Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

For the past two years I have been practicing organic farming, that is doing farming without the use of chemicals or mechanized method to achieve productivity.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Organic farming emphasizes the use of natural processes and inputs to cultivate crops and raise livestock. It avoids synthetic chemicals, such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, relying instead on techniques like crop rotation, green manure, composting, and biological pest control to maintain soil fertility and health. Organic farming also focuses on animal welfare, ensuring livestock are raised in natural conditions with access to the outdoors and organic feed. I currently have 8 sheep and two cows which have been really helpful in provision of manure which I then transfer to the cultivated farm to increase the fertility of the soil. I have partitioned two parcels of land which then acts as the grazing field of the animals. When the crops are harvested from the farm for example maize stalks, they then serve as feeds for the animals

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

Environmental Degradation: The use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides can lead to soil degradation, water contamination, and loss of biodiversity. Runoff from fields can pollute rivers, lakes, and oceans, causing issues like algal blooms and dead zones. Soil Health: Continuous use of chemical fertilizers can deplete soil nutrients and organic matter, reducing soil fertility and structure over time. This can lead to erosion and reduced agricultural productivity. Human Health Risks: Pesticide residues on food and in water supplies pose potential health risks to consumers and farm workers, including cancer, neurological disorders, and endocrine disruption. Resistance Issues: Overuse of pesticides and herbicides can lead to the development of resistant pests and weeds, making it increasingly difficult to manage them and requiring ever-higher doses or stronger chemicals. Biodiversity Loss: Monoculture practices reduce agricultural biodiversity, making crops more vulnerable to pest

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

Environmental Sustainability: By avoiding synthetic chemicals, organic farming helps reduce soil and water pollution. Soil Health: Organic farming methods improve soil structure and fertility through the use of natural fertilizers like compost and manure. Organic farms typically support greater biodiversity, both above and below ground. Diverse plant species, soil microorganisms, and beneficial insects create a resilient farming system less prone to pest outbreaks and disease. Healthier Produce: Organic crops are grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, reducing consumers' exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Organic farming practices, such as reduced reliance on fossil fuels and improved carbon sequestration in healthier soils, help mitigate the effects of climate change. Organic farming standards require higher animal welfare practices, including access to the outdoors, organic feed, and living conditions that allow for natural behaviors, contributing to the

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

Consumers: Individuals seeking healthier food options with fewer synthetic chemicals benefit from the availability of organic products. Farmers: Organic farmers benefit from potentially higher income due to premium prices for organic products. Environment: Ecosystems benefit from organic farming practices that promote biodiversity, improve soil health, and reduce pollution. Local Communities: Communities benefit from reduced environmental pollution and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices. Future Generations: Sustainable farming practices ensure that future generations inherit healthier soils, cleaner water, and a more biodiverse environment, contributing to long-term food security and environmental health Animals: Livestock in organic farming systems benefit from better living conditions, access to organic feed, and the ability to engage in natural behaviors, leading to improved welfare.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-04-07

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

3

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.)

Since the entire farming practice takes place in our family land, my mother has also been playing a huge role in the entire farming processes therefore being one of the owners within the startup I have one employee who general works in the farm from cultivation to tending to the animals. At very instances I do hire casual daily labourers when the work over burdens my employee

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

https://www.facebook.com/vickycathyn

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

l) Farming

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Organic products often fetch higher market prices than conventional ones, providing farmers with better income and economic stability. Cost Reduction: By eliminating the need for expensive synthetic inputs like fertilizers and pesticides, organic farming reduces overall production costs Employment Opportunities: Organic farming tends to be more labor-intensive than conventional farming, creating more jobs in rural areas. Improved Health: Reduced exposure to harmful chemicals in organic farming protects farmers and their communities from health risks associated with synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Market Access: Growing global demand for organic products can open up new markets for farmers, both locally and internationally. Access to these markets can boost income and create opportunities for economic growth. Organic farming often involves cooperative approaches and community-supported agriculture. These collaborative efforts can empower small farmers, giving them better access

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Enhanced Soil Health: By improving soil fertility and structure, organic farming increases agricultural productivity and ensures more stable crop yields. Healthier soils can sustain food production over the long term, contributing to food security Resilient Cropping Systems: Organic farming promotes biodiversity and the use of diverse crop varieties, which can make farming systems more resilient to pests, diseases, and climate extremes. This resilience helps ensure a consistent food supply even under challenging conditions Organic farming often emphasizes local production and distribution, reducing reliance on long supply chains. This can enhance food availability in local communities, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Organic farming typically produces nutrient-dense foods without synthetic additives, contributing to better nutrition. Improved nutrition can help address issues of malnutrition and hidden hunger.

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

Reduced Exposure to Chemicals: Organic farming eliminates the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, reducing the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals for both consumers and farm workers. Nutrient-Dense Foods: Organic produce often contains higher levels of certain nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants compared to conventionally grown foods. Improved Food Safety: Organic farming practices reduce the likelihood of contamination with harmful substances like pesticide residues, antibiotics, and hormones. This leads to safer food products for consumers. Better Water Quality: By avoiding synthetic chemicals and using sustainable practices, organic farming helps prevent water pollution. Healthier Ecosystems: Organic farming supports biodiversity and healthier ecosystems, which can contribute to a more balanced environment and improved public health. Enhanced Soil Health: Organic practices improve soil health, leading to healthier plants.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Hands-On Learning: Organic farming provides practical, hands-on learning opportunities for students of all ages. Engaging in activities such as planting, composting, and harvesting helps students understand biological processes and environmental stewardship. Interdisciplinary Teaching: Organic farming encompasses subjects such as biology, chemistry, ecology, economics, and social sciences. This interdisciplinary approach helps students see the connections between different fields of study, promoting a holistic understanding of the world. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Organic farming challenges students to address real-world problems like soil fertility, pest management, and sustainability. Health and Nutrition Education: Learning about organic farming often includes education on healthy eating, nutrition, and the benefits of consuming organic produce Sustainability and Environmental Awareness: Organic farming education emphasizes sustainable practices and environmental conser

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Inclusive Participation: Organic farming often involves community-based approaches that encourage the participation of women. Empowerment and Leadership: By providing opportunities for women to take on leadership roles within farming cooperatives, associations, and initiatives, organic farming empowers women and builds their confidence and leadership skills. Economic Opportunities: Organic farming can create income-generating opportunities for women, particularly in rural areas where employment options may be limited. Education and Training: Many organic farming programs offer training and education specifically aimed at women. Health and Wellbeing: Organic farming reduces exposure to harmful chemicals, benefiting the health of women farmers and their families. Work-Life Balance: Organic farming practices often emphasize local and small-scale production, which can be more compatible with women's roles in their households and communities.

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

Organic farming can promote clean water and sanitation by avoiding the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers that can leach into water sources and contaminate them. Instead, organic farming emphasizes natural methods like crop rotation, composting, and biological pest control, which reduce the risk of water pollution. Additionally, organic practices often prioritize soil health, which helps to filter and retain water, reducing the risk of runoff and soil erosion that can contaminate waterways. Overall, by promoting healthier ecosystems and reducing chemical inputs, organic farming contributes to cleaner water and better sanitation practices.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

farming techniques over mechanization, reducing the need for fossil fuel-powered machinery. Additionally, organic farms may incorporate renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines to power operations, thereby reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources. Furthermore, organic farming emphasizes soil health and carbon sequestration, which can indirectly mitigate climate change and its associated energy costs. By minimizing energy inputs and maximizing renewable energy usage, organic farming can help promote affordable and clean energy solutions.

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

Job Creation: Organic farming is often more labor-intensive than conventional farming due to the need for manual weeding, diverse crop rotations, and careful management practices Fair Trade Practices: Many organic farming operations adhere to fair trade principles, ensuring that farmers and workers receive fair wages and work in decent conditions Sustainable Development: Organic farming practices enhance soil health, conserve water, and promote biodiversity, leading to sustainable agricultural systems that can support long-term economic growth. Market Opportunities: There is a growing demand for organic products, both locally and globally. Local Economies: Organic farming often encourages the development of local food systems, reducing the need for long-distance transportation and keeping more money within local economies. Training and Education: Organic farming requires specific knowledge and skills, which leads to investment in training and education.

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

Research and Development: Organic farming drives research into sustainable agricultural practices, leading to the development of new techniques, tools, and technologies. Sustainable Inputs: The need for natural fertilizers and pest control methods in organic farming has spurred innovation in creating sustainable agricultural inputs Infrastructure Investment: Organic farming often necessitates specialized infrastructure, such as composting facilities, on-farm processing units, and local distribution networks Digital and Precision Agriculture: Organic farming encourages the use of digital tools and precision agriculture techniques to manage crops more effectively without synthetic inputs Educational and Training Institutions: The growth of organic farming has led to the establishment of institutions and programs focused on teaching organic practices. Supply Chain Innovations: Organic farming has driven innovations in supply chain management, such as improved traceability systems, eco-fr

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Fair Trade and Ethical Practices: Organic farming often aligns with fair trade principles, ensuring that small-scale farmers and workers receive fair wages and work under decent conditions Empowerment of Small Farmers: Organic farming practices are well-suited for small and family-owned farms. Access to Premium Markets: Organic products often command higher prices in the market. Community Development: Organic farming promotes local food systems and community-supported agriculture (CSA) models, which can empower local communities and keep economic benefits within the region. Environmental and Health Benefits: Organic farming's emphasis on environmental sustainability and the avoidance of harmful chemicals can lead to better health outcomes for farm workers and surrounding communities. Capacity Building and Education: The organic farming movement often includes training and education programs that provide farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to implement organic practices.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Local Food Systems: Organic farming supports local food systems by encouraging the production and consumption of food within the community Urban Agriculture: Organic farming can be integrated into urban environments through practices like community gardens, rooftop farms, and vertical farming. Environmental Stewardship: Organic farming practices, such as avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, protect local ecosystems and water sources from pollution. Waste Reduction and Recycling: Organic farming often incorporates composting and other waste-recycling practices. Biodiversity and Green Spaces: Organic farming promotes biodiversity through diverse cropping systems and habitat preservation. Community Building: Organic farming initiatives, such as community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs and farmers' markets, foster social interaction and community building Education and Awareness: Organic farming promotes awareness about sustainable practices and healthy eating.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

Reduction of Chemical Use: Organic farming eliminates the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers Sustainable Resource Management: Organic farming emphasizes sustainable resource use, such as maintaining soil health through crop rotations, composting, and natural soil amendments Waste Minimization: Organic farming encourages the recycling of organic waste through composting and other methods, turning waste into valuable soil amendments Energy Efficiency: By focusing on natural processes and reducing the need for synthetic inputs, organic farming can be more energy-efficient. Local and Seasonal Consumption: Organic farming often supports local food systems and seasonal eating, reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transportation and storage. Transparency and Traceability: Organic certification requires thorough documentation and adherence to specific standards Consumer Education

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Carbon Sequestration: Organic farming practices, such as cover cropping, crop rotation, and reduced tillage, enhance soil organic matter and increase carbon sequestration in the soil. Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Organic farming avoids synthetic fertilizers, which are significant sources of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas. Energy Efficiency: Organic farming typically uses fewer fossil fuels compared to conventional farming due to the reduced need for synthetic chemical inputs and intensive mechanization Agroforestry and Perennial Crops: Incorporating trees and perennial plants into organic farming systems (agroforestry) can further sequester carbon, provide shade and windbreaks, and enhance biodiversity. Biodiversity Enhancement: Organic farming promotes biodiversity by avoiding monocultures and encouraging diverse crop rotations and polycultures. Soil Health Improvement: Organic farming practices improve soil structure, fertility, and water retention capacity.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

Elimination of Synthetic Chemicals: Organic farming avoids the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, which can run off into waterways and eventually reach oceans. Reduced Nutrient Runoff: Organic farming practices, such as the use of organic fertilizers and compost, help reduce nutrient runoff into rivers and oceans. Soil Health and Erosion Control: Organic farming improves soil structure and health through practices like cover cropping, crop rotation, and reduced tillage. Water Conservation and Quality: Organic farming practices enhance water retention and reduce the need for irrigation, which helps maintain water quality in nearby rivers and oceans Biodiversity and Habitat Protection: Organic farming supports biodiversity on and around the farm, including practices that protect pollinators and other beneficial organisms. Reduced Plastic Use: Organic farming often emphasizes sustainable and biodegradable materials for packaging and agricultural use.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Soil Health Improvement: Organic farming focuses on building and maintaining healthy soil through practices such as composting, cover cropping, crop rotation, and the use of organic fertilizers. Erosion Control: Practices like reduced tillage, cover cropping, and maintaining permanent ground cover help prevent soil erosion Biodiversity Enhancement: Organic farming encourages biodiversity through diverse crop rotations, polycultures, and the integration of livestock. Increased biodiversity improves ecosystem stability, reduces pest and disease pressures, and enhances the resilience of the farming system Avoidance of Chemical Inputs: Organic farming eliminates the use of synthetic pesticides and herbicides, reducing chemical runoff and pollution that can degrade soil and water quality. Agroforestry and Mixed Farming Systems: Incorporating trees and other perennial plants into farming systems (agroforestry) provides multiple benefits, including improved soil structure, increased carbon

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

Fair Trade and Ethical Practices: Many organic farming initiatives align with fair trade principles, ensuring that farmers and workers receive fair wages and work under decent conditions. Empowerment of Small Farmers: Organic farming practices are often more accessible to small and family-owned farms Community Building: Organic farming often involves community-supported agriculture (CSA) and cooperative models that encourage collaboration and mutual support among farmers and consumers Sustainable Development: Organic farming promotes sustainable land and resource use, which supports long-term environmental health and economic viability. Education and Awareness: The organic farming movement includes educational initiatives that raise awareness about sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and social justice. Environmental Protection: By promoting practices that protect soil, water, and biodiversity, organic farming contributes to environmental sustainability

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building: Organic farming encourages the exchange of knowledge and best practices among farmers, researchers, and policymakers across different regions and countries International Cooperation and Networking: Organic farming organizations and networks facilitate international cooperation and networking among stakeholders involved in organic agriculture. Market Access and Trade Agreements: Global partnerships promote market access for organic products through trade agreements, certification harmonization efforts, and market development initiatives Policy Advocacy and Development: Organic farming organizations engage in global partnerships to advocate for supportive policies and regulations that promote organic agriculture and sustainability. Research and Innovation: Global partnerships support collaborative research projects and innovation initiatives aimed at addressing common challenges facing organic agriculture, such as soil health, pest management

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

5

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

5

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

4

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

5

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

5

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

5

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

5

06.08 Justification for my startup

By practicing organic farming, it gives new avenues and platform and new ways of cultivation so as to achieve a more healthy farm produce which will then improve the community status

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Conventional Farming: Uses synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Focuses on maximizing yield and efficiency, often at the expense of environmental considerations. Conservation Agriculture: Emphasizes minimal soil disturbance, maintaining soil cover, and crop rotation. Seeks to balance productivity with sustainability but may still use some synthetic inputs Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Combines biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools to manage pests in an environmentally and economically sustainable way. Reduces reliance on synthetic pesticides but doesn't eliminate them entirely.

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

Yes. I'm the chairperson and director of an agricultural cooperative society in elgeyo marakwet county where we do capacity building of the community on matters democracy, advocacy, agribusiness and all other aspects related to it. We particularly capacity buil women in our community to undertake agricultural practice so as to change their economic status