainable farming.
Week 3: The Future is Digital – AI for Branding & Business Development
The world is changing fast, and those who embrace technology will lead the way. Jeffrey Scruggs and Bazira Tadeo introduced changemakers to the power of AI in branding, business development, and agribusiness operations. From automated marketing strategies to smart farming applications, changemakers discovered how AI can give their ventures a competitive edge, helping them not just survive, but thrive.
Week 4: Turning Data into Impact – Monitoring & Evaluation Training
The impact is only as good as the data that proves it. With Ishteaque Ali Riyasat leading the session, changemakers gained hands-on experience in KOBO Collect and Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) frameworks. They learned not just why data matters, but how to use it effectively to measure progress, refine strategies, and demonstrate the real impact of their agricultural initiatives.
Week 5: Financial Literacy & Business Development
A great idea without financial discipline is like a farm without water, it won’t last. Dan Lavin’s session on financial literacy and business development provided changemakers with the knowledge to budget, track expenses, manage cash flow, and attract funding. With these financial skills, changemakers can ensure their agribusinesses are sustainable and scalable in the long run.
Looking Ahead: The Next Six Months
As we transition into the next phase of the program, we move from weekly skill-building to monthly deep-dive sessions. This shift will allow changemakers to:
Apply what they’ve learned in real-world projects.
Receive mentorship and tailored support to refine their agribusinesses.
Engage in peer-to-peer learning, sharing successes and overcoming challenges together.
Develop long-term strategies for their pods, ensuring continuous growth and impact.
The Journey Continues
The Roots Africa Changemakers Program isn’t just about training, it’s about transformation. Over the next six months, these changemakers will take bold steps toward reshaping Africa’s agricultural landscape.
None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our incredible Roots Africa community. To all our trainers, mentors, and changemakers, you are the heart of this movement. Thank you for your passion, dedication, and hard work. Together, we are proving that Africa doesn’t need charity, it needs changemakers.