Staff spotlight: Bertha Lutome

Bertha joined Farm Africa in May 2024 as a communications officer. She is based in Nairobi, Kenya and visits our projects across eastern Africa, interviewing participants and sharing the stories of the progress they are achieving.

Describe a typical day at work

I usually start the day by working on my activity plan. I work with the project managers to see which areas they would like me to document, and I plan my schedule of visits. From there I proceed to the field, meeting project participants and capturing their stories and photos. Back at the office I edit the stories and select the best photos to share with Farm Africa staff and supporters.

What is your favourite part of your job?

My favourite part is meeting the farmers we work with and getting to hear the impact our projects are having on their lives. That is what gives me joy – seeing how the participants’ lives have been transformed with Farm Africa’s support.

Bertha Lutome (second from left) with field officer Betty Napeyok (left), head of communications Libby Plumb (second from right) and driver Raphael Osaro (right) on a field visit to Karamoja in northern Uganda.

What has been your proudest achievement working for Farm Africa?

When I was fairly new, I secured live press coverage of the launch of a new project in central Kenya. That was a proud moment for me. I also feel really proud when I see the photos I’ve taken being shared with Farm Africa supporters. That is a true reflection of how one picture can speak 1,000 words.

Local cycling in Tanzania. Photo Credit: Bertha Lutome

If you could share a message with Farm Africa supporters, what would it be?

Please keep holding our hand, keep supporting us so that we can empower smallholder farmers in the rural parts of Africa. Together we can make Africa a great continent, we can work towards creating sustainable farming practices that will enable the farmers to thrive. And not just the farmers alone, but also their  communities at large.