Dear Farmer,
I hope this letter finds you well, standing tall amidst your crops and livestock, ready to face yet another season with the resilience that farming demands. I write to you not only as a fellow farmer but as someone who knows the hardships, triumphs, and uncertainties that come with the land we till.
The truth is, no one is coming.
I don’t say this to discourage you but to ignite a realization: no external savior or magical solution will suddenly appear to solve the challenges we face on our farms. Be it drought, rising input costs, market uncertainties, or the ever-changing climate, the weight of it all rests on our shoulders. Yes, there may be grants, government programs, or charitable initiatives, but the real, lasting change comes from within—your own hands, your own decisions, and your own grit.
So, what does that mean for us as farmers?
It means we have to be our own advocates, continually seeking knowledge, adopting innovation, and embracing smart farming techniques. The world of agriculture is evolving faster than ever. Technology and practices that worked a decade ago may not hold up today. What worked yesterday may not guarantee tomorrow’s harvest.
Are you embracing new methods, or are you holding on to practices that no longer serve your farm? Are you making calculated decisions about water use, crop rotation, or pest control? Have you looked into climate-smart agriculture or explored ways to diversify your income? These are the questions we must constantly ask ourselves because no one is coming to tell us what will work for our farms. We have to figure that out.
And this isn’t about doing it alone.
While no one is coming to save us, we are surrounded by a community of fellow farmers, researchers, and innovators. Take advantage of that community. Attend field days, join farmer groups, share your experiences, and learn from others. The solutions to the challenges we face are often found in the collective wisdom of those who’ve been through similar struggles.
You can also join the Agribusiness Club: a community of likeminded farmers for 10USD a year, contact wa.me/+263788263444
Let us also invest in the next generation. Our children, the youth in our communities, they are the future of agriculture. Teach them that farming is not a backup plan but a business that requires strategy, knowledge, and creativity. Encourage them to be part of the solution, as we ensure that they are equipped with the skills and technology to thrive in a world where farming will be more essential than ever.
Finally, remember that while no one may be coming, the person you see in the mirror every morning is enough. You have the power, the ingenuity, and the resilience to make your farm a success. It’s not about waiting for help; it’s about creating your own path forward, one step, one season at a time.
No one is coming, but you’ve got this.
With respect and admiration,
Rawlings Kofi
Fellow Farmer