"Growers don't want stacks of reports, they want to know immediately what needs to be done to prevent problems." With this in mind, Vanessa Meulenberg developed AgriSfeer, a user-friendly software solution helping horticultural businesses in East Africa work smarter, more efficiently, and sustainably.
© Mirthe Walpot | FloralDaily.com
Vanessa Meulenberg and Julian Somberg of AgriSfeer at IFTEX in Nairobi, Kenia
From Tanzania to Sweden
Vanessa grew up on a chrysanthemum farm in Tanzania. "My love for horticulture was literally instilled in me from birth," she recalls. Today, she lives in Sweden, where she works as an Analytics Developer. Drawing on both her technical expertise and firsthand knowledge of horticulture in East Africa, Vanessa decided in 2024 to create a program that supports growers in managing maintenance and processes.
The first version focused on simplifying maintenance and inspections. "We started at my father's production site in Kenya. Workers received daily task lists via WhatsApp, while managers were instantly alerted to any issues. It worked so well that we quickly expanded the program to cover other processes across the production site."
Tailored solutions
Every production facility has its own set of challenges. Because AgriSfeer develops all its software in-house, it can be fully customized to the client's needs—whether that means department-specific features or entirely new modules, such as water quality monitoring, IPM scouting, or quality inspections. "Growers don't want an overload of charts—they want actionable insights," Vanessa explains. "We turn raw data into clear, practical information so growers can make better-informed decisions."
Digitization in East Africa
While digital systems are standard in Western Europe, many growers in countries like Kenya still rely on paper work orders and manual records. "Digitization makes operations more transparent and traceable," Vanessa notes. "But it needs to be simple enough for staff with limited digital experience to use effectively."
Preventive maintenance
A major challenge for growers in developing regions is that maintenance often occurs only after something breaks. "Long lead times for parts and limited technical personnel can turn minor issues into major disruptions. We help growers plan maintenance proactively to avoid downtime," she says.
Implementation in close collaboration
AgriSfeer begins each new client engagement by assessing challenges, needs, and scale. "We work closely with both the grower and their staff during development. Typically, a working version is ready within three months." Post-implementation, the team continues to provide training and ongoing support.
A perfect blend of passions
For Vanessa, AgriSfeer represents the ideal intersection of her skills and interests. "I grew up in horticulture, but my technical career took me far from it. Now I can combine both worlds to advance a sector with enormous potential. That's what makes my work exciting every single day."
For more information:
Vanessa Meulenberg
AgriSfeer
[email protected]
www.agrisfeer.com
