Series · Portraits

Those who
cultivate the future.

A curated selection of agrinnovators around the world — women and men transforming their value chains, territories, and communities.

picture of Larry Holder Trinidad and Tobago
Larry Holder, Novo Farms (Trinidad & Tobago) : from caribbean kitchens to global shelves: scaling local food innovation with novo farms
Standing at the intersection of Caribbean food culture and modern food innovation is Larry Holder, Public Relations Executive at Novo Farms, a …

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Linette Wawira (Kenya), “By focusing on quality and consistency, we were able to build trust and repeat business.” Kenya
Linette Wawira (Kenya), “By focusing on quality and consistency, we were able to build trust and repeat business.”
Linette Wawira founded Jiwa Farm Export Limited in Kenya during the COVID-19 lockdown, the objective was straightforward: supply fresh, reliable produce to …

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Samuel Rigu (Kenya): transforming agricultural waste into high-quality organic fertilisers Kenya
Samuel Rigu (Kenya): transforming agricultural waste into high-quality organic fertilisers
Samuel Rigu grew up in rural Kenya, where he witnessed farmers struggle with poor soils, low yields, and limited access to affordable …

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Sandra McLeish (Jamaica): champion of climate-smart agrifood transformation Jamaica
Sandra McLeish (Jamaica): champion of climate-smart agrifood transformation
Sandra McLeish is a Jamaican entrepreneur, renewable-energy advocate, and founder of Agro Cold Storage Logistics Limited (ACSL) and Sankhard Company Limited—two women-led …

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Josephine Okot ; producer and distributor of high-quality seeds." Uganda
Josephine Okot ; producer and distributor of high-quality seeds."
Born in northern Uganda, Josephine Okot grew up witnessing the heavy burden women carried in agriculture and the barriers they faced : …

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Eric Medji, co-founder of Othentiks, local fruit juice producer
Eric Medji, co-founder of Othentiks, local fruit juice producer
After several years working in IT and CRM consulting, Eric Medji decided to embark on a new career path in 2013. Convinced …

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María Elsy Abreu turns Dominican cacao into a driver of sustainability and inclusion Dominican Republic
María Elsy Abreu turns Dominican cacao into a driver of sustainability and inclusion
In the Dominican Republic, a new generation of entrepreneurs is transforming agricultural value chains. María Elsy Abreu, co-founder and director of Cacao …

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Derrick Sarfo turns plastic into sustainable opportunities Ghana
Derrick Sarfo turns plastic into sustainable opportunities
In Ghana, a young entrepreneur is proving that a committed vision can turn environmental challenges into opportunities for inclusive development. Derrick Sarfo, …

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Gillian Goddard (Trinidad & Tobago), co-founder of the Alliance of Rural Communities Trinidad and Tobago
Gillian Goddard (Trinidad & Tobago), co-founder of the Alliance of Rural Communities
An activist, systems thinker, and organic food pioneer, Gillian has spent over three decades cultivating not just crops, but community. As co-founder …

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Fatou Cissoko (Guinea): “Our work goes beyond products: it's about people.” Guinea
Fatou Cissoko (Guinea): “Our work goes beyond products: it's about people.”
Fatou Titine Cissoko is the founder and managing director of Jedengui (EFK), a Guinean agri-food company that transforms local agricultural surplus into …

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Chigozie Bashua: entrepreneur at the forefront of nut-based nutritional solutions for a thriving Africa
Chigozie Bashua: entrepreneur at the forefront of nut-based nutritional solutions for a thriving Africa
Chigozie Bashua is the founder and CEO of The Nut Place, a Nigerian food tech company redefining how indigenous nuts can address …

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Rachel Renie, an inspirational figure from Trinidad and Tobago who combines entrepreneurship, innovation and social impact Trinidad and Tobago
Rachel Renie, an inspirational figure from Trinidad and Tobago who combines entrepreneurship, innovation and social impact
Rachel Renie is a visionary entrepreneur and a leading force in Trinidad and Tobago’s agri-food sector. As the co-founder and Managing Director …

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Marlène Kindji: founder and director of Badémè Natural Foods, Championing natural, nutritious and locally sourced foods in Benin Benin
Marlène Kindji: founder and director of Badémè Natural Foods, Championing natural, nutritious and locally sourced foods in Benin
In the heart of Benin, Marlène Kindji is leading a transformation in how vegetables are preserved, valued, and consumed. As the Founder …

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Joshua Forte is the founder and director of Red Diamond Compost Inc. in Barbados. The company transforms organic waste and invasive species into effective, environmentally friendly soil and crop inputs Barbados
Joshua Forte is the founder and director of Red Diamond Compost Inc. in Barbados. The company transforms organic waste and invasive species into effective, environmentally friendly soil and crop inputs
In Barbados and the wider Caribbean, agriculture faces increasing challenges: soil degradation, climate change, rising input costs, and food security concerns. Against …

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Patricia Zoundi Yao, entrepreneur and African champion of sustainable development, is an inspiration to us. What about you
Patricia Zoundi Yao, entrepreneur and African champion of sustainable development, is an inspiration to us. What about you
Patricia Zoundi Yao is a social entrepreneur, impact leader, and dedicated advocate for rural Africa. She is committed to fostering sustainable agriculture, …

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Anna Seck - From executive assistance to responsible entrepreneurship: a journey that inspires. What about you Senegal
Anna Seck - From executive assistance to responsible entrepreneurship: a journey that inspires. What about you
Mrs Anna Seck, based in Senegal, embodies a remarkable journey of determination, resilience and commitment to excellence. Married and the mother of …

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Jeanette Marcelle inspires us—And you Trinidad and Tobago
Jeanette Marcelle inspires us—And you
Handmade by Jeanette transforms Trinidad and Tobago’s culinary traditions into sustainable opportunities.

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Khalifa Thiam inspires us... and you? Founder of JOULEU in Senegal, a producer and distributor with a strong social impact on young people Senegal
Khalifa Thiam inspires us... and you? Founder of JOULEU in Senegal, a producer and distributor with a strong social impact on young people
In the world of African agribusiness, some players are pioneers in combining innovation, sustainability and social commitment. Khalifa Thiam, founder of JOULEU, …

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Tania Lieuw-A-Soe inspires us and you Suriname
Tania Lieuw-A-Soe inspires us and you
Tania Lieuw-A-Soe, President of SURIVIT N.V., is a leading figure in social entrepreneurship in Suriname.

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Lalaina Marie Chantal RAVAOARISOA inspires us and you Madagascar
Lalaina Marie Chantal RAVAOARISOA inspires us and you
Lalaina Marie Chantal is Sustainable Development Manager at Lecofruit (Basan Group), Madagascar

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Jane Maina inspires us and you Kenya
Jane Maina inspires us and you
Since 2006, Jane Maina has been the Managing Director of Vert Ltd, a Kenyan company specialising in the production and export of …

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picture of Guilhem Picker Cameroon In memory
In memory of Guilhem Picker: a visionary for sustainable agricultural development
It was with deep sadness that we learned in November of the death of Guilhem Picker, an emblematic figure and visionary in …

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Dr Evelyn Maureen Acquaye inspires us and you Ghana
Dr Evelyn Maureen Acquaye inspires us and you
A visionary leader linking youth and sustainability in Ghana's agri-food sector

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picture of Yvonne Otieno Kenya
Yvonne Otieno inspires us and you
Yvonne Otieno, the dynamic CEO of Miyonga Fresh Greens ENT, has dedicated her career to reducing food waste and empowering smallholder farmers …

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Showing 1 to 24 of 27 results