Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Cofarmer is an agri-tech platform that bridges the gap in unused arable land and unemployment. It enables individuals with idle land to unlock their potential through in-app secure, quick, and efficient leasing processes, ensuring equal access to land.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

CoFarmer is an agritech platform, encompassing of a WhatsApp Bot, web and mobile application platforms, whose aim is to bridge the arable land disuse gap. Through the technology, we allow land owners to list their idle lands, we further conduct soil tests of the lands, research on suitable crops and the areas weather patterns to ensure optimal agricultural outcomes. We then avail this information to potential farmers and allow them to lease these lands through an in-app secure, quick, and efficient leasing process that guarantees equal access to land resource. Additionally, we aid in connecting farmers with diverse market opportunities, this results to increased employment opportunities, improve livelihoods, and strengthening our country's food security.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

Kenya, a net importer of food, experiences perennial food shortages due to natural disasters, unfavorable weather patterns, and sub-optimal agricultural production. Various factors, including underutilization of agriculturally productive land, are attributed to sub-optimal production. However, constraints/barriers such as limited access to underutilized lands remains a challenge, mainly due to lack of information. Land leasing is one approach used by farmers to access agricultural land for subsistence or commercial purposes. However, the processes of land leasing are lengthy and marred with misinformation, mistrust, and conflict. This is attributed to Informational gap as, often, land availability information is passed through unreliable traditional methods such as from brokers, referrals, family and friends, and unreliable digital platforms, mainly social media.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

Kenya is a net importer of food, yet millions of acres of arable land lie idle contributing to perennial food shortages. Conversely, largest portion of producers are small-scale farmers, who face a challenge with limited access to land resource. Further, women and youths are constrained in accessing land for agricultural purposes due to existing structural (social and cultural) barriers. Land leasing has been a common practice among farmers however, the processes are lengthy and filled with misinformation and mistrust. Cofarmer offers an in-app streamlined, reliable and trustworthy leasing platform that ensures; Optimal utilization of idle arable land in different regions in Kenya. Food and nutrition security Economic development, improved livelihoods through revenue generation from agricultural activities, and job creation for youths Gender inclusion and equality by enabling unlocking access to land for women through leasing Climate change mitigation through climate smart agriculture

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

We anticipate that many partners and market players will benefit from the solution, directly or indirectly. However, the following set of users have direct use of the solution: 1. Farmers (small- and large- scale) looking to take up land on lease agreements for short or long term use 2. Landowners with idle arable land and willing to lease it out to farmers seeking land, or are seeking partnerships in farming ventures 3. Land leasing agents embarrassing technology in their operations 4. The government (county and national) that have large parcels of land in different regions 5. Investors such as co-farmers, crowd-funders, impact funders, etc Overall, the five groups are likely to benefit more through optimized land use.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-09-11

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

2

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Annette Nyangaresi: Annette is a Food Systems Expert with over 8 years of practice in the Agriculture, Food and Nutrition space. She brings in years of experience in designing agricultural programmes aimed at improving food and nutrition security and protecting the environment while supporting farmers to improve their livelihoods, and businesses. Hers is a blend of experience and skill set in good and sustainable agricultural practices and technologies, research for decision making, policy and advocacy, and gender mainstreaming. Anthony Githu: Anthony brings to CoFarmer a broad mix of experience in Information Technology and Agriculture. With an educational background in Information and Communication Technologies, he has consulted with several organizations and corporate companies for over 13 years. Having harbored a passion in commercial farming, he ventured into and has been operating a commercial dairy and crop farm for the last six years.

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

https://cofarmer.ke/investment, Androi/iOS App:Cofarmer, IG - @cofarmer.ke https://www.instagram.com/cofarmer.ke

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

b) Materials (agriculture, fishing, chemical products, construction materials, containers and packaging, metals and mining, paper and forest products)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Small scale farmers particularly women and many unemployed youths are constrained in accessing land for agricultural purposes due to existing structural (social and cultural) barriers, resulting in social-economic inequalities. Land leasing for agricultural purposes has been a common practice among farmers with limited or no land, however, the processes are lengthy and filled with misinformation, mistrust, and sometimes the lands available for lease are not suitable or in regions not suitable for the crops intended to be cultivated. With ease of access to land through Cofarmer, more idle land will be put into agricultural use and this means additional farm input and services and human resource requirements. For every acre of idle land being put into use, there will be dignified jobs created such as casual laborers, farm managers, guards, farm machine operators, input suppliers, field agents, among others.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Kenya is a net importer of food, yet millions of acres of agriculturally productive and arable land lie idle due to various reasons (highlighted in the sections that follow). In Kenya, the largest portion of the arable or virgin idle land is owned by fewer individuals and the government, while a larger portion of the population owns smaller fragmented parcels, often inherited or purchased. This has in a way contributed to the continued perennial food shortages, as the lands are not fully utilized for agricultural purposes. Increasing access to land resource for passionate farmers through the Cofarmer platform will intern result to optimal utilization of idle arable and agriculturally productive land in different regions in Kenya. The ripple effect to this will be increased food security in the country.

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

CoFarmer's platform helps in optimizing agricultural production, this results to increased food availability and access. By connecting passionate farmers with suitable land resources for cropping, CoFarmer contributes to improving food and nutrition security at the household, community, and national levels thus good heath and well-being of everyone.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

CoFarmer's initiatives in job creation for youths through agricultural activities contribute to skill development and practical education. By engaging unemployed youths in farming ventures, CoFarmer provides hands-on learning experiences, teaches essential agricultural skills, and instills a sense of entrepreneurship. This practical education complements formal schooling and equips young people with valuable skills for their future careers.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Women and many unemployed youths are constrained in accessing land for agricultural purposes due to existing structural (social and cultural) barriers such as land inheritance, resulting in social-economic inequalities. CoFarmer's platform facilitates land leasing arrangements, enabling women to access land for agricultural purposes. By providing a platform where women can lease land for farming, CoFarmer helps to level the playing field and promotes equal access to agricultural resources. Through land leasing opportunities and access to agricultural resources, CoFarmer empowers women to engage in farming activities independently. By participating in agricultural production, women gain economic independence, decision-making authority, and a greater voice in household and community affairs, contributing to gender equality.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

CoFarmer promotes sustainable agricultural practices such as soil conservation, water management, and organic farming techniques. By encouraging farmers to adopt practices that minimize water pollution and protect water sources, CoFarmer contributes to maintaining water quality and ensuring access to clean water for agricultural and domestic use.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Through facilitating agricultural activities and connecting farmers with idle land, CoFarmer creates employment opportunities, especially for the rural communities and unemployed youths. This contributes to reduced unemployment rates and improving economic conditions in rural areas. CoFarmer also enables farmers to generate income from agricultural activities by providing access to land and market linkages. By engaging in productive farming ventures, farmers can earn a livelihood and improve their economic well-being, contributing to poverty reduction and economic empowerment.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Land leasing for agricultural purposes has been a common practice among farmers with limited land or potential farmers with no land at all. However, the processes are lengthy and filled with misinformation and mistrust. It is in this backdrop that CoFarmer was founded with the aim of offering a streamlined, reliable and trustworthy in-app leasing platform that links landowners of idle arable and agriculturally productive land to passionate small-scale farming households and communities, as well as to seasoned large-scale farmers and organizations, and vice versa.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

CoFarmer provides access to land for farming through its platform thus allowing small-scale farmers, women, and marginalized communities to lease land for agricultural purposes in any region of the country. By breaking down barriers to land ownership and its access, CoFarmer reduces inequalities in access to land resource and ensures that all farmers have an opportunity to participate in agriculture.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

CoFarmer encourages farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices such as conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and organic farming. By promoting environmentally friendly farming methods, this will be able to minimize the use of chemical inputs, reduce soil erosion, and further enhance soil health. By this CoFarmer will help create resilient and sustainable farming communities.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

5

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

CoFarmer advocates for resource-efficient farming practices which go along way to minimize inputs such as water, energy, and chemical fertilizers. This is done through precision farming, drip irrigation, and integrated pest management, leads to greater efficiency and productivity in agriculture.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

5

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Cofarmer promotes sustainable farming practices among its farmers. This include techniques such as agroforestry, crop rotation, or organic farming, which enhances soil health, sequester carbon, and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

3

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Cofarmer connects individuals with idle arable land to those seeking land for agricultural purposes, thus, Cofarmer helps optimize land use. This reduces the pressure on natural ecosystems, such as forests and wetlands, by discouraging deforestation or land conversion for agriculture. Preserving these ecosystems is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and supporting various forms of life on land.

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

3

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

N/A

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Cofarmer's platform has the potential to facilitate international cooperation and knowledge exchange in the areas of sustainable land use and agricultural development. By connecting farmers and landowners across geographic boundaries, Cofarmer can promote the adoption of best practices, the sharing of innovative solutions, and the scaling up of successful initiatives to address global challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, and rural poverty.

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

1 - Strongly Disagree

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.08 Justification for my startup

The Cofarmer platform stands out for its innovative approach to land leasing, market access, resource sharing, data analytics, community building, and sustainability promotion in the agricultural sector. The traditional leasing process has always been informal with lota of mistrust from the land brokers. Farmers in regions where land is scarce have also sited lack of information on land availability in regions with abundant agricultural land. Cofarmer leverages digital technology to facilitate the leasing of idle land for agricultural purposes. By providing an online platform where landowners can list their available land and farmers can search for suitable parcels, Cofarmer streamlines the land leasing process, making it more efficient, transparent, and accessible to a wider audience.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

While Cofarmer provides a unique and innovative solution for land leasing in agriculture, it faces competition from both social media platforms and traditional informal methods of land leasing. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn serve as alternative channels for landowners and farmers to connect and advertise available land or farming opportunities. However, social media platforms lack specialized features and functionalities tailored specifically to the needs of the agricultural community, such as market linkages, resource sharing, and sustainability-focused initiatives. Traditional informal methods of land leasing, such as word-of-mouth referrals, local networks, and community associations, remain prevalent in many rural areas. These methods rely on personal connections, trust, and longstanding relationships within communities to facilitate land leasing arrangements. They however often lack transparency, efficiency, and scalability.

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Cofarmer is actively promoting and facilitating access to land for women farmers and landowners. By providing a platform where women can list their available land or search for leasing opportunities, Cofarmer helps address the gender gap in land ownership and control, empowering women to participate more fully in agricultural activities. Through actively promoting gender equality and women's empowerment in agriculture, Cofarmer helps to unlock the full potential of women farmers and landowners, driving positive social, economic, and environmental outcomes for rural communities and society as a whole.