Maryanne Gichanga, a passionate participant in a UN-supported initiative, embodies the resilient spirit of Kenyan farmers battling the escalating pressures of climate change on agriculture. Her unwavering mantra, "Giving up is not an option - so many people depend on you," underscores the critical role agriculture plays in Kenya, employing up to 75% of the population.

However, this vital sector is increasingly threatened by a changing climate, marked by more frequent and intense droughts and extreme weather events, alongside the loss of productive land, a challenge echoed across Africa. Gichanga firmly believes that innovation is paramount for Kenya's agricultural community to build resilience against these formidable environmental shifts.

Ahead of the International Day of Clean Energy, Maryanne shared her journey with the UN, explaining how she has successfully navigated a predominantly male-dominated field. Her company provides invaluable insights into soil and crop health, as well as crucial weather patterns, by leveraging cutting-edge technology: solar-powered sensors and AI-powered satellite data. This technological integration empowers farmers with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and adapt to unpredictable conditions.

Maryanne's inspiration stems directly from her upbringing. "I grew up in a farming set-up. My parents are farmers," she recounted. She witnessed firsthand the bounty of good harvests, but also the devastating impact when climate change began to disrupt traditional farming cycles. The direct correlation between poor harvests and a compromised quality of life, including the inability to attend school, fueled her determination to find solutions. This personal experience motivated her to establish her company, bringing together like-minded individuals to develop solutions specifically for smallholder farmers.

A pivotal role in her entrepreneurial journey was played by Greenovations Africa, a UN-supported initiative dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs. Greenovations Africa provided essential training and crucial seed capital, believing in the potential of small companies like hers to drive significant change. This support was instrumental in helping her overcome initial hurdles and grow her venture.

Operating in a patriarchal society, Maryanne faced significant challenges as a woman innovator. "In Africa, communities are quite patriarchal. So, trying to get into this male-dominated field is a thing. It is hard. It has its own challenges, because people would rather work with a man," she explained. Skepticism towards female leadership and women offering technical solutions was prevalent.

However, her unwavering persistence, coupled with practical training and compelling demonstrations of her technology's effectiveness, gradually won over skeptics. She emphasized that collaboration and maintaining focus on the initial motivation – ensuring parents no longer struggle and safeguarding the futures of millions of children whose families depend on farming – were key to her success.

For Maryanne, the ultimate reward is witnessing direct, positive changes in people's lives. "My highest point is when I see lives changed directly. When you empower farmers, their lives change," she stated. Observing an increase in crop yields or seeing farmers, once unable to afford seeds, now controlling the prices of their harvest, serves as a powerful encouragement to work even harder. This tangible impact fuels her dedication and resolve.

She extends a powerful call to action to other women and girls aspiring to innovate in agriculture or climate action: "I would just say go for it. You will learn along the way, and there are a lot of people who will support you financially or offer technical support, advice, and training." Maryanne stresses that there is no perfect time to begin; readiness often comes through action. Her message is clear: "You just have do it...don't be scared!"