The regenagri podcast is a platform for leading industry experts to explore the future of farming and the hot topics surrounding the global movement of regenerative agriculture.
In episode 26, Rose Riley from Control Union UK, welcomes Meshark Sikuku, regional Farm Systems and Sustainability Coordinator at Ripple Effect to discuss the community benefits of regenerative agriculture. Meshark has more than 15 years' experience working in agriculture with NGOs, helping communities to build sustainable farm systems for improving food security, nutrition and livelihoods.
Formerly known as Send a Cow, Ripple Effect was established in 1988 by a small group of West Country farmers. Its headquarters are in the UK, with a hub in Nairobi, where Meshark is based. The organisation works with smallholder farmers and communities across six countries in East Africa, bringing farmers together to learn new skills and share knowledge so they can improve their livelihoods and build sustainable agri-businesses.
In this episode, Meshark describes how the method of farming promoted by Ripple Effect’s peer farmer trainers is rooted in regenerative principles to protect natural environments and build resilience to climate change. This is important for making the land more productive, enabling framers to increase yields, generate more income and, in turn, to form co-operatives or diversify their farm businesses for accessing new markets and achieving greater control over their future.
Meshark shares success stories from his work in Kenya and Uganda, and also explains the importance of gender and social development training to ensure no one is left behind and that the community benefits of regenerative farming can be enjoyed by all.
To learn more about Ripple Effect visit rippleeffect.org. You can also follow them on social media @RippleEffectNGO.