By Erdly Agona
Alex Mahanji, a resident of Shinyalu Village in Kakamega County, first met Field Officers Elias Biwott and Pamela Atieno during a visit to his community. “We were visited by our teachers, Madam Pamela and Mr. Biwott. They told us that if you want to learn more about farming, you must go digital. That’s where the knowledge is,” he recalls.
Their mission was to train farmers on organic farming practices aimed at increasing productivity and improving soil health. During the session, they introduced Alex to Biovision Africa Trust’s digital learning platforms, which provide farmers with agricultural information through text messages via shortcode 40799.
At first, Alex was skeptical to him, farming had always been about soil, seeds, and sweat, not screens and phone numbers. But that experience opened a new world for him. He began accessing lessons on organic agriculture, livestock management, and soil health through Biovision Africa Trust’s digital platforms. The information was practical and easy to apply on his own farm.
Today, his compound showcases different kitchen garden technologies, including conical gardens, sack mounds, and a Mandala garden filled with a variety of green, leafy indigenous vegetables. He has also integrated repellent crops such as Mexican marigold and onions into the garden to help keep pests away naturally
At first, it wasn’t easy. Many people in Alex’s community didn’t know how to use mobile phones or access digital content, and others struggled with the English used in most training materials. “In the villages, most farmers haven’t gone far in school,” Alex explains. “So we faced challenges because they preferred learning in local languages like Luhya, Luo, or Kikuyu.”
Determined to make a difference, Alex began translating what he learned into his local language. Gradually, farmers started listening and applying the knowledge — and soon, they began seeing positive results in their farms. Encouraged by the impact, Alex continued learning and even attended physical training sessions organized by Biovision Africa Trust.
His commitment earned him recognition as The Organic Farmer Ambassador (TOFA), a role that allows him to help other farmers transition to agroecological farming practices. “I went to the ward agriculture office and collected the list of all registered farmer groups,” he says proudly. “Every week, I visit them to train on organic methods and spread the word that they can now learn through their phones — from soil health to pest control and livestock management.”
Alex’s lessons go beyond theory. He demonstrates how to make organic manure using cow, rabbit, and chicken waste, how to reduce soil acidity, and how to grow safe and healthy vegetables using natural pest control methods.
The digital platforms and organic farming trainings have opened doors for Alex beyond his local community. “It has helped me a lot,” he says with a smile. “Here in Kenya, I connect with people from the Central Region, especially in Kirinyaga County.” Through these connections, Alex became an agent for Safi Organic Fertilizer, helping farmers in Kakamega County access organic manure that enriches their soil naturally and boosts productivity.
Alex praises the holistic approach of the Farmer Communication Programme, which combines radio programs, The Organic Farmer magazine, digital learning, and physical trainings. He believes these channels have encouraged farmers to embrace change and turn learning into tangible impact proving that with the right knowledge and support, organic farming can transform lives and strengthen communities across Africa.