Jelle van den Akker

YEP period 2022 - 2024, batch 27

YEP Role
I will support IRIPO lda. and SmartFarming B.V  in Mozambique. These companies develop digital tools for users in the agrofood sector. Me and Geronimo will focus on the user research and set up of a digital system supporting extension services and data collection of farmers living in the buffer zone of a national park, and further setting up operations for a satellite derived agronomy service for sugarcane producers. Furthermore, we will lead initiatives that position IRIPO with support of SmartFarming as the ‘go-to’ partner for digital agricultural innovation in Mozambique.

Background

• Nationality: Dutch
• Education: Msc. Wageningen

Experience before YEP

I am an agrarian enthusiast with degrees in supply chain management (VHL) and Organic agriculture (specialisation Agro-ecology) (WUR) with a hands-on mentality. During my internships, I have worked for or with private, NGO and government employers In the Netherlands, India, Tanzania, and Mozambique. My focus has been on linking (smallholder) farmers with research, knowledge and new technologies.