Walisha Foundation

Empowering Africa's smallholder farmers through sustainable practices and innovative solutions. Join us in cultivating a hunger-free future. Visit walisha.org/why-walisha/ #walisha?#walishaorg?#empowerafrica?#feedafrica?#SustainableAgriculture?#HungerFreeAfrica?#AgriculturalInnovation?#CommunityDevelopment

With NGO, Brooks Alums Boost Rwandan Smallholder Farmers Executive MPA alums Archibald Annan ’23 and Samantha Corkern, MPA ’23 are leading an initiative to empower Rwandan farmers with the tools to grow and sell grains—aiming to lift communities out of poverty and improve food security across East Africa. What began as an Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) capstone project evolved into Walisha Foundation, an NGO focused on closing the knowledge and resource gaps that keep farmers in poverty. Walisha provides training, sustainable farming techniques, and access to markets, enabling farmers to increase yields, boost incomes, and achieve food security. In just one year, Walisha has made incredible strides: training 40 extension officers—who now support nearly 3,700 farmers—partnering with local organizations to strengthen farming practices, and securing a market for farmers’ barley through Heineken’s local subsidiary. Their holistic “seed-to-sale” approach also includes plans for improved grain storage and community-owned flour mills to help farmers build long-term independence. “Our hope is that an increase in yield will translate to an increase in income, which will translate to these farmers getting out of poverty in four seasons, or two years,” Annan said. “Food security is at the top of our priorities, but also giving these human beings behind the statistics a decent, good life and their own voice.” With plans to scale to 15,000 farmers next year and expand across East Africa, Walisha is creating sustainable, lasting change in the region. Read more about their journey and Walisha’s incredible impact in the Cornell Chronicle: https://lnkd.in/dPgeANfd ?? In August, Walisha held trainings with 40 extension officers who then went on to educate 3,700 Rwandan farmers in best agricultural practices. Samantha Corkern MPA '23, is second from left. ?? With extension officers, Walisha developed nearly 20 hectares of wheat, barley and bean crops to pilot irrigation and precision farming technology. ?? A groundskeeper for the University of Rwanda picks day lily greens at a training in August. ?? Archibald Annan ’23 and Samantha Corkern ’23 after their Executive MPA Graduation Ceremony.

Exciting news! ?? The Cornell Chronicle Cornell University, Cornell University: Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy has featured Walisha and the impact we’re making in Africa, thanks to the efforts of our alumni co-founders. Read the full story at here; https://lnkd.in/dPgeANfd And learn how we’re empowering smallholder farmers to transform their communities! ?? #walisha #walishaorg #walishafoundation #empowerafrica #feedafrica #CornellAlumni #Farmers #Impact #SustainableAgriculture #Cornellians #CornellGiving #Support #Give

Have you noticed our new look? We're driving impact, empowering lives and building a sustainable Africa. Join us on our journey. Visit www.walisha.org #walisha #walishaorg #sustainableafrica #donate #impact #africaagriculture #empowerafrica #feedafrica

Building Support for the Passion that drives the potential for sustainable growth. We are championing a cause for a sustainable Africa. Partner with us. #walisha?#walishaorg?#sustainableafrica?#donate?#impact?#africaagriculture?#empowerafrica?#feedafrica

Have you noticed our new look? We're driving impact, empowering lives and building a sustainable Africa. Join us on our journey. Visit www.walisha.org #walisha #walishaorg #sustainableafrica #donate #impact #africaagriculture #empowerafrica #feedafrica

It's hard to believe we've officially entered fall, which marks the beginning of the planting season for our partners in Rwanda. To help prepare them for this crucial time, we got busy in August and the first week of September! In the last week of August, we hosted a training session for 40 extension officers focused on modern agricultural practices to be implemented in the current season. During this training, participants engaged in hands-on activities emphasizing effective pest management techniques and sustainable planting and fertilizing practices. This practical approach equips these dedicated professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to uplift their communities and promote sustainable farming practices. Additionally, we participated in the Africa Food Systems Forum, where we connected with passionate leaders and innovators committed to transforming agriculture. The discussions sparked new ideas and potential collaborations that will help us address the challenges facing staple crop food systems. While I'm excited about the progress and connections we're making, we still have work to do! I invite you to join us on this journey toward a sustainable agricultural future. Together, we can make a lasting impact! #SustainableAgriculture #FoodSystems #ExtensionServices #PestManagement #Rwanda #AgTech

It's hard to believe we've officially entered fall, which marks the beginning of the planting season for our partners in Rwanda. To help prepare them for this crucial time, we got busy in August and the first week of September! In the last week of August, we hosted a training session for 40 extension officers focused on modern agricultural practices to be implemented in the current season. During this training, participants engaged in hands-on activities emphasizing effective pest management techniques and sustainable planting and fertilizing practices. This practical approach equips these dedicated professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to uplift their communities and promote sustainable farming practices. Additionally, we participated in the Africa Food Systems Forum, where we connected with passionate leaders and innovators committed to transforming agriculture. The discussions sparked new ideas and potential collaborations that will help us address the challenges facing staple crop food systems. While I'm excited about the progress and connections we're making, we still have work to do! I invite you to join us on this journey toward a sustainable agricultural future. Together, we can make a lasting impact! #SustainableAgriculture #FoodSystems #ExtensionServices #PestManagement #Rwanda #AgTech

Empowering agriculture extension officers in five day practical training training organizased by Walisha Foundation and HINGAMAFARANGA RWANDA.

Thank you Gilbert Ndayambaje for attending our training! Your participation was so vital to changing the conversations about #sustainableagriculture in Rwanda!