Alexander Zanders Of UfarmX On How We Can Engage And Recruit The Next Generation Of Farmers

An Interview With Martita Mestey

Integrate Agriculture into Education Early On: Children decide on their interests at a young age. By integrating agricultural education, we plant the idea that farming is a viable and exciting career path. For example, schools could collaborate with local farms for field trips and practical experiences, allowing children to witness and participate in farming activities. This direct engagement demystifies agriculture and may spark a lifelong passion.

With the global demand for food production increasing and the average age of farmers rising, it is crucial to invest in and prepare the next generation of agricultural professionals. In this interview series, we aim to explore and discuss the key factors that contribute to successful recruitment and training of future farmers. As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Alexander Zanders.

Alexander Zanders is an entrepreneur and founder of UfarmX. In 2015, Zanders embarked on his agricultural journey, spending three years traveling across Africa attending conferences and learning about the value chain needs of the continent. This experience led him to create UfarmX in 2019. Zanders recognized that people in the diaspora were looking towards Africa for solutions and saw an opportunity to use his skills to help improve the continent’s agricultural sector. During the 2020 pandemic, Zanders built a 100-acre organic farm in Iseyin, Nigeria; successfully harvesting cassava, maize and soybean. In October 2023, UfarmX announced its expansion from Nigeria into Senegal through its strategic partnership with The SEED Project. UfarmX and The SEED Project are offering 2,000 students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience and education, while also providing a direct pathway to employment through UfarmX’s platform. This initiative is not only addressing immediate employment needs but is also contributing to long-term, sustainable change in the agricultural landscape of Senegal.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?

I was raised by my superhero, my mom, a single mother who juggled up to three jobs, making the impossible look routine just to give me a life comparative to my peers from two-parent homes.

My childhood was tucked away in the pages of the countless books — my escape and companions, given that I was an only child. Besides being a bookworm, I was also somewhat of an athlete. I found my niche in track, specifically the triple jump which led me to Temple University in Philadelphia.

I grew up in Maryland, moved briefly to New Jersey, but it was my journey to Philadelphia for college that marked the start of my personal expedition. My mom, though often not around physically due to her work, was a strict disciplinarian from afar. Education wasn’t just important; it was everything. As is true in most Nigerian households.

In school, the entrepreneurial bug bit me early. My first business ventures ranged from selling $5 burned CDs to becoming the go-to guy for jerseys and polo shirts, that I would often source from eBay selling to peers. These early hustles were the precursors to my entrepreneurial journey, sowing the seeds for my first official company which I founded during my undergrad days. But that, as they say, is a story for another day! :)

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

I would say the most interesting experience to date would have to be the team’s initial trip during my company, UfarmX, expansion into Senegal from Nigeria. Navigating the shift from an Anglophone to Francophone market, especially without prior exposure to the French language or local cultural norms, presented unique challenges. It was an intense, eventful journey but ultimately an immensely rewarding experience.

You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?

1. Genuineness: I personally believe that my life’s brand is authenticity. I’ve always prioritized presenting myself honestly, with all my imperfections, rather than as an infallible leader. I find that this authenticity isn’t just appreciated; it’s respected. It’s not about having all the answers but about being real in your interactions. This genuine approach helped me forge trusting relationships, allowing UfarmX to attract a team that values truth and transparency. It’s about human connection beyond business transactions.

2. Perseverance: The founder’s journey is a wild ride, often filled with highs so thrilling they’re dizzying and lows so challenging they’re disheartening. Imagine going from being on the brink of millions one day to within the same 30 days struggling to be able to pay rent while maintaining sanity and a positive outlook for the rest of the team to see. It’s this rollercoaster that tests you, demanding perseverance without entertaining negative thoughts or the idea of giving up.

3. Humility: Embarking on this venture taught me the value of seeking help and being open to feedback. Earlier, I’d hesitate, possibly because of my ego. Now, I understand that humility doesn’t diminish my worth; instead, it amplifies my growth potential. Being open to critique and guidance has been instrumental in my personal and professional development.

Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think that will help people?

Absolutely, I’m excited about our new collaboration with The SEED Project, a fantastic initiative blending basketball and agriculture. Who knew, right? We’re diving into the challenge of making farming a trending topic among young athletes, showing them it’s as engaging as sports and, dare I say, can have its slam dunk moments too. This partnership is our alley-oop for engaging over 2,000 youngsters, hopefully turning them into agriculture enthusiasts and pros.

And on the home front, I’m venturing into the wilds of third-grade math with my daughter. Trust me, nurturing crops is a breeze compared to explaining why numbers behave the way they do in multiplication. If patience is a virtue, I guess I’m earning my stripes one times table at a time!

Ok super. Thank you for all that. Let’s now shift to the main focus of our interview. Why do you think it is so important to engage the next generation of farmers?

Engaging the next generation in agriculture is not just important; it’s an absolute necessity. Picture this: certain unique cultures and languages vanish over time when they’re not passed down through generations. Agriculture is no different. Without youthful energy and innovation, we’re staring at a future of potential food scarcity — quite literally risking cultural starvation.

Here’s a startling fact: our continent is sitting on a goldmine, with 60–70% of the world’s remaining arable land. Imagine the possibilities! We hold the keys to not just feeding Africa, but honestly, feeding the globe. But what stands in our way? Outdated practices, dwindling interest from the youth, and a resigned acceptance of importing what we are more than capable of producing ourselves.

It’s a domino effect. Our neglect of this sector doesn’t just affect food production; it holds back progress in numerous other aspects of our societal advancement. We’re forced to import, at staggering costs, what could easily be grown right in our backyards. By making agriculture appealing and lucrative for the next generation, we’re not just growing crops; we’re cultivating a legacy of self-sufficiency, economic stability, and progressive independence for the entire continent. So, the real question isn’t why we should engage the youth in agriculture; it’s how fast can we do it, and how many lives can we transform along the way.

Can you tell us about the biggest challenges and opportunities you see for the next generation of farmers?

The next generation of farmers face significant challenges, including the frustrating fact that policy more times than not does not match the speed of innovation, infrastructural deficits, and the unpredictable impacts of climate change. These obstacles, while daunting, present opportunities. There’s a substantial gap for innovative solutions, particularly in employing technology for more resilient, efficient, and predictive farming methods. Despite the hurdles, these young farmers have the chance to transform agriculture from a traditionally labor-intensive field into a modern, lucrative, and globally competitive industry. Their role could be pivotal in reimagining and revolutionizing the sector, ensuring food security, and promoting sustainability on a broader scale.

How do you think technology and innovation can play a role in attracting young people to pursue careers in agriculture?

Technology and innovation can revolutionize agriculture, turning it into a high-tech field that appeals to the younger generation. By integrating advancements like AI, drone technology, and data analytics, farming becomes less about manual labor and more about cutting-edge science, creativity, and entrepreneurship. This modern approach would not only make agriculture more efficient but also positions it as a thrilling, forward-thinking career path.

What kind of support and resources do you believe are necessary to make farming a more appealing profession for the next generation?

To make farming more appealing for the next generation, it’s essential to rebrand agriculture as a dynamic and innovative profession. Initiatives like our collaboration with The SEED Project are crucial. They build connections between passions, showcasing agriculture as both a cool and viable career path for young talents. But also through our training and curriculum it will impress these youth with life skills that they can carry on whether they decide to pursue agriculture as a career path or not.

How can educational institutions, such as schools and universities, better prepare and encourage young people to consider careers in agriculture?

I believe educational institutions are already making commendable strides in preparing students for careers in agriculture. For instance, in Nigeria, resources and courses are readily available at universities, and organizations like the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) provide public resources. However, the key lies in raising awareness earlier in the educational journey. Introducing sustainable studies and food production courses at the primary school level could plant early seeds of interest, influencing future career choices in agriculture. Essentially, it’s about capturing interest and curiosity early on, ensuring agriculture is seen as an accessible and rewarding field from the start.

Are there any successful initiatives or programs that you’ve seen effectively engage and recruit young farmers? What can we learn from them?

Yes, in Nigeria, I’ve seen government initiatives offering seed funding to encourage youth to take up farming. However, these programs often fizzle out due to a lack of policy continuity between administrations. The takeaway? For successful engagement of young farmers, we need consistent, long-term support and resources, not just temporary initiatives.

How can the farming community itself play a role in attracting and mentoring the next generation?

The farming community can make a significant impact by reframing the exposure to farming for the youth, not as a chore, but as a rewarding and privileged experience, emphasizing the honor and significance of nurturing the land and feeding communities.

What are the “5 Things We Must Do To Engage And Recruit The Next Generation Of Farmers” and why?

1. Integrate Agriculture into Education Early On: Children decide on their interests at a young age. By integrating agricultural education, we plant the idea that farming is a viable and exciting career path. For example, schools could collaborate with local farms for field trips and practical experiences, allowing children to witness and participate in farming activities. This direct engagement demystifies agriculture and may spark a lifelong passion.

2. Modernize the Image of Farming: The perception of farming as outdated or unprofitable is a barrier. We need to rebrand it as a high-tech, lucrative career. Showcase successful young farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs on social media and in popular culture or highlight the use of modern technologies like drones, AI, and vertical farming that resonate with tech-savvy youth.

3. Provide Financial Incentives and Support: Financial uncertainties often deter interested youth. Offering financial incentives, start-up support, and resources can alleviate these apprehensions. Government programs or private sector partnerships that offer grants or low-interest loans specifically for young agricultural entrepreneurs can give them the boost needed to kickstart their ventures.

4. Foster Mentorship Programs and Community Engagement: Guidance from experienced farmers and a sense of community involvement can provide invaluable support and encouragement. Creating community programs where seasoned farmers mentor youngsters, sharing wisdom, and practical skills, while these new farmers bring innovation and fresh perspectives into the mix.

5. Create Sustainable and Environmental Connections: Today’s youth are highly environmentally conscious. Linking agriculture to sustainability and global impact creates a compelling narrative that aligns with their values. Promote farming practices that contribute to environmental conservation, such as permaculture or organic farming, and campaigns that emphasize the farmer’s role as a caretaker of the earth. This approach not only feels rewarding but also positions farming as a way to make a positive global impact.

Are there other ideas or considerations that should encourage us to reimagine the future of farming?

Absolutely, consider the explosive growth projected in agribusiness on the continent, expected to soar from $500 billion to over $1 trillion in the next six years. Now, pair that with the burgeoning population and the fact that the continent boasts the youngest average age globally.

There’s an urgent need to revolutionize African agriculture, mirroring the tech boom in Silicon Valley. This means integrating cutting-edge technology, fostering innovation, and attracting fresh, young talent into the sector. It’s not just about food production; it’s about pioneering a dynamic, tech-savvy agricultural landscape that can be the engine of economic transformation for the continent.

You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

If I could spark a movement, it’d be “AgriCoolture” — making farming the new cool, the next big trend sweeping social media, from TikTok farm-life hacks and Instagram harvests to Twitter’s agriculture policy debates. Imagine celebrities championing urban farming, influencers taking up soil and seed instead of fashion and travel, and streaming platforms flooded with agriculture reality shows, competitions, and documentaries.

It’s about rebranding agriculture as a lifestyle, a conscious choice for a sustainable, stylish future. We’re talking farm-to-table becoming a norm, where young entrepreneurs, innovators, and creators collaborate, turning the tide against climate change, food insecurity, and economic disparity. ‘AgriCoolture’ would be more than a trend; it’s the movement where pop culture becomes the driving force for global food revolution, one viral post at a time.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

For the latest updates on the UfarmX journey our website, www.ufarmx.com, serves as a comprehensive resource.

For insights into our industry perspectives, professional milestones, or to engage with us directly, you’re welcome to connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/azanders/ and the company page https://www.linkedin.com/company/ufarmx/ . And for a glimpse into the lighter, more personal moments — often featuring special appearances by my kids — feel free to follow my Instagram: @igwejagaban.

This was very inspiring and informative. Thank you so much for the time you spent with this interview!