Meet 10 talented African women writing children’s books in the diaspora

Arts & Culture, Books

A group of African women writers in the diaspora is significantly contributing to children’s literature. These authors draw upon their diverse experiences and backgrounds to create stories that resonate with young readers. Each writer brings a unique perspective shaped by their journeys across continents, addressing themes of identity, culture, and belonging.
Their works not only entertain but also educate, providing children with insights into the richness of African heritage and the complexities of life in a globalised world. Through their narratives, they foster a sense of connection and understanding among children from various backgrounds, encouraging empathy and curiosity about different cultures.
Read also: 8 countries with the highest share of female managers – ILO data
Here are 10 talented African women writing children’s books in the diaspora, compiled by BusinessDay.
1. Vese Aghoghovbia

Vese is a Nigerian writer focused on empowering young people to love and believe in themselves. She founded Philly & Friends, a children’s brand supporting underprivileged children globally. Recognised as a Top 100 Female Entrepreneur by Natwest & The Telegraph, Vese also won the 2021 Consumer & Luxury Rising Star award from the Black British Business Awards.
A Chartered Engineer with over ten years in strategy and operations, she has worked in FTSE-100 firms and the Baby & Child industry. Vese has spoken on platforms like the BBC and contributed to HuffPost Parent and Mother Mag. She lives in England with her family.
2. Olamidotun Votu-Obada

Olamidotun is the founder and lead author of Inspire HQ. She is a senior executive, social entrepreneur, children’s book author, speaker, and podcast host. Olamidotun created the Be Inspired Book Series, which includes titles such as Be Inspired By MKO, Be Inspired By Fela, and Be Inspired By Me Picture Book. In 2024, Be Inspired By MKO was presented to the Canadian Prime Minister, her books promote diversity and inclusion. Her books have received several awards, including two acknowledgements from the Ontario Government in 2024, and Olamidotun was listed as one of the “50 Most Inspiring Women” in 2019.
With a background in Business Economics and International Financial Economics from the University of Warwick and the University of Reading, Olamidotun has worked in management consultancy and business advisory, collaborating with NGOs and serving on boards in Africa. Olamidotun is a Canadian Nigerian and lives in Ontario with her husband and three daughters.
Read also: These 8 countries have female leaders running the government
3. Ariyike Lawal-Akinbobola

Ariyike is a Nigerian author, television presenter, talk show host, model, blogger, and lawyer based in Canada. She is also known for her occasional acting roles. Her children’s book, The Beautifully Coloured, has become a bestseller on Amazon. The book promotes kindness, diversity, inclusion, and positive affirmations for children.
Ariyike has worked as an associate producer and TV presenter for Spice TV, a fashion and lifestyle channel on DSTV. She hosted Spice TV’s flagship programme On the Couch and has been involved in producing and presenting fashion news. In addition, she has presented several other shows, including Sugar and Spice, Urban Spice, Instant Beauty Queen, and Project Swan. Ariyike also hosted Spice TV’s gadget show, Spice Toys.
4. Louisa Kiwana Olafuyi

Louisa is the co-founder of Kunda Kids, a black-owned publishing and media production company focused on teaching children about African history and culture. She and her husband, Oladele, launched Kunda Kids in 2020 after struggling to find books that could teach their son about ancient African history. Today, Kunda Kids works with over 20 writers, illustrators, and animators.
Louisa has authored over 50 children’s books and created the 3D animation Kunda & Friends. Through Kunda Kids, she seeks to address the underrepresentation of African culture in children’s media and promote global citizenship. The company’s mission is to inspire and educate children, helping them embrace their identities and dream big. Louisa is from Uganda, she lives in the United Kingdom with her family.
Read also: 8 remarkable African Queens who shaped history
5. Dora Owusu
Related News
Dora is from Ghana and now lives in the United States with her family. With a degree in Social Work, she has a deep interest in African and African-American history, which inspired her to write stories for children. Her books include Princess Nana Afia: The Majestic African Hair Show and I’m Wrapped in Pride with My Kente!.
Her work focuses on connecting people of African descent to the African continent. She encourages children to embrace their natural hair and see characters that reflect their identity. Dora’s stories aim to create a sense of belonging and pride in African heritage.
6. Ekiuwa Aire

Ekiuwa was born and raised in Benin City, Edo, Nigeria, and moved to Canada in 2007. As a mother, she noticed a lack of resources to introduce African history to her children, which motivated her to write. Her first picture book, Idia of the Benin Kingdom, was inspired by this need.
Initially driven by the desire to teach her children, Ekiuwa’s mission now extends to preserving African heritage through her books. She also speaks at seminars, libraries, and classrooms, sharing her knowledge with others. Ekiuwa lives with her husband and two daughters in Ontario, Canada, and remains committed to making African history accessible to all children.
Read also: 5 African Queens who have held Miss World title
7. Lara Oseghale

Lara was born and raised in Nigeria. From a young age, Lara’s commitment to her family led her to seek wholesome and durable resources for her children. However, she struggled to find books and toys that aligned with her values. This inspired her to create her line of faith-based resources. Her venture, Curious Berries, aims to provide high-quality, engaging materials for families like hers, focusing on promoting virtues that are often overlooked.
Lara’s passion for numbers led her to study accounting at the University of Reading, where she graduated with a first-class degree. She later earned a Master’s in finance from Imperial College, London, and became a chartered accountant. Beyond her career, she enjoys travel, cooking, and dancing. Through her venture, Curious Berries, she continues to inspire children to be confident, kind, and connected to their faith. Lara lives in the UK with her family, focusing on her faith and devotion to them.
8. Tolulope Adejumo

Tolulope also known as Tolulope Solutions, is committed to intentional parenting and stewardship. She shares her faith through her book, Memory Verses with Soteria, a 30-day journey for children that combines scripture memorisation with affirmations and fun. In this devotional, children follow Soteria, a young adventurer, as she explores the Bible, making learning Scripture engaging.
Tolulope’s work goes beyond her own family. Through mentorship, she guides the younger generation towards faith and purpose, helping them anchor their lives in Christ. She believes that by sharing her devotion to God, others will be inspired to live a life aligned with their calling. Tolulope is a Nigerian living in Canada with her family.
Read also: 10 Countries with remarkable female representation in National Parliaments 
9. Oge Mora

Mora is a Nigerian-American children’s book illustrator and author. Her work has garnered significant recognition, with her picture book, Thank You, Omu!, earning a Caldecott Honor, the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award, the Ezra Jack Keats Book Award, and being named a New York Times Notable Book and Editors’ Choice.
Oge is also the author of Saturday and has illustrated several other works. Her illustrations have been featured in major publications, including The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Boston Globe. She was also listed in Forbes 30 Under 30 – Art & Style (2021). Her story continues to inspire readers and fellow creators in the world of children’s book publishing. She lives in America with her family
10. Evelyn Olutola Logan

Evelyn Olutola Logan is a Nigerian-American author who writes about the simplicity and experiences of life. Her debut book, On the Streets of Ondo, draws on African folktales and traditions, introducing readers to the stories passed down through generations in Nigeria. She shares her childhood memories of growing up with a diverse group of family members and community friends, capturing the essence of Nigerian-American life.
Evelyn introduces children to Nigerian culture, storytelling, and traditions, sparking curiosity and a love for learning about Africa through her writing. Evelyn enjoys connecting with young readers and hearing their interpretations of her stories. She lives in America with her husband and their children.

Chisom Michael
Chisom Michael is a data analyst (audience engagement) and writer at BusinessDay, with diverse experience in the media industry. He holds a BSc in Industrial Physics from Imo State University and an MEng in Computer Science and Technology from Liaoning Univerisity of Technology China. He specialises in listicle writing, profiles and leveraging his skills in audience engagement analysis and data-driven insights to create compelling content that resonates with readers.

Meet 10 talented African women writing children’s books in the diaspora

Arts & Culture, Books

A group of African women writers in the diaspora is significantly contributing to children’s literature. These authors draw upon their diverse experiences and backgrounds to create stories that resonate with young readers. Each writer brings a unique perspective shaped by their journeys across continents, addressing themes of identity, culture, and belonging.
Their works not only entertain but also educate, providing children with insights into the richness of African heritage and the complexities of life in a globalised world. Through their narratives, they foster a sense of connection and understanding among children from various backgrounds, encouraging empathy and curiosity about different cultures.
Read also: 8 countries with the highest share of female managers – ILO data
Here are 10 talented African women writing children’s books in the diaspora, compiled by BusinessDay.
1. Vese Aghoghovbia

Vese is a Nigerian writer focused on empowering young people to love and believe in themselves. She founded Philly & Friends, a children’s brand supporting underprivileged children globally. Recognised as a Top 100 Female Entrepreneur by Natwest & The Telegraph, Vese also won the 2021 Consumer & Luxury Rising Star award from the Black British Business Awards.
A Chartered Engineer with over ten years in strategy and operations, she has worked in FTSE-100 firms and the Baby & Child industry. Vese has spoken on platforms like the BBC and contributed to HuffPost Parent and Mother Mag. She lives in England with her family.
2. Olamidotun Votu-Obada

Olamidotun is the founder and lead author of Inspire HQ. She is a senior executive, social entrepreneur, children’s book author, speaker, and podcast host. Olamidotun created the Be Inspired Book Series, which includes titles such as Be Inspired By MKO, Be Inspired By Fela, and Be Inspired By Me Picture Book. In 2024, Be Inspired By MKO was presented to the Canadian Prime Minister, her books promote diversity and inclusion. Her books have received several awards, including two acknowledgements from the Ontario Government in 2024, and Olamidotun was listed as one of the “50 Most Inspiring Women” in 2019.
With a background in Business Economics and International Financial Economics from the University of Warwick and the University of Reading, Olamidotun has worked in management consultancy and business advisory, collaborating with NGOs and serving on boards in Africa. Olamidotun is a Canadian Nigerian and lives in Ontario with her husband and three daughters.
Read also: These 8 countries have female leaders running the government
3. Ariyike Lawal-Akinbobola

Ariyike is a Nigerian author, television presenter, talk show host, model, blogger, and lawyer based in Canada. She is also known for her occasional acting roles. Her children’s book, The Beautifully Coloured, has become a bestseller on Amazon. The book promotes kindness, diversity, inclusion, and positive affirmations for children.
Ariyike has worked as an associate producer and TV presenter for Spice TV, a fashion and lifestyle channel on DSTV. She hosted Spice TV’s flagship programme On the Couch and has been involved in producing and presenting fashion news. In addition, she has presented several other shows, including Sugar and Spice, Urban Spice, Instant Beauty Queen, and Project Swan. Ariyike also hosted Spice TV’s gadget show, Spice Toys.
4. Louisa Kiwana Olafuyi

Louisa is the co-founder of Kunda Kids, a black-owned publishing and media production company focused on teaching children about African history and culture. She and her husband, Oladele, launched Kunda Kids in 2020 after struggling to find books that could teach their son about ancient African history. Today, Kunda Kids works with over 20 writers, illustrators, and animators.
Louisa has authored over 50 children’s books and created the 3D animation Kunda & Friends. Through Kunda Kids, she seeks to address the underrepresentation of African culture in children’s media and promote global citizenship. The company’s mission is to inspire and educate children, helping them embrace their identities and dream big. Louisa is from Uganda, she lives in the United Kingdom with her family.
Read also: 8 remarkable African Queens who shaped history
5. Dora Owusu
Related News
Dora is from Ghana and now lives in the United States with her family. With a degree in Social Work, she has a deep interest in African and African-American history, which inspired her to write stories for children. Her books include Princess Nana Afia: The Majestic African Hair Show and I’m Wrapped in Pride with My Kente!.
Her work focuses on connecting people of African descent to the African continent. She encourages children to embrace their natural hair and see characters that reflect their identity. Dora’s stories aim to create a sense of belonging and pride in African heritage.
6. Ekiuwa Aire

Ekiuwa was born and raised in Benin City, Edo, Nigeria, and moved to Canada in 2007. As a mother, she noticed a lack of resources to introduce African history to her children, which motivated her to write. Her first picture book, Idia of the Benin Kingdom, was inspired by this need.
Initially driven by the desire to teach her children, Ekiuwa’s mission now extends to preserving African heritage through her books. She also speaks at seminars, libraries, and classrooms, sharing her knowledge with others. Ekiuwa lives with her husband and two daughters in Ontario, Canada, and remains committed to making African history accessible to all children.
Read also: 5 African Queens who have held Miss World title
7. Lara Oseghale

Lara was born and raised in Nigeria. From a young age, Lara’s commitment to her family led her to seek wholesome and durable resources for her children. However, she struggled to find books and toys that aligned with her values. This inspired her to create her line of faith-based resources. Her venture, Curious Berries, aims to provide high-quality, engaging materials for families like hers, focusing on promoting virtues that are often overlooked.
Lara’s passion for numbers led her to study accounting at the University of Reading, where she graduated with a first-class degree. She later earned a Master’s in finance from Imperial College, London, and became a chartered accountant. Beyond her career, she enjoys travel, cooking, and dancing. Through her venture, Curious Berries, she continues to inspire children to be confident, kind, and connected to their faith. Lara lives in the UK with her family, focusing on her faith and devotion to them.
8. Tolulope Adejumo

Tolulope also known as Tolulope Solutions, is committed to intentional parenting and stewardship. She shares her faith through her book, Memory Verses with Soteria, a 30-day journey for children that combines scripture memorisation with affirmations and fun. In this devotional, children follow Soteria, a young adventurer, as she explores the Bible, making learning Scripture engaging.
Tolulope’s work goes beyond her own family. Through mentorship, she guides the younger generation towards faith and purpose, helping them anchor their lives in Christ. She believes that by sharing her devotion to God, others will be inspired to live a life aligned with their calling. Tolulope is a Nigerian living in Canada with her family.
Read also: 10 Countries with remarkable female representation in National Parliaments 
9. Oge Mora

Mora is a Nigerian-American children’s book illustrator and author. Her work has garnered significant recognition, with her picture book, Thank You, Omu!, earning a Caldecott Honor, the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award, the Ezra Jack Keats Book Award, and being named a New York Times Notable Book and Editors’ Choice.
Oge is also the author of Saturday and has illustrated several other works. Her illustrations have been featured in major publications, including The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Boston Globe. She was also listed in Forbes 30 Under 30 – Art & Style (2021). Her story continues to inspire readers and fellow creators in the world of children’s book publishing. She lives in America with her family
10. Evelyn Olutola Logan

Evelyn Olutola Logan is a Nigerian-American author who writes about the simplicity and experiences of life. Her debut book, On the Streets of Ondo, draws on African folktales and traditions, introducing readers to the stories passed down through generations in Nigeria. She shares her childhood memories of growing up with a diverse group of family members and community friends, capturing the essence of Nigerian-American life.
Evelyn introduces children to Nigerian culture, storytelling, and traditions, sparking curiosity and a love for learning about Africa through her writing. Evelyn enjoys connecting with young readers and hearing their interpretations of her stories. She lives in America with her husband and their children.

Chisom Michael
Chisom Michael is a data analyst (audience engagement) and writer at BusinessDay, with diverse experience in the media industry. He holds a BSc in Industrial Physics from Imo State University and an MEng in Computer Science and Technology from Liaoning Univerisity of Technology China. He specialises in listicle writing, profiles and leveraging his skills in audience engagement analysis and data-driven insights to create compelling content that resonates with readers.

Sharjah book fair to host over 80 comic-related workshops

Arts & Culture, Books

The book fair has a range of activities to keep young minds occupied.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
The 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) is set to ignite the imagination of comic enthusiasts and aspiring artists from November 6-17, 2024, at the Expo Centre Sharjah. Under the theme “It Starts with a Book,” this year’s fair promises an exciting array of 87 comic-related activities and workshops led by talented illustrators and artists from around the globe.
Featuring an expansive lineup of 14 diverse topics, SIBF 2024 will enable attendees to explore various techniques in comic creation, crafts, voice acting, character development, 3D design, and more. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to learn from industry experts and explore innovative methods that breathe life into their creative visions. Whether it’s crafting compelling narratives or mastering the intricacies of character design, these workshops promise to inspire and empower the next generation of comic artists and storytellers.
A comic enthusiast’s paradise
Participants can immerse themselves in workshops such as ‘Giant Comics’, where they will create life-sized comic panels that can be displayed on walls or used as theatrical props. ‘Creating a Comic Book Cover’ will cover how to design an eye-catching comic book cover, providing insights into essential elements such as composition, character design, and effective title placement.
An expert conducts a workshop.

In the ‘3D Comics’ workshop, attendees will design unique comic characters using clay or 3D printing technology while discovering techniques for transitioning from 2D to 3D art. Additionally, the ‘Voice Acting for Comic Books’ workshop offers an exciting opportunity for participants to explore vocal performance, adding a dynamic dimension to their favourite comic characters.
Exploring deeper themes
For attendees eager to delve into the narrative aspects of comics, SIBF 2024 offers workshops that focus on storytelling and character development. The ‘Dialogue and Caption Writing’ workshop emphasises crafting natural dialogue and enhancing narratives through effective captions, allowing participants to write snappy, character-driven conversations. In the ‘Writing for Genre-Specific Comics’ workshop, participants will explore conventions across various genres — such as superhero, horror, romance, and sci-fi — learning how to utilise and subvert these conventions in their own work.
A participant sharpens her creativity at the workshop.

The ‘Exploring Themes Through Comics’ workshop teaches how to integrate meaningful themes into stories using symbolism, recurring motifs, and narrative structure for deeper resonance. For those interested in character dynamics, the ‘Heroes and Villains’ workshop highlights the complexity of crafting multi-dimensional characters, emphasising that even villains see themselves as heroes in their own narratives. Additionally, the ‘Superhero Comic Workshop’ combines storytelling with character design, giving participants the chance to create their own superheroes and develop exciting storylines that captivate audiences.
Workshops for all ages
The fair caters to comic enthusiasts of all ages, offering a range of engaging activities tailored for younger audiences. Children can unleash their creativity in the ‘Chibi Keychain Workshop’ by designing polymer clay keychains inspired by beloved manga and anime characters, and the ‘Polymer Clay Fridge Magnets’ workshop will invite young artists to create personalised fridge magnets, enhancing their artistic skills while providing a fun keepsake to take home.
The ‘Naruto Soap Making Workshop’ introduces kids to the fun process of crafting character-inspired soaps using moulds. The ‘Silver Superheroes’ workshop encourages children to craft superhero figures from simple aluminium foil, fostering hands-on creativity. Lastly, the ‘Design Your Own Bag Patches’ workshop offers a creative outlet for participants to personalise their bags by designing unique patches that reflect their individual style.

Sharjah book fair to host over 80 comic-related workshops

Arts & Culture, Books

The book fair has a range of activities to keep young minds occupied.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
The 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) is set to ignite the imagination of comic enthusiasts and aspiring artists from November 6-17, 2024, at the Expo Centre Sharjah. Under the theme “It Starts with a Book,” this year’s fair promises an exciting array of 87 comic-related activities and workshops led by talented illustrators and artists from around the globe.
Featuring an expansive lineup of 14 diverse topics, SIBF 2024 will enable attendees to explore various techniques in comic creation, crafts, voice acting, character development, 3D design, and more. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to learn from industry experts and explore innovative methods that breathe life into their creative visions. Whether it’s crafting compelling narratives or mastering the intricacies of character design, these workshops promise to inspire and empower the next generation of comic artists and storytellers.
A comic enthusiast’s paradise
Participants can immerse themselves in workshops such as ‘Giant Comics’, where they will create life-sized comic panels that can be displayed on walls or used as theatrical props. ‘Creating a Comic Book Cover’ will cover how to design an eye-catching comic book cover, providing insights into essential elements such as composition, character design, and effective title placement.
An expert conducts a workshop.

In the ‘3D Comics’ workshop, attendees will design unique comic characters using clay or 3D printing technology while discovering techniques for transitioning from 2D to 3D art. Additionally, the ‘Voice Acting for Comic Books’ workshop offers an exciting opportunity for participants to explore vocal performance, adding a dynamic dimension to their favourite comic characters.
Exploring deeper themes
For attendees eager to delve into the narrative aspects of comics, SIBF 2024 offers workshops that focus on storytelling and character development. The ‘Dialogue and Caption Writing’ workshop emphasises crafting natural dialogue and enhancing narratives through effective captions, allowing participants to write snappy, character-driven conversations. In the ‘Writing for Genre-Specific Comics’ workshop, participants will explore conventions across various genres — such as superhero, horror, romance, and sci-fi — learning how to utilise and subvert these conventions in their own work.
A participant sharpens her creativity at the workshop.

The ‘Exploring Themes Through Comics’ workshop teaches how to integrate meaningful themes into stories using symbolism, recurring motifs, and narrative structure for deeper resonance. For those interested in character dynamics, the ‘Heroes and Villains’ workshop highlights the complexity of crafting multi-dimensional characters, emphasising that even villains see themselves as heroes in their own narratives. Additionally, the ‘Superhero Comic Workshop’ combines storytelling with character design, giving participants the chance to create their own superheroes and develop exciting storylines that captivate audiences.
Workshops for all ages
The fair caters to comic enthusiasts of all ages, offering a range of engaging activities tailored for younger audiences. Children can unleash their creativity in the ‘Chibi Keychain Workshop’ by designing polymer clay keychains inspired by beloved manga and anime characters, and the ‘Polymer Clay Fridge Magnets’ workshop will invite young artists to create personalised fridge magnets, enhancing their artistic skills while providing a fun keepsake to take home.
The ‘Naruto Soap Making Workshop’ introduces kids to the fun process of crafting character-inspired soaps using moulds. The ‘Silver Superheroes’ workshop encourages children to craft superhero figures from simple aluminium foil, fostering hands-on creativity. Lastly, the ‘Design Your Own Bag Patches’ workshop offers a creative outlet for participants to personalise their bags by designing unique patches that reflect their individual style.

IND vs NZ 2nd Test 2024: Washington Sundar Enters Record Book As India’s Top Order Offers Positivity in Mounting Chase Against New Zealand

Arts & Culture, Books

Mumbai, October 26: India all-rounder Washington Sundar’s masterclass with the ball during the second Test against New Zealand in Pune proved to be enough to rewrite records in the history books. On his return to Test cricket after more than three-and-a-half years ago, Sundar burst into the scene out of nowhere and left a lasting impression on the game. Despite the presence of mainstays Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, Sundar found a way to make the headlines all about himself. Ravindra Jadeja Shows Brilliant Presence of Mind As He Dismisses William ORourke With ‘Smart Deflection’ Towards Stumps During IND vs NZ 2nd Test 2024 (Watch Video).
His exploits in the first innings saw him end with 7/59, offering India a moment of reprieve from New Zealand’s aggressive approach against its spinners. In the second innings, he kept the tempo high and returned with 4/56 to lift India’s chances of keeping the series alive with a victory in the second Test.
Sundar’s 11/115 is the fourth-best match figures for India produced in a Test against the Kiwis. His compatriot Ravichandran Ashwin’s 13/140 in Indore in 2016 still stands as the best match figures for India against the Black Caps.
Sundar’s efforts with the ball played their part in restricting New Zealand to 255, setting a mammoth target of 359 for India to chase down with more than two days of play left. In the past 26 instances, India has only once managed to chase down a 300-plus total. Ravindra Jadeja Castles Tom Blundell As Ball Sneaks Through the Gate During IND vs NZ 2nd Test 2024 (Watch Video).
The victory dates back to 2008 when India faced England in Chennai. Out of the 26 instances, India has lost on 14 occasions. While trying their hand at the mounting challenge, India lost captain Rohit Sharma early in the chase. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill kept the momentum in the hosts’ favour.
A flurry of boundaries from Jaiswal, including a towering six, has kept the hopes alive of levelling the series. He employed his feet, danced around the crease to smoke the ball into the stands. Gill, on the other end, has used the sweep shot to its optimum use, picking holes in the field to find the fence for four.
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)

IND vs NZ 2nd Test 2024: Washington Sundar Enters Record Book As India’s Top Order Offers Positivity in Mounting Chase Against New Zealand

Arts & Culture, Books

Mumbai, October 26: India all-rounder Washington Sundar’s masterclass with the ball during the second Test against New Zealand in Pune proved to be enough to rewrite records in the history books. On his return to Test cricket after more than three-and-a-half years ago, Sundar burst into the scene out of nowhere and left a lasting impression on the game. Despite the presence of mainstays Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, Sundar found a way to make the headlines all about himself. Ravindra Jadeja Shows Brilliant Presence of Mind As He Dismisses William ORourke With ‘Smart Deflection’ Towards Stumps During IND vs NZ 2nd Test 2024 (Watch Video).
His exploits in the first innings saw him end with 7/59, offering India a moment of reprieve from New Zealand’s aggressive approach against its spinners. In the second innings, he kept the tempo high and returned with 4/56 to lift India’s chances of keeping the series alive with a victory in the second Test.
Sundar’s 11/115 is the fourth-best match figures for India produced in a Test against the Kiwis. His compatriot Ravichandran Ashwin’s 13/140 in Indore in 2016 still stands as the best match figures for India against the Black Caps.
Sundar’s efforts with the ball played their part in restricting New Zealand to 255, setting a mammoth target of 359 for India to chase down with more than two days of play left. In the past 26 instances, India has only once managed to chase down a 300-plus total. Ravindra Jadeja Castles Tom Blundell As Ball Sneaks Through the Gate During IND vs NZ 2nd Test 2024 (Watch Video).
The victory dates back to 2008 when India faced England in Chennai. Out of the 26 instances, India has lost on 14 occasions. While trying their hand at the mounting challenge, India lost captain Rohit Sharma early in the chase. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill kept the momentum in the hosts’ favour.
A flurry of boundaries from Jaiswal, including a towering six, has kept the hopes alive of levelling the series. He employed his feet, danced around the crease to smoke the ball into the stands. Gill, on the other end, has used the sweep shot to its optimum use, picking holes in the field to find the fence for four.
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)

Nice try, but this major airline is testing tech that shames you for boarding too early

Technology

Are you the kind of traveller who skips ahead in line during boarding calls? One major airline has a message for you: Not so fast.American Airlines is experimenting with new technology that triggers a signal to gate agents when a passenger tries to board ahead of their group. If the passenger lines up before their designated zone has been called, they won’t be able to scan their boarding pass when they reach the gate agent. A spokesperson for American Airlines said a gate agent would then “politely” tell the customer that they can’t accept their boarding pass, and that they can rejoin the line when their zone is called.”We are in the early phase of testing new technology used during the boarding process,” said the spokesperson in a statement to CBC News. The airline says it’s pleased with the results so far.”The new technology is designed to ensure customers receive the benefits of priority boarding with ease and helps improve the boarding experience by providing greater visibility into boarding progress for our team.”The alert can be overrided in some cases, such as when a passenger is travelling with someone who has airline elite status.So far, the system is in place at three U.S. airports: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport near Washington, D.C., Albuquerque International Sunport in New Mexico, and Tucson International Airport in Arizona.Airline industry observers say it’s just a matter of time before the system is used widely, including in Canada. But the real problem is a dearth of overhead baggage space — that’s why people try to skip ahead in the first place.’This is how you build a bit of a societal norm’A ground crew worker walks past American Airlines planes parked at the gate at Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., on April 5, 2020.

Embu village turns into agri-tech haven

Technology

 

Linda Kamau’s model farm in Gachuriri village, Mbeere South, Embu County. [Patrick Vidija, Standard]

Like many other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, agriculture remains the key driver of Kenya’s economy.
Although irrigation is key to improving agricultural production, data from the National Irrigation Authority indicates that only about four per cent of irrigable land is under irrigation.
The authority further indicates that Kenya, like other countries worldwide, is feeling the heat of climate change, which has negatively affected agriculture. This makes irrigation even more crucial today than before in the quest for food security.
To advance productivity and wealth generation in the agricultural sector, there is a need to increase the acreage under irrigation.
[embedded content]
Currently, diesel engine irrigation pumps are powering this expansion, a reality that the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) warns if unchecked could lead to considerable growth in CO2 and particulate matter pollution. The firm, which specialises in accelerating global energy transition, says investment in alternative technologies is lacking due to gaps in finance and know-how among primary segments.

Linda Kamau’s model farm in Gachuriri village, Mbeere South, Embu County. [Patrick Vidija, Standard]

Our fact-finding mission on how alternative irrigation models can reduce production costs while increasing produce led us to Linda Kamau’s model farm in Gachuriri village, Mbeere South, Embu County.
The 39-year-old has defied all odds to become a beacon of hope to many small-scale farmers. Ms Kamau is on a mission to help local farmers increase production through the use of state-of-the-art agricultural technologies to irrigate their farms.
Through her company SowPrecise Africa, she is not only leveraging her passion for agriculture but also changing the narrative of farming in dry areas.
The company focuses on optimising farming operations within Embu by harnessing advancements in agricultural technology and sharing essential resources with the farmers.

Some of the solar pannels that are installed on Linda Kamau’s model farm in Gachuriri village, Mbeere South, Embu County. [Patrick Vidija, Standard]

Through the SunRider initiative launched in 2022, Ms Kamau says they offer affordable irrigation services to low-income farmers.
SunRider features a cost-effective solar-powered irrigation system tailored specifically for farmers.
The project utilises water from the Nyamindi River and spans 20 acres of land, which she leased in 2020 with a renewable five-year lease.

Linda Kamau chats with USAID Kenya and East Africa Mission Director David Gosney who visited her model farm in Gachuriri village, Mbeere South, Embu County. [Patrick Vidija, Standard]

In 2023, her company received a $30,000 (Sh3.8 million) grant from the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) – a program by the United States aimed at investing in the next generation of African leaders – along with technical support to enhance her organisational structures and processes.
This funding is what she is utilising to assist smallholder farmers in her community.
Solar-powered irrigation is a simple farming technology that is radically changing the lives of thousands of smallholder farmers for the better. This applies, especially to farmers in regions where water is sparse and experience unreliable rainfall.
The United Nations Environmental Programme (Unep) says more than 95 per cent of Kenya’s agricultural output is grown in rain-fed farming systems, yet only 17 per cent of arable land is deemed suitable for rain-fed agriculture.

Linda Kamau’s model farm in Gachuriri village, Mbeere South, Embu County. [Patrick Vidija, Standard]

Although the remaining 83 per cent needs irrigation to ensure optimal crop growth due to inadequate rainfall, irrigated fields occupy only around two per cent of the total area under crops.
Ms Kamau said she ventured into the project after realising that many farmers struggled to access affordable solar-powered irrigation systems.
Her initiative uses the pay-per-you service, which is similar to the Uber model. This means an interested farmer pays some amount and the mobile solar irrigation system is installed at their farm for a certain period as per the agreement.
Ms Kamau said she was moved by the fact that although many companies across the country are providing solar-powered solutions, many farmers are still grappling with accessing affordable solar-powered irrigation systems.

Linda Kamau chats with USAID Kenya and East Africa Mission Director David Gosney who visited her model farm in Gachuriri village, Mbeere South, Embu County. [Patrick Vidija, Standard]

“We are standing on a 30-acre model farm where farmers come for first-hand experience on what solar irrigation can do. We are doing rain horse irrigation on blocs of sunflower, maize and sweet potatoes. For now, we are still at the very beginning, and we are identifying existing challenges for improvement,” she said.
She revealed that currently, five farmers have benefitted from the initiative, with some 32 acres now under solar-powered irrigation.
“In the coming year, we intend to grow the number of farmers to at least 30,” she said.
Laurence Gakuru, a farmer and one of the five beneficiaries, said he opted for solar farming due to its effectiveness and low production cost.
“I tried the diesel and electric irrigation models, but the cost was too high. I have always wanted to produce at my farm at the lowest cost per unit. Here in Embu, we have a lot of sun that is not utilised, and when I was introduced to this solar-based irrigation model, it was a great breakthrough,” said Mr Gakuru. He said although the model still faces challenges, especially in its adoption, it can go a long way in improving farmers’ welfare in remote areas.

Some of the solar pannels that are installed on Linda Kamau’s model farm in Gachuriri village, Mbeere South, Embu County. [Patrick Vidija, Standard]

Mr Gakuru called for government intervention to help them get better solar models and batteries to power the irrigation systems and lower taxes on the products.
“The biggest challenge, however, is the rapid reduction of spaces to farm. As the population grows, people want to build houses forgetting they have mouths to feed. This has made land buying and leasing an expensive affair forcing us over the farm on small available farms,” he said.
Janet Mungoti said the high production cost compounded by unpredictable weather patterns has been the biggest nightmare for small-scale farmers.
Ms Mungoti regretted that crop diseases and the existing imbalance between the production cost and the harvest have left many farmers demoralised.
“Diesel irrigation is more expensive, so when we get alternatives like solar, which cuts on cost, it gives us some form of motivation. As much as we are farming, we depend on it to meet our personal needs like school fees for our children and day-to-day upkeep,” she said.
USAID Kenya and East Africa Mission Director David Gosney said with the realities of climate change and increased cycles of drought and heavy rains, small-scale farmers can only be empowered to use technology to make business sense.
Mr Gosney, who spoke during a visit to the demonstration farm, commended the mobile solar technology, saying it goes a long way in reducing irrigation costs by over 80 per cent.

Linda Kamau’s model farm in Gachuriri village, Mbeere South, Embu County. [Patrick Vidija, Standard]

“Our goal at USAID to provide additional capital both commercial and through donations so that as they implement such projects, they can meet other family needs and live meaningful lives,” he said.
Mr Gosney said that with good access to water, healthcare facilities, and education, communities become resilient and increase land productivity.
Challenges
For her part, Ms Kamau pointed out that one barrier to technology adaptation is the availability of technical knowledge and practical skills throughout the supply chain, including among system designers, technology suppliers, extension services, craftsmen, and farmers.
She said limited expertise among farmers and inadequate public extension services are the key constraints to small-scale irrigation development.
“Irrigation equipment and support services are costly for smallholders. A major constraint on the expansion of the small-scale irrigation market is the gap between smallholders’ capital needs and the availability of loan products,” she said.
Her greatest challenge in the implementation of the project has been moving the solar panels from one farm to another.
But through partnerships, her company has invented an electric cart (e-mkokoteni), which is used to move solar panels from one area to another in large farms.

Linda Kamau’s model farm in Gachuriri village, Mbeere South, Embu County. [Patrick Vidija, Standard]

The panels are large, measuring one metre by two metres and reinforced by angle lines each weighing 25kg.
To get a market for their crops, they have partnered with several vegetable oil processing companies for the off-take of sunflower seeds after harvesting.
In 2019, Ms Kamau enrolled for the YALI programme, which is sponsored by the American government and hosted at Kenyatta University.
She said she is part of the alumni network where information on available opportunities is shared.
Ms Kamau revealed that she applied for a transformational fund grant that has seen her company improve on technology.
“The YALI alumni network gives us credibility and confidence to look for additional funding. The networks I have made have been helpful and especially the feeling of being in a community of people doing something that you want to associate with,” she said.

Linda Kamau’s model farm in Gachuriri village, Mbeere South, Embu County. [Patrick Vidija, Standard]

“For my fellow youth across the country, you do not have to always go to employment, venture into agripreneurship and look for partners to support,” she added.
She said many youths, however, take on the venture alone and give up so easily when they run out of ideas.
“Do not be afraid to ask for help. Look for mentors to guide you on best practices so that in case you run out of ideas, they will be there to hold your hand,” she said.