Keron Bascombe is the creator and editor of tech4agri.com. At the end of 2014 he decided to transform this blog into a social enterprise which uses journalistic activity to provide up-to-date information on the Caribbean agri-sector, among other goals. Here’s his story…
Name of Business: Tech4agri
Country: Trinidad and Tobago
Years of Operation: Over 4 years
Profile: Tech4Agri is a blog that highlights technologies and innovation in agriculture in areas such as research, agribusiness, entrepreneurship, science etc., providing an information service to young persons and those with interest in the field.
We have produced a web series, ingenuously created using mobile journalism, made by youth for youth in agriculture, acting as a modern information source and transforming the overall outlook of the agricultural sector.
Tech4Agri, the web series is the first of its kind originating out of the Caribbean: a media production created through the use of mobile journalism.
We practice mobile journalism – an emerging form of new media storytelling where reporters use mobile devices with supporting apps and accessories (lenses, mics etc.) to gather, edit and distribute news from his or her community. We are one of the few start-ups that practice this new age form of journalism.
With extremely limited resources we have been able to get our business started. We have our first season online. And we are on track to make the leap to television with our second season.
Journey: Tech4agri came about due to being dissatisfied with my education program. I felt it was overly theoretical and having constantly worked in the field in one way or another I felt my intended degree was, to be honest, not useful. Many of my colleagues felt the same way and with very few opportunities for employment in the sector I decided to take matters into my own hands.
Therefore in 2011 the blog was started. It went on to win numerous awards as well as providing valuable experience in the field. The career of agri journalism and communications was opened up to me and I have been operating as a freelance writer, agri blogger, and most recently venturing into media production.
At the end of 2014 I made the long-term commitment to build a business out of my work. We face many ups and downs but my volunteer team and I will keep forging ahead until we’re successful and then move on to bigger things!
Lesson Learnt: Stay dedicated! If your dreams don’t scare you they are not big enough!
Best advice received & its impact: Nothing worth getting is easy to get, you have to work for it. If you want something go out and earn it.
We all work in the food and agri sectors in the Caribbean and with its numerous problems it can be frustrating. However, if you stay the course you can find what suits you and make a living, after all it is a necessity that we eat, and therefore the agriculture sector is, for lack of a better term, a gold mine.
End quotes: Whatever niche you find yourself in, whether it is directly in food production, a support service, a related sector or as an entrepreneur you should start small but constantly look for opportunities to improve your skills and expertise from as many varied resources as possible.
This is a challenge but it builds your character over time and allows you to be able to confront problems while, most importantly, coming up with solutions as your business or career progresses. Lastly, allow yourself time to grow, enjoy the journey now rather than much later when you finally achieve success.
Get in touch:
Email: keronbascombe@gmail.com webseries@tech4agri.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Technology4agri/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tech4agri/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tech4agri https://twitter.com/wiscobasco
Blog/website: http://www.tech4agri.com/
