Feature Photo by James Kunga courtesy of Global Citizen Award
Farmer Lifeline founder and CEO Esther Kimani Wanjiru has won the $250,000 Global Citizen Award 2025 in the youth category.
The announcement of her win was made April 15, 2025 by the Global Citizen website.
The Cisco Youth Leadership Award honors an individual between the ages of 18-30 who has contributed meaningfully to global problem-solving.
Ms Kimani was honoured for innovating AI driven solutions that are revolutionizing the agricultural landscape in a bid to eradicate hunger and poverty.
Her tools empower smallholder farmers with to protect their crops and increase their income.
“Kimani’s vision prioritizes women farmers, ensuring they thrive in an unpredictable climate. Recognized globally for her work, including the UN FAO Achievement Award and the Waislitz Global Citizen Disruptor Award, she continues to lead the charge for a sustainable, prosperous future for rural communities through her dedication to improving the livelihoods of farmers.”
About the Global Citizen Award
The Global Citizen Award celebrates individuals and organizations committed to tackling global issues head-on.
According to the organization, the awards recognize unsung heroes who are driving meaningful change toward achieving the United Nations’ Global Goals.
The Cisco Youth Leadership Award was established by Cisco and Global Citizen to recognize and lift up a young person positively impacting the world, demonstrate the impact that young people are having on achieving the United Nation’s Global Goals, and accelerate global problem solving.
Farmer Lifeline Technologies developed a proprietary device which users can install in their farms for early detection of diseases and pests using AI.
The device, dubbed CDD (Crop Disease and Pests Detection Device) uses solar energy powered cameras, Artificial Intelligence, data analytics, and machine learning to detect pests and diseases and multiply farm yield by over 30%.
Feature Photo by James Kunga courtesy of Global Citizen Award
