Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Our project increases women's access to farmland by leasing land and giving it to a group of women for free, enabling them to fully own their produce during the lease period. We train them on sustainable agricultural practices and connect them to markets

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Our startup aims to empower women in rural communities by increasing their access to farmland. We achieve this by leasing land and providing it to groups of women at no cost, enabling them to fully own their produce during the lease period. Our comprehensive support includes training in sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring these women adopt eco-friendly and efficient farming techniques. Additionally, we facilitate connections to markets, helping them sell their produce at fair prices and achieve economic independence. By addressing both the practical and economic challenges faced by women in agriculture, our project promotes gender equality and contributes to the sustainable development of rural communities. Our vision is to create a thriving network of women farmers who are skilled, self-sufficient, and connected to broader market opportunities.

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

The main problem we are addressing is the limited access to farmland and agricultural resources for women in rural communities. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, 65% of Kenyan women participate in agricultural labor, yet less than 1% own farmland. Due to this disparity, women are often exploited in agricultural labor, receiving minimal pay. Cultural practices further prevent women from inheriting land. In a country where more than 38% of households are single-parent, with the majority being women, a significant population is locked out of commercial agriculture. By providing free leased land, comprehensive training, and market connections, our project aims to break these barriers, enabling women to fully own their produce during the lease period, adopt sustainable practices, and achieve economic empowerment. This initiative not only promotes gender equality but also fosters sustainable development and food security in rural areas.

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

Our startup empowers women in rural communities by increasing access to farmland, providing agricultural training, and connecting them to markets. Firstly, we enhance economic empowerment by offering free leased land, allowing women to fully own their produce during the lease period. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, 65% of Kenyan women participate in agricultural labor, yet less than 1% own farmland. This disparity leads to exploitation and minimal pay. Our initiative ensures women benefit directly from their labor, reducing exploitation and lifting them out of poverty. Secondly, we provide training in sustainable farming, improving crop yields and maintaining soil health, which boosts productivity and ensures environmental sustainability. Lastly, we connect women farmers to markets, ensuring fair prices for their produce. This access integrates them into commercial agriculture, increasing their revenue and promoting economic independence.

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

Our startup’s product/service is aimed at serving women in rural communities who are involved in or aspire to engage in agriculture. The targeted beneficiaries are primarily women who lack access to farmland, agricultural resources, and market connections. These women often face significant barriers, including cultural practices that prevent land ownership and inheritance, leading to economic dependency and exploitation in agricultural labor. Our project focuses on single mothers, who constitute a significant portion of rural households, as well as other marginalized women who are often locked out of commercial agriculture due to systemic and cultural barriers. By providing free leased land, training in sustainable farming practices, and connections to markets, we empower these women to achieve economic independence, improve their livelihoods, and contribute to the socio-economic development of their communities.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-09-10

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?

2

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

Esther Mungai - Agricultural Expert: Esther has more than 5 years of experience in sustainable farming practices and agronomy. She holds a Master's degree in Food Security from the University of Edinburgh and has worked with various NGOs to implement agricultural projects in rural communities. Her expertise ensures our training programs are practical and effective.

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

https://aditafarmland.org/

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

Our startup significantly contributes to the "No Poverty" goal (SDG 1) by addressing poverty's root causes among women in rural communities. We provide free leased land, enabling women to fully own and profit from their agricultural produce during the lease period, thereby lifting them out of poverty through stable income generation. Our training programs in sustainable farming practices equip women with the skills needed to improve crop yields and diversify activities, ensuring a sustainable income and reducing economic vulnerability. By connecting women farmers to local and broader markets, we ensure they receive fair prices for their produce, maximizing their earnings and integrating them into the commercial agriculture sector. Our initiative breaks systemic barriers that prevent women from owning land and inheriting property, promoting gender equality and economic independence.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Our startup makes significant contributions to the "Zero Hunger" goal (SDG 2) by enhancing food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices among women in rural communities. By providing free leased land to women, we enable them to cultivate and produce their own crops, directly increasing the food available for their families and communities, thereby reducing hunger. Additionally, we connect women farmers to local and broader markets, enabling them to sell their surplus produce at fair prices. This not only improves their income but also increases the availability of fresh, locally grown food in the community. The increased income further enables them to invest in better seeds, tools, and technologies, thereby enhancing their productivity. As women adopt better agricultural practices and gain market access, they contribute to building more resilient and food-secure communities. Their increased productivity and economic stability help buffer their families and communities

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

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Our startup contributes to the "Quality Education" goal (SDG 4) by providing women in rural communities with training and education in sustainable agriculture. By offering comprehensive training programs, we equip women with practical skills and knowledge in modern farming techniques, soil health, water management, and crop diversity. This education empowers women to improve their agricultural productivity and economic stability. Additionally, as women gain financial independence through our program, they are better able to invest in their children's education. Increased household income means more resources for school fees, uniforms, books, and other educational materials, ensuring that children have the opportunity to attend school and succeed academically.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

6

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

5

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

Our startup significantly contributes to the "Affordable and Clean Energy" goal (SDG 7) by integrating sustainable energy practices into our agricultural model and empowering women to adopt clean energy solutions. By promoting clean energy in agriculture, we educate and train women farmers on the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar-powered irrigation systems and biogas production from agricultural waste. These technologies reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower energy costs, making farming operations more sustainable and affordable. Access to affordable energy solutions is another critical aspect of our initiative. By connecting women to clean energy options, such as solar panels and efficient cooking stoves, we help reduce their energy expenses and improve their quality of life. These solutions provide reliable energy and reduce indoor air pollution, leading to better health outcomes for women and their families.

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

Our startup significantly contributes to the "Decent Work and Economic Growth" goal (SDG 8) by empowering women in rural communities through sustainable agriculture and market access. By providing free leased land and comprehensive training in sustainable farming practices, we create job opportunities and enhance agricultural productivity. This empowerment enables women to achieve financial independence and stability, breaking the cycle of poverty and exploitation. We also focus on improving working conditions. By educating women on efficient farming techniques and providing access to modern tools and technologies, we reduce the physical strain associated with traditional farming methods. This not only improves productivity but also ensures safer and healthier working environments. Market access is another crucial component of our initiative. By connecting women farmers to local and broader markets, we ensure they receive fair prices for their produce.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Our startup advances the "Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure" goal (SDG 9) by empowering women in rural communities through sustainable agriculture and technological innovation. We provide free leased land and comprehensive training in modern farming techniques, such as solar-powered irrigation and organic farming, enhancing productivity and environmental sustainability. By integrating digital tools and renewable energy solutions, we reduce costs and improve efficiency. Our efforts in building community-based infrastructure, like storage facilities and irrigation systems, improve overall agricultural productivity. We also connect women farmers to local and broader markets through cooperatives and digital platforms, ensuring fair prices and market access. Additionally, we foster entrepreneurial skills, enabling women to start and grow their own agricultural businesses. Collaborating with research institutions, we stay at the forefront of agricultural innovation.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Our startup significantly contributes to the "Reduced Inequalities" goal (SDG 10) by empowering women in rural communities and addressing systemic barriers to their economic participation. We provide free leased land and training in sustainable farming practices, ensuring women have equal opportunities to own and manage agricultural resources. By connecting women farmers to markets, we ensure they receive fair compensation for their produce, promoting economic equality. Our initiatives in education and skill development enhance women's capabilities, enabling them to compete on an equal footing with men. We also foster inclusive community networks that support women’s rights and advocate for gender equality. By addressing cultural and systemic barriers that prevent women from owning land and accessing financial resources, we help reduce gender-based inequalities.

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

Our startup significantly contributes to the "Sustainable Cities and Communities" goal (SDG 11) by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and empowering women in rural areas. By providing free leased land and training in sustainable farming, we enable women to grow food locally, reducing dependency on external sources and cutting transportation-related emissions. This enhances local food security, ensuring community resilience during economic or environmental stress. Our initiatives boost economic stability by equipping women with skills and resources to generate a stable income, leading to improved living conditions as earnings are reinvested locally. We also promote renewable energy and water conservation techniques, contributing to environmental sustainability. By integrating these practices, we help build communities that are economically vibrant and environmentally responsible.

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

Our startup advances the "Responsible Consumption and Production" goal (SDG 12) by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and empowering women in rural communities. We provide free leased land and comprehensive training in organic farming, waste management, and resource conservation, ensuring that food production is environmentally friendly and sustainable. By teaching women to use natural fertilizers and pest control methods, we reduce the reliance on harmful chemicals, promoting healthier ecosystems. Our initiatives also emphasize the importance of minimizing food waste through better storage and efficient production techniques. Additionally, by connecting women farmers directly to local markets, we reduce the carbon footprint associated with long supply chains and promote the consumption of locally produced goods. This not only supports local economies but also fosters a culture of sustainability within communities.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Our startup significantly contributes to the "Climate Action" goal (SDG 13) by implementing and promoting sustainable agricultural practices that mitigate climate change and enhance resilience in rural communities. By providing free leased land and comprehensive training in eco-friendly farming techniques, such as crop rotation, organic fertilizers, and water conservation methods, we help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil health. These practices not only lower the carbon footprint of agriculture but also increase the land's capacity to sequester carbon. Furthermore, we educate women farmers on the importance of biodiversity and encourage the planting of diverse crops and trees, which enhances ecosystem resilience and contributes to climate adaptation. By integrating renewable energy solutions, such as solar-powered irrigation systems, we further reduce reliance on fossil fuels, decreasing overall emissions.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

2

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Our startup significantly contributes to the "Life on Land" goal (SDG 15) by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and empowering women in rural communities to become stewards of their local ecosystems. By providing free leased land and comprehensive training in sustainable farming techniques, we enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and prevent land degradation. Our focus on organic farming reduces the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers, which protects local wildlife and preserves the natural balance of ecosystems. We also emphasize the importance of crop rotation, cover cropping, and agroforestry, which help maintain soil fertility, prevent erosion, and create habitats for various species. By educating women on the importance of biodiversity and encouraging the planting of native trees and plants, we contribute to reforestation and habitat restoration efforts. This not only sequesters carbon but also supports the health of local flora and fauna.

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

Our startup significantly contributes to the "Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions" goal (SDG 16) by fostering economic empowerment, promoting gender equality, and encouraging community resilience in rural areas. By providing free leased land and sustainable agricultural training to women, we address systemic inequalities and empower women to become economically independent and influential community members. Economic empowerment through agriculture reduces poverty, a root cause of social unrest and conflict. As women gain financial stability, they are better able to support their families and contribute to community development, fostering a more peaceful and stable society. Additionally, our startup encourages the formation of women's cooperatives and community groups, which strengthens social cohesion and collective decision-making.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Our startup significantly contributes to the "Partnerships for the Goals" (SDG 17) by fostering collaborations with a wide range of stakeholders to drive sustainable development in rural communities. By building strategic partnerships with local governments, NGOs, research institutions, and private sector entities, we enhance the impact and reach of our initiatives. Collaboration with local governments ensures that our projects are aligned with regional development plans and receive the necessary support for implementation. These partnerships help us navigate regulatory environments, secure land leases for women, and integrate our programs into broader policy frameworks.

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

4

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.

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.

4

06.08 Justification for my startup

Our startup's product/service is an improvement on existing offerings and can be described as an extension of a range of products or services, addressing unmet demands in the market. While there are similar services available, our approach uniquely integrates free leased land, comprehensive training in sustainable farming, and market access for women in rural communities, which sets us apart. This combination responds to the specific needs of these women, which have not been fully satisfied by other services. Our focus on sustainable practices and empowerment creates a more impactful and holistic solution compared to existing products. By leveraging local resources and respecting regional values, our service not only enhances agricultural productivity but also strengthens community ties and promotes economic stability.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our startup stands out from competitors like the Association of Women in Agriculture Kenya (AWAK), Nuru Kenya, and Roots Kenya by addressing both land ownership and agricultural training. While these organizations focus primarily on training women in farming, they do not tackle the crucial issue of land ownership. This omission limits women’s control over their produce and their economic empowerment. In contrast, our startup provides a holistic solution by offering free leased land along with comprehensive training in sustainable farming practices. This ensures that women not only gain the skills needed for successful agriculture but also have secure access to land, enabling them to fully own and benefit from their produce. Our competitive advantage lies in this integrated approach, empowering women to achieve true financial independence and stability. By combining land ownership with training and market access, we create a more sustainable and impactful model.

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

Yes, we are actively engaged in promoting the role of female entrepreneurs within our community through various initiatives. We organize workshops and training programs specifically tailored to empower women with entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy, and business management knowledge. These sessions aim to equip women with the tools they need to establish and grow their businesses successfully. Additionally, we facilitate mentorship programs where experienced female entrepreneurs provide guidance and support to aspiring businesswomen, fostering personal growth and professional development. Networking events play a crucial role in our efforts, bringing together women entrepreneurs to share experiences, build connections, and collaborate on opportunities. We also ensure access to resources such as funding options, market insights, and technological tools essential for business success.