Elina Sultan's Remarkable Journey: Empowering Women through Cassava Value Addition

Elina Sultan during the cassava value addition training at Matsangoni

 

From Subsistence to Agribusiness: Elina’s Journey

Elina began her journey in cassava farming in 2010, primarily growing the crop for consumption. However, her perspective shifted after attending various training sessions conducted by Kilifi County’s Ministry of Agriculture.

 

 “Through attending various training sessions, I was introduced to value addition. I started practicing how to make cassava chips, crisps, chapati, mandazi, and baking goods such as scones and cakes,” she stated. 

Elina demonstrating how to make 'tambi' to Ukulima Bora Self Help group

 

Inspired by this newfound knowledge, Elina decided to fully commit to cassava farming and value addition in 2017, planting two acres of the crop.

 

Innovating with PlantVillage Support

Her entrepreneurial journey leaped forward when she learned how to use the PlantVillage app, an AI-powered tool that assists farmers in detecting pests and diseases. Through the PlantVillage app, she gained vital skills such as scouting for pests and viral cassava diseases and learning sustainable farming practices like the use of biochar. 

 

“The use of the PlantVillage app also encouraged roughing out of Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) infected plants, an essential skill that enhanced the growth of clean cassava in my farm,” she observed.

 

Through PlantVillage extension services Elina and her group members (Ukulima Bora Self Help) were taught how to make and charge biochar fertilizer for water retention due to the minimal rainfall received in the area.

 

Biochar not only improved her soil quality but also encouraged her shift towards organic fertilizer, increasing her cassava yields significantly. “I produce biochar fertilizer using maize crop residue and tree branches and later charge it with cow dung.”

 

Scaling Up and Expanding her Business

In 2023, Elina’s expertise and commitment earned her a place at a major Cassava Conference, where she learned how to produce ‘tambi’ (noodles) from cassava flour. This skill was a turning point, prompting her to expand her business, Elina Cassava Foods. 

 

“During the conference period, I met female exhibitors from Busia who were selling ‘tambi’ made from cassava flour. I gained interest in learning the skill and purchasing the machine used to make them since l had experience in producing flour,” she said.

 

Ms. Sultan noted that she began the ‘tambi’-making business immediately after she came back from the conference, selling the products for 10 to 200 Kenyan shillings.

Elina posing for a photo with packaged 'tambi' at her homestead 

 

With additional cassava seed provided by PlantVillage, she scaled up her farm to six acres, boosting her supply for both her business and the local market. “Last year, PlantVillage provided me with clean cassava seeds enough for one acre, which I used and added some to expand to 6 acres.”

 

Empowering others Through Training

Her influence extends beyond her farm. Recognizing the importance of sharing her knowledge, she began training other farmers on cassava value addition. With support from PlantVillage, she trained 51 farmers across Kilifi North, Kilifi South, Malindi, and Magarini. These hands-on training sessions covered everything from making ‘tambi’ to creating cassava-based products like cassava cocoa. 

Bidii Jimba group members during the cassava value addition training in Kilifi North sub-county

 

“We are grateful for the training, and we look forward to experimenting with the innovative way of value addition,” said Lead Farmer Anderson Gande, a member of Bidii Jimba Farmers. He further stated that such hands-on experience motivates farmers to embrace cassava farming.

Anderson Gande distributing 'tambi' to Bidii Jimba group members

 

Inspired by this experience, Elina also conducted training with her farmer group, Ukulima Bora Self Help, teaching them how to produce cassava cake, cocoa, and ‘tambi’.

 

Speaking during the Ukulima Bora Self Help training, Mr. Gari Kai, Kilifi County Agricultural Officer, commended PlantVillage for motivating farmers through cassava farming sensitizations. “PlantVillage is doing good work by empowering cassava farmers at the grassroots level through Artificial Intelligence and organizing practical training sessions that equip them with knowledge on how to commercialize their produce.”

Mr Gari Kai participating in mixing cake flour during the cassava value addition training at Matsangoni

 

He also urged the need for collaboration between the County officers and PlantVillage to better farmers' livelihoods.

 

Elina also noted the benefits of growing improved cassava varieties which produce more yields compared to local varieties. “I advise my fellow farmers to grow cassava at scale, particularly improved varieties such as Tajirika and Shibe, which offer a promising source of income,” she said.

 

Future Goals and Challenges

As Elina continues to grow her business, she has set her sights on expanding her market. Her next goal is to get her cassava products certified by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), which would enable her to reach a broader market. She also hopes to acquire a chipper to streamline the process of making cassava chips for flour production.

 

Elina’s story serves as an inspiration to women across Kenya and beyond, highlighting the pivotal role they play in transforming agriculture and driving economic growth. Through her business, she has reaped profits, which have enabled her to provide school fees for her children and food for her family.