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Dr. Mayowa Oke (Managing Partner)
Growing up in Nigeria, I always felt a deep connection to animals and a profound desire to make a difference. This passion led me to the prestigious University of Ibadan, where I earned my degree in Veterinary Medicine. Soon after, I founded Anchor Vet, a private practice where I honed my skills and nurtured a vision for better veterinary care in Nigeria.
Life took a transformative turn when I joined the Federal Ministry of Agriculture. My journey there was one of growth and service. As an integral part of the team coordinating the eradication of Avian Influenza—a World Bank and WHO-sponsored initiative—I witnessed firsthand the resilience of farmers and the power of collaboration in safeguarding public health. Rising to the position of Assistant Director, I gained invaluable insights into farming systems and agricultural health.
But my thirst for knowledge and a broader impact called me abroad. At the University of Greenwich in the United Kingdom, I earned a Master’s in Global Public Health and later served in the NHS, where I deepened my understanding of health systems and human connection.
Fueled by a love for people and an unrelenting drive to make a difference, I founded Tech in Agric—a social enterprise dedicated to transforming agriculture through innovation, technology, and a vision for a better tomorrow.
My Story
Growing up in rural Africa, I witnessed the daily struggles of smallholder farmers through the unwavering determination of my father. He worked tirelessly, from sunrise to sunset, armed with little more than a hoe and an unshakable resolve to provide for his family. Yet, despite his relentless efforts, our lives were defined by scarcity. The land he cultivated seemed more unforgiving than fruitful, and the harvests were rarely enough to sustain us. Hunger was a familiar presence, and the uncertainty of farming often dictated the rhythm of our lives.
Our family depended entirely on unpredictable rains and outdated farming practices passed down through generations. Every planting season brought with it a wave of anxiety—if the rains failed or pests struck, the consequences rippled through every aspect of our lives. The struggles on the farm were deeply intertwined with our education and well-being. My siblings and I walked miles to attend school, often without proper shoes or supplies because every penny earned went back into the farm. The irony of growing food but still going hungry was a harsh reality we faced daily.
One day, I overheard my father confide in a neighbor, his voice heavy with despair: “How can I break this cycle? The land gives less each year, and I’m growing old.” That moment stayed with me. I realized that our family’s plight was not unique but a shared experience for millions of smallholder farmers across Africa. Their resilience was overshadowed by outdated methods, limited resources, and the mounting challenges of climate change.
These memories became the driving force behind Tech in Agric, a social enterprise I founded with a singular mission: to break the cycle of suffering for Africa’s farmers. Our goal is to empower smallholder farmers with technology-driven solutions that make farming sustainable, productive, and rewarding. By introducing tools like precision irrigation systems, mobile apps for weather forecasting, and pest control innovations, we aim to help farmers increase their yields while reducing their dependence on unpredictable factors.
But Tech in Agric is about more than technology. It’s about restoring dignity and creating opportunities for farmers who are the backbone of Africa’s food system. It’s about ensuring that no family has to choose between buying seeds and sending their children to school. It’s about building a future where farming is not a life sentence to poverty but a gateway to prosperity.
Today, as I look at my father’s weathered hands and calloused palms, I am reminded of the sacrifices he made and the resilience he showed. Tech in Agric is my way of honoring his legacy and ensuring that no farmer’s story ends in despair. Together, we can rewrite the narrative of agriculture in Africa, creating a future where no family goes hungry, and every farmer’s hard work is rewarded.