Shiko Waweru, a trained ECD teacher, had always held a deep passion for agriculture, even as she pursued a career in academia. Determined to make a change and generate income without compromising family time, Shiko founded Limavest, a pineapple farming company based in Malindi.
Here is her story as told by WoK.
Early Years and Passion for Agriculture
As a young girl growing up in Maralal, Samburu County, Shiko Waweru always had a deep-rooted love for agriculture. However, after becoming a trained ECD teacher, she found herself longing for a more fulfilling career path.
However, her life took a different turn when she got married and focused on her family. Despite trying various businesses from home, including remote farming through phone management, she discovered that successful farm management required dedication and professionalism.
“I’ve had an interest in pineapple farming due to the longevity of the plant as it is harvested for at least seven years without requiring much effort,” Shiko recalls.
A Change of Direction: From Teaching to Farming
While being a stay-at-home mom and raising her child, Shiko tried her hand at various business ventures, including farming. Though she managed her farm remotely via phone, she soon realized that successful farm management required dedication and professionalism.
Limavest: The Birth of a Farming Empire
Shiko’s desire for financial independence and her passion for agriculture led her to establish Limavest, a company specializing in pineapple farming in Malindi.
“After being a stay-home mom for almost seven years, I felt it was about time I do something that generates income without compromising my family time,” she explains.
A Promising Venture: Partnering with Like-Minded Women
Fascinated by the idea of growing pineapples in Malindi, Shiko partnered with other stay-at-home moms who shared her interest in farming. Together, they embarked on a journey to create a thriving pineapple farming business in Malindi.
The location’s combination of fertile land and picturesque beaches made it an ideal setting for their venture.
The Road to Success: Challenges and Growth
The path to success was not without its hurdles, but Shiko’s determination and strong network ensured a good market for her produce. As Limavest expanded, she even began selling land and planting pineapples for clients, allowing them to reap profits continuously for seven years.
Through her robust networks and effective marketing, Shiko secured a solid market for the pineapple produce. As Limavest expanded, they not only sold land but also cultivated pineapples for clients, ensuring they could reap profits for seven years uninterrupted.
The company’s streamlined system facilitated easy payments and receipt generation, making the process hassle-free for aspiring pineapple farmers.
The Fruitful Multimillion Investment: Pineapple Farming
Kenya’s rich tropical climate makes it a major player in the global pineapple export market, competing with regions like Asia Pacific, Central America, and Southeast Asia. Shiko’s investment in pineapple farming proved to be lucrative, yielding between Ksh200,000 to Ksh480,000 per acre on each harvest.
Once planted, a pineapple plant provides yearly harvests for up to seven years without replanting.
Inspiring Change: Empowering Women in Agribusiness
Shiko’s journey from a teaching profession to pineapple farming success serves as an inspiring tale for women everywhere. Her passion for agriculture and drive for empowering others have transformed her life and those she mentors through Limavest.
A Vision for the Future: Expanding Opportunities
Looking ahead, Shiko envisions a future where even more women can benefit from agribusiness. She plans to introduce instalment payment options to make pineapple farming accessible to a broader audience.
Embracing Transformation: Lessons Learned
Shiko Waweru’s transformation from an ECD teacher to a millionaire pineapple farmer reminds us of the rewards that come with embracing change and pursuing our passions wholeheartedly.
Her story serves as a powerful reminder that success often lies outside our comfort zones, waiting for us to seize the opportunity.
