Maryanne Gichanga is a visionary entrepreneur who has made significant strides in transforming the agricultural sector in Kenya. After a successful career in banking, she embarked on a journey to empower smallholder farmers by leveraging agritech and data analytics.
Through AgriTech Analytics- a company she co-founded and is the CEO-Gichanga is revolutionizing farming practices, boosting crop yields, reducing costs, and promoting sustainability.
Here is her story as told by WoK.
Early Life and Passion for Agriculture
She was born and raised in Kenya in a family of seven siblings. Growing up on a two-hectare farm, Maryanne witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by her parents and many smallholder farmers. Declining crop yields due to climate change, soil degradation, and poor farming practices deeply affected their livelihoods.
Education Background
TheAgritech Analytics CEO has a strong educational background and career experience that have shaped her journey in the agricultural technology sector.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Purchasing & Supplies Management from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. Additionally, she is currently pursuing a Law degree at Mt. Kenya University.
Career in Banking and Transition to Agriculture
After completing her studies, Maryanne gained valuable experience as a Data Analyst at Standard Chartered Bank for over seven years.
In November 2020, she co-founded Agritech Analytics with a vision to help smallholder farmers increase their crop yields and reduce costs using AI-powered technology and IoT sensors.
After a successful career in the banking sector, Maryanne decided to channel her expertise and passion for agriculture into creating meaningful change. Recognizing the potential of agritech and data analytics, she founded AgriTech Analytics.
This marked the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey, driven by a strong desire to empower smallholder farmers and revolutionize the agricultural landscape.
Founding AgriTech Analytics
AgriTech Analytics emerged as a platform that combines cutting-edge technology, data analytics, and agricultural expertise to provide smallholder farmers with actionable insights.
With a team of experts in technology, agriculture, and business, Maryanne conducted extensive research to understand the specific needs and challenges faced by farmers in the region. This enabled her to develop tailored solutions that address their unique circumstances.
Challenges and Impact
While establishing AgriTech Analytics, Maryanne encountered various challenges, including securing funding, navigating regulatory frameworks, and facing competition from other companies. However, her unwavering commitment to her vision and perseverance enabled her to overcome these obstacles.
Today, AgriTech Analytics is a thriving smart agriculture company that has helped thousands of farmers improve their crop yields, increase their incomes, and adopt sustainable farming practices.
Impact and Recognition
Despite the challenges, AgriTech Analytics has made significant strides. The company has registered thousands of farmers in key regions of Kenya, providing them with invaluable insights and support.
Their innovative approach has garnered recognition both locally and globally, including winning the COP27 Youth Adaptation Challenge in Egypt.
Driving Climate Action
AgriTech Analytics plays a crucial role in supporting climate action by guiding farmers in the appropriate use of inputs to avoid waste and reduce the risk of soil degradation. Through their technology, they monitor soil moisture levels, leading to a significant reduction in water consumption.
Furthermore, their solutions enable farmers to target the use of pesticides, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By monitoring soil nutrient levels, AgriTech Analytics also helps farmers avoid over-fertilization, thereby mitigating nutrient runoff and water pollution.
Empowering Smallholder Farmers
Maryanne Gichanga’s primary focus is on empowering smallholder farmers, who constitute a significant portion of Kenya’s agricultural sector. AgriTech Analytics provides climate-smart and affordable solutions, allowing farmers to detect crop pests and diseases early on.
Through the use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and satellite imagery, farmers receive precise information and recommendations tailored to their farms.
By equipping farmers with these tools, Maryanne aims to improve their livelihoods and inspire other young women to pursue their passions and make a positive impact in their communities.
