A Deep Dive into Youth Entrepreneurship with Shamba Box’s Founder and Managing Director

In the heart of agricultural innovation and youth empowerment, Mr. Seth Charles Mkisi, the visionary founder and managing director of Shamba Box, recently undertook a transformative journey through the Youth Entrepreneurship in Agriculture and Changing Food Systems Course. This immersive experience, offered by the Wageningen Centre for Development Innovation (WCDI), proved to be a catalyst for Mr. Mkisi’s mission to revolutionize the agricultural landscape.

The course, designed to blend practical, hands-on training with a comprehensive understanding of agri-food systems, unfolds in three distinct stages: inspiration and education, starting a business, and scaling a business. Each stage delves into the intricacies of how young individuals perceive agri-food systems, the skills required to initiate a business, and the challenges and strategies involved in scaling a business from micro to SME stage.

One of the distinguishing features of the course is its emphasis on food systems modeling, with a focus on socio-economic impact. Participants explore the holistic functioning of agri-food systems, paying particular attention to household livelihoods in rural contexts, the development of inclusive value chains, and the critical intersection of production and delivery for nutritious diets.

The course structure is dynamic and interactive, combining online and in-person sessions. Online pre-course assignments set the stage, allowing participants to familiarize themselves with WCDI and articulate their expectations. Interactive plenary sessions, facilitated through platforms like Zoom, provide a space for content sharing, assignment reviews, and the exchange of experiences. Group and individual assignments, often incorporating real-world examples, bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Field visits serve as a cornerstone of the course, offering participants firsthand exposure to different teaching methodologies, business practices, and incubators. These experiences enrich the learning process and equip participants with a nuanced understanding of diverse entrepreneurial landscapes.

The course’s blended format not only fosters a collaborative learning environment but also accommodates participants with diverse educational backgrounds and resources. The use of online platforms, Zoom and TalentLMS, ensures accessibility and ease of operation. The latter, an online learning system, serves as a comprehensive hub for course materials, assignments, and discussions.

As Mr. Mkisi navigated through the course, he found himself immersed in a wealth of knowledge and practical insights. The 16–20 hours per week commitment, spread over a 6–8 week period, allowed for a manageable workload, enabling participants to balance their professional commitments with the rigors of the program.

Upon successful completion, participants receive acertificate, a testament to their newfound expertise in navigating the complex terrain of youth entrepreneurship in agriculture. Mr. Mkisi, now armed with a robust understanding of agri-food systems, is poised to implement transformative strategies within Shamba Box and contribute to the broader goal of creating entrepreneurial and job opportunities for the youth.

The Youth Entrepreneurship in Agriculture and Changing Food Systems Course stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment for individuals like Mr. Mkisi, propelling them towards a future where agriculture is not just a means of sustenance but a thriving landscape of innovation, growth, and prosperity.