Earlier this year, I was blessed with an incredible opportunity, thanks to Hands Around the World (a Field of Hope partner), in partnership with the Marshal Papworth Fund (MPF), to take part in the 2025 MPF short course program. What I thought would be just a training quickly turned into something much deeper: a journey of empowerment, growth, and hope.
This program brought together 16 participants from 6 African countries to the UK, each of us passionate about agriculture and eager to create change in our communities. The curriculum was rich and practical, covering everything from crop and livestock management to agribusiness training, leadership development, and community engagement. What made MPF unique was the perfect balance between hands-on fieldwork and in-depth classroom sessions as admistered by Harper Adams University top-notch lecturers in their state of the art learning facilities. Whether it was soil health, mechanization, post-harvest handling, or market engagement, every lesson spoke directly to the realities farmers face daily.
But what touched me most were the sessions on leadership and mindset transformation. These moments stretched us beyond technical skills and challenged us to see ourselves as visionaries, change agents, and servant leaders.
“For me, this wasn’t just training, it was a call to lead with purpose and courage.”
I came away not only learning but also leading. The sessions on project management, group dynamics, and organizational leadership inspired bold visions in all of us. Some of my fellow participants have already started demonstration farms, savings groups, and farmer-led cooperatives. Personally, I am focusing on reducing post-harvest losses among smallholder farmers by promoting hermetic storage technologies and other innovative solutions among other ideas to transfer to the farmers. Seeing these efforts already sparking change at the grassroots level makes me hopeful for the future.
This resonates so strongly with Field of Hope’s mission of equipping leaders to lift their communities through agriculture and faith. Through this program, I experienced that mission firsthand, igniting in me both an entrepreneurial spirit and a servant-leadership mindset.
Another turning point for me was how the program shifted my view of agribusiness. Like many, I once saw farming mainly as survival. The MPF program opened my eyes to farming as a business, a source of income, sustainability, and community transformation. Concepts like value addition, global marketing strategies, and business planning hit home for me, and now I see my community not just as farmers but as entrepreneurs capable of driving innovation and creating jobs.
Perhaps the most beautiful outcome, however, was the friendships and networks we built. Despite coming from different regions, we shared the same struggles and dreams. Today, those connections are blossoming into collaborations, support systems, and lasting bonds that remind me that transformation is never a solo journey, it thrives in community.
Beyond the Classroom: Experiences in the UK
Alongside the classroom and fieldwork, the program also gave us remarkable opportunities to immerse ourselves in the history, culture, and innovation of the United Kingdom.
One highlight was attending and presenting at the Lincolnshire Agricultural Trade Show, where we engaged with farmers, agribusinesses, and innovators from across the UK. Sharing perspectives from Africa while learning about cutting-edge technologies was truly inspiring, it reinforced the global nature of agriculture and the possibilities that come with collaboration.
We also had the joy of experiencing the periodic string musical extravaganza, performed by incredible crews in their 70s and beyond. Watching them play with such energy and passion reminded me that age is no barrier to creativity, joy, and lifelong learning.
Of course, we explored the UK’s rich cultural and historical landmarks. In London, we toured Buckingham Palace, London Bridge, the Tower of London, Parliament Square, Westminster Abbey, the UK Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Big Ben, and St. James Park. We also visited the Iron Gorge and the Black Country, places steeped in industrial history that shaped modern society.
And as a football fan, visiting legendary stadiums was a dream come true; Old Trafford (Manchester United), Etihad Stadium (Manchester City), Molineux (Wolves F.C), St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park (Birmingham City F.C) and, most importantly, as a proud Arsenal fan, stepping into the Emirates Stadium was an unforgettable moment!
The journey culminated in a moving graduation ceremony, officiated by the Vice-Chancellor of Harper Adams University, with the presence of MPF leaders and program partners. Standing on that stage, surrounded by fellow participants and supporters, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and responsibility. It was more than just receiving a certificate, it was a commissioning to return home and lead with courage, innovation, and faith.
Looking ahead: Sustaining the momentum
As I reflect, three key lessons stand out for me:
- Context matters; training that speaks to our local realities is more effective.
- Peer learning is powerful; we grow faster when we learn together.
- Ongoing support is vital; mentorship and opportunities for growth sustain impact.
I am deeply grateful to the Marshal Papworth Foundation, Harper Adams University, Hands Around the World and Field of Hope for believing in leaders like me and investing in our future. This experience proved to me that when agricultural training is combined with leadership development, cultural exchange, and spiritual growth, the result is more than just improved harvests, it’s a true harvest of hope.
Walter Okullu,
2025 MPF scholar
