3 minute lesson
Have you ever heard of sisal? Well, you are in for a treat my friends!
This cactus-like, sword-bearing plant is an economic staple for farmers around the world. For generations, sisal has been a labor-intensive crop. That’s until it found its way into the hands of Alex Odundo, a Kenyan farmer who determined to unlock its potential.
Meet this innovator in this great video from Great Big Story!
In the face of climate change, Africa is poised to be one of the continents most impacted by its impact. Crops like sisal help give farmers stability in the face of uncertainty and inventive spirits like Alex are coming up with new ways to thrive as the world changes.
Inventions like these can leave a big impact on the world! Ideas that come from the people who face problems every day are, very often, the best solutions. We all have the power to become the next great inventor, all we have to do is look a the world creatively!
Great Big Story is a global media company devoted to cinematic storytelling. Headquartered in New York, with a bureau in London, our studios create and distribute micro-docs and short films, as well as series for digital, social, TV and theatrical release.
A special thanks to Kati Murphy from Clarkson University for her contribution to EWCed! If you’re interested in contributing your own Touchstones or favorite videos, let us know!
“The Surprising Plant Helping Kenyan Farmers Prosper.” YouTube. Great Big S, 18 Dec. 2017. Web. 13 July 2018. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGM6He40Wlc&feature=youtu.be>.