Against the Odds: How Monica Kinama is Inspiring Young Women in Farming
From Gakuru Fresh Farm to the wider Slow Food Farms initiative, Monica Kinama is proving that farming is not just survival—it’s opportunity, innovation, and leadership for the next generation of women in agriculture.
Who said agriculture is boring?
For Monica Kinama, a young woman farmer from Nakuru County, agriculture is anything but boring. Through her farm, Gakuru Fresh Farm, she is redefining what it means to be a young farmer in Kenya—combining tradition, innovation, and leadership to create impact.
While many youth are encouraged to leave farming behind, Monica made a conscious choice: she stayed. “I saw the potential in our land and community,” she says, “and I knew that with knowledge and care, agriculture could be more than survival—it could be opportunity.”
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Monica’s journey has not been without obstacles. Limited resources, climate uncertainty, and societal expectations for women in agriculture could have been barriers—but she chose to see them as challenges to overcome.
Through Gakuru Fresh Farm, Monica has implemented agroecological practices that nurture both the soil and the community. The farm produces a variety of healthy crops while conserving biodiversity, supporting local livelihoods, and demonstrating that sustainable farming can be economically viable.
A Role Model for Women Farmers
This year, as the world celebrates the Year of the Woman Farmer, Monica’s story is particularly inspiring. Women in agriculture often face limited access to land, finance, and training, yet Monica is proving that determination, knowledge, and leadership can break these barriers.
Her example is encouraging other young women to see farming not as a fallback, but as a career full of opportunity, creativity, and purpose. “Farming is not just about crops,” Monica reflects. “It’s about growing communities, culture, and hope.”
Looking Ahead
Monica envisions a future where more young women step into agriculture, bringing innovation, passion, and leadership to the sector. Through Gakuru Fresh Farm, she plans to expand agroecology training programs, mentor fellow farmers, and continue producing food that nourishes both people and the planet.
Her journey reminds us that agriculture is alive, dynamic, and full of possibilities. Against the odds, Monica Kinama is not just farming—she is inspiring a generation.
📸 Photo credit: Crystal Media
