Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nchimunya Munyama. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Nchimunya, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

In the quiet corners of my childhood, on my grandfather’s farm, I discovered the essence of life in the soil and the resilience of plants. My path to Netagrow was rooted in the challenges my grandfather faced as a small-scale farmer, striving to manage water efficiently. Growing up in rural Zambia, I witnessed firsthand the struggles of small-scale farmers like him—climate uncertainties, inadequate resources, and the pressing need for a more efficient agricultural process.

My fascination with agriculture began with crafting makeshift tools from wood and iron, attempting to solve the challenges faced by my grandfather. As I matured, the limitations of our manual irrigation system became apparent. Water management was a crucial concern, and I began to envision a solution that would not only make farming more efficient but also be affordable for small-scale farmers.

Reflecting on the global demand for increased food production, I realized the urgency of transforming traditional farming practices. The inspiration for Netagrow emerged from a desire to create a system that understands the intricate needs of both farmers and plants. Leveraging my background in forestry and a detour into agricultural engineering, I found my way to software development, marrying technology with agriculture.

Netagrow, derived from the Hebrew words “NETA” meaning seedling or plant and “GROW,” represents my vision to revolutionize the agriculture industry. The journey from a curious child playing in the soil to a software developer with a mission reflects my commitment to providing a simple, affordable, and effective solution for farmers. Netagrow is more than a monitoring system; it’s a testament to the power of innovation rooted in personal experience and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by farmers.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Nchimunya Munyama, the visionary behind Netagrow. Rooted in the memories of my grandfather’s farm in rural Zambia, my journey into agriculture and technology was ignited by the challenges faced by small-scale farmers. Netagrow isn’t just technology; it’s a response to the urgent need for sustainable farming practices amidst climate uncertainties.

This comprehensive agriculture field monitoring system is designed to minimize water input, reduce human intervention, and maximize crop yield. What sets Netagrow apart is its simplicity and affordability, making advanced agricultural technology accessible to small-scale farmers. It collects environmental, soil, and nutrient data, providing AI-driven insights for informed decision-making.

Proudly transforming childhood curiosity into a tangible solution, Netagrow reflects a commitment to farmers’ well-being and sustainable agriculture. Blending forestry and software development backgrounds uniquely equips me to merge traditional wisdom with modern innovation.

Beyond Netagrow, my diverse experiences include being a Halcyon Fellow, a Mandela Washington Fellow, and a TEDx Speaker. An MBA in Management Information Systems enhances my business acumen, while a background in Agriculture Economics and forestry brings a holistic perspective.

As an Innovation & Technology Consultant, I navigate the intersection of creativity and practicality, helping organizations adapt to evolving technology landscapes. Netagrow is more than a product; it’s a promise to revolutionize agriculture, inviting you to join me in cultivating a future where farming thrives sustainably.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In the early stages of developing Netagrow, I faced numerous challenges that tested my resilience. One particular instance stands out. I encountered significant skepticism from potential investors who were uncertain about the viability of a technology-driven solution for small-scale farmers in rural Zambia. Many doubted that such farmers would embrace or benefit from advanced agricultural technology.

Undeterred, I decided to take a grassroots approach. I spent extensive time in rural communities, engaging directly with farmers to understand their needs and concerns. This hands-on approach not only allowed me to fine-tune Netagrow to meet their specific requirements but also fostered trust within these communities.

Facing initial skepticism, I persisted in sharing the potential impact of Netagrow on improving farming practices, increasing yields, and navigating the challenges posed by climate variability. Slowly but surely, perceptions began to shift. Farmers saw the tangible benefits during the pilot phases, and this grassroots support became a testament to the resilience of both the project and the community.

This experience reinforced the importance of staying committed to a vision, even in the face of skepticism and adversity. It’s a reminder that resilience isn’t just about overcoming challenges but also about adapting, learning, and building lasting connections with those you aim to serve.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One significant lesson I had to unlearn was the notion that success follows a linear path or a predefined timeline. Growing up, there was a conventional belief that success meant following a specific sequence of education, career steps, and achievements by a certain age.

The backstory involves my early career expectations. I believed that achieving success in my chosen field required a predictable trajectory — completing studies, securing a stable job, and steadily climbing the career ladder. However, life had different plans for me.

After completing my studies and entering the workforce, I found myself drawn to diverse fields, including forestry, agricultural engineering, and software development. This unconventional journey initially felt like a deviation from the expected path, causing moments of doubt and self-reflection.

The pivotal unlearning moment occurred when I realized that success is a personal and evolving concept. It doesn’t adhere to a predefined timeline or a set sequence of steps. Rather, success is about continuously learning, adapting, and pursuing what aligns with one’s passions and values.

Embracing this perspective allowed me to break free from societal expectations and pursue the innovative intersection of agriculture and technology that led to Netagrow. Unlearning the rigid idea of a linear path opened up possibilities, enabling me to leverage diverse skills and experiences to create something meaningful and impactful.

This journey reinforced the importance of staying true to one’s calling, even if it doesn’t conform to conventional expectations. Success, in its truest sense, is a dynamic and personal evolution, shaped by the lessons learned along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.netagrow.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/munyama01/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nchimz.munyama
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nchimunya-munyama-64947612b
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/munyama01