Downton Baroness completes cycle ride across Kenya for farmers
Minette Batters has been taking part for the GROW for Good Challenge
A Wiltshire farmer - and former President of the NFU - is hoping to change the fortunes of farmers in East Africa, by completing a huge cycle ride across Kenya.
Baroness Minette Batters, from Downton, joined 11 other women on the 75km route for the Farm Africa charity.
They've raised more than £66,000 for the cause so far.
As well as the cycling, the adventure involved visiting and working on farms run by female farmers taking part in the charity's regenerative agriculture project and camping along the way.
Minette, who is an ambassador for Farm Africa, said she was impressed by the difference that's made for local farmer Juliet:
“As a UK farmer, I’m pretty blown away by what Juliet is doing, because this is all about biology. It’s taking all the expensive inputs out: Juliet was saying she used to buy in fertiliser that was very expensive. Now she makes all her own compost. It’s a biological process that is saving her money, is far more sustainable and it’s good for the planet. It’s a win-win. Everyone here has been blown away by the experience of meeting these farmers.”
At the end of their journey, the team took part in an event in Nairobi, which brought together female industry leaders including representatives from farming and development sectors, exporters, academics and NGOs to spotlight the essential role that women play in building and scaling resilient global food systems.