Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

We're developing safe attractants for Area-wide control of Fruit flies & pheromone + repellents for False Codling Moths (FCM) that are quarantined & pests of economic importance in Avocado and other orchard fruits that are in demand for export markets.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Our mission is tooffer alternative natural solutions that match the efficacies of synthetic pesticides. We're targeting two quarantine pests of economic significance, the False Codling Moth (FCM) in Floriculture (Roses and other flowers), and both FCM and Fruit flies in fruits (Avocados, Mangoes, ). We're using essential oils extracted from cloves to formulate Fruit fly attractants called Male Annihilation Technologies (MAT) and repellents for False Codling Moths (FCM) which also attract parasitoids that can control the pest in the environment. Together with specific Pheromone traps, FCM Mating disruptors, and the use of repellents, we can help the farmers identify the pests, monitor the pest population, and manage the population below economic Injury levels at no MRL and PHI, with judicial reliance on pesticides controls. We'll be outsourcing a monitoring app for easier data collection, analysis, and presenting the pest control programs per area or specific farm of implementation.

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

With increased Avocado and other fruits export market demands, the majority of fruit rejections (>50%) are contributed by both Fruit flies and False Codling Moths (FCM). Kenyan floriculture is among the biggest contributors to GDP and lots of Interceptions and rejections are a result of False Codling moth (FCM). These species are quarantined in Europe, Asia, and other destined markets for our products. Lots of unsafe pesticide molecules are being sprayed to manage the pests. However, they're less effective as the pests develop resistance & poor target techniques, and harmful to operators, the environment, and consumers. Europe has continuously red-listed/banned the majority of pesticides and Stringent MRL limits have left farmers desperate for anything to manage these key pests to secure their markets. We can Identify, area-wide monitor the pest population, and manage the 2 pests with minimal reliance and exposure to pesticide risks and importantly increase yields & Profitability.

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

Effective solutions: The use of quality attractants naturally extracted from cloves in Tanzania will be the standing out for better volatile plumes to attract fruit flies and repel the FCM pests. Target both genders of the pests: Unique in the market, we'll target both male and female fruit flies. We're using pheromones and mating disruptors for male FCM and repellants for both female and male FCM. Affordability to local farmers: With our local production, we have low COGs, and hence small-scale farmers can afford to purchase our technologies at retail shops. Ease of use: The traps are simply hung on trees or flower bush and repellent can be tank-mixed with any sprayable products to the crops. No Re-Entry restrictions: Since the traps are not in contact with the crop and no pesticide in FCM repellent, there is no restriction on the time the operators enter the fields. No MRL and PHI: With no pesticide molecules, no restrictions on harvestable time. Technical support: to ensure succe

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

1. Flower Farmers (estimate 5,000 Ha) Roses growers and the Kenya Flower Council are in constant meetings to chat on the way forward in addressing the increased interceptions, and destruction of flowers destined for Europe and other countries. KEPHIS has set a regulation of every farm to have FCM traps within the farm for pre-qualification for an export license. The challenge is farmers don't know the pest and correct control tools and end up relying on less effective, expensive, and hazardous pesticide sprays. Naivasha-Nakuru-Eldoret, Nanyuki-Timau, and Kiambu-Nairobi are floricultural hubs. 2. Fruit farmers like Avocado, mangoes, citrus, and passion, etc. (estimate 30,000 Ha) With 70% being small-scale farmers with less knowledge of pests and their management. We'll focus on Central, Rift Valley, Eastern, Mt. Kenya, and Western regions that are expanding in fruit production. Apart from the solutions, we'll be offering Technical Training support on the pests & solutions.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-08-24

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

0

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

0

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

I'm a Horticulture graduate from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology with post-graduate awards in Crop Protection and Nutrition studies. (NB: Started Masters at UON in 2023 but dropped due to high school fees). I have over 8 years of experience in Biocontrols, and product development within the East African markets and Sales team management. Now serve as a consultant for crop protection, pre and probiotics, biostimulants, and fertilizer products within Africa. Note: We started and registered the company with a Female colleague (Junitor Annabel Chepkemoi) but she left in February to focus and continue with her MSc. scholarship studies at ICIPE (Kasarani).

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/profile.php?id=61558510112072&mibextid=ZbWKwL

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

We intend to employ a production team of min. 3 people, a Sales team force of min. 6 people, 3 admins on permanent jobs, and several casual employees (based on seasonal needs) to ensure we have enough stock to supply our forecast and market demands. With their income, they can support their livelihoods and families, and school reduces poverty levels. Our Technologies will ensure the continuous production of Flowers and no workers are laid off from duty due to rose rejections or unprofitability from the farms. With 70% small-scale farmers, we'll technically empower farmers on key pests to make the venture lucrative. Offer technologies at affordable prices. They'll reduce rejections/damages due to fruit flies & FCM and maximize selling to premium organic markets to earn Income for their livelihoods and take their children to schools. As part of a charity to our neighborhood, we are open to offering students attachments & employ the needy to our company.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

We'll be fostering food quality and safety through the organic production of fruits (avocado, mangoes) by supplying effective inputs in managing key pests with no health risks. The fruits can be used for the export market with zero pesticide residues and can be processed into healthier juice, canned, or value-added. We'll increase harvestable yields per area through sustainable reduction of key pests (FCM & Fruit flies). With minimal losses and rejections farmers can meet their market demands for oil production needs that can later meet the rising population's demand. We'll be providing our staff meals when on duty, this will reduce the pressure of food at homes which can serve the rest. Through our Technical empowerment forums through good agronomic services, we'll encourage farmers to expand production or convince aspiring farmers on the venture as Return on Investment is assured. With more production and more employment, we can sell more and earn from this as a country.

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

5

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

Through quality food production with less pesticide in addressing kep pests (FCM & Fruit flies), we encourage good health among consumers without the risk of pesticide bioaccumulation in the body. Through minimal pesticide sprays in the flower farms, by use of our pheromone and repellent products, spray teams, the environment, and consumers are less exposed to hazardous pesticides, encouraging good health and well being. Through our capacity programs, we'll be highlighting the advantages of sustainable agriculture and inputs to reduce reliance on pesticides hence good health and well-being. We'll have SOPs and PPEs at the production factory, to limit any chance of allergenic exposures and the frequent health and safety training will empower our staff to replicate the same at home.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

We'll be offering Internships and attachment at our company for graduates who can learn and advocate sustainable agriculture in the market. We'll ensure all our technical teams before addressing the farmers are equipped with the necessary information and knowledge that farmers can rely on when addressing pest challenges and investing in our technologies. We'll use technical sales techniques to ensure our farmers and our distributors understand the technologies, safe use of pesticides, and IPM management of pests. This will be offered regularly on re-flesher training. We'll be partnering with Universities or research centers to improve our technologies and opportunities for their students to test our technologies in their reserach papers.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Employment and Leadership opportunities: we'll consider the 2/3 gender rule for employment and leadership roles, and implement policies that promote diversity and inclusion e.g. leadership programs for women. Supplier diversity: seeking out women-owned suppliers and contractors for partnerships and economic empowerment. Education and training: addressing gender disparities in knowledge and skills in our company. Safe, respectful, and inclusive work environment for all genders at our facility. Policies against harassment and discrimination and supporting work-life balance with our staff. Community engagements in programs that support women farmers. In product development, we'll consider gender-specific needs for developing our marketing strategies to address specific gaps relating to biocontrol adoption. Through partnerships, and collaborations with government & NGOs we'll support advocacy for women's rights or rules respecting gender rights.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

5

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

Through Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, we’ll reduce reliance on pesticides that have an impact on water quality. By Complying with environmental regulations and standards relating to water quality and pesticide use through environmental impact assessments and monitoring and reporting on product safety on labels. Collaborating with stakeholders such as agricultural extension providers, farmers, and government agencies for practices promoting water quality & sanitation. Our Products are environmentally friendly as they are biodegradable and have no harmful pesticide leaching to groundwater. Through holistic pest management for improved yields, we’ll encourage water conservation practices through efficient irrigation methods and soil management techniques to reduce runoff.

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

We may utilize solar systems at the factory for lighting purposes and run chillers for the storage of pheromones. Through energy-efficient operations e.g. saving techniques in our production units, logistics route planning to save on fuel consumption, and use of solar energies. Our pheromone production units require less energy-intensive manufacturing compared to chemical pesticides reducing carbon footprints associated with agriculture. We are reducing reliance on energy-intensive inputs through the promotion of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) means of Sustainable Agriculture reducing fossil-fuel-based inputs. We’ll provide education and training to farmers on the benefits of biocontrol products in reducing energy use and promoting sustainable practices through workshops, demonstrations, and educational materials that highlight the energy-saving benefits of biocontrols.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

5

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

We'll ensure our employment contracts adhere to minimal wage bills for the country and are competitive in the industry. We'll ensure extra motivation of our workers through incentives or fringe benefits that can encourage productivity (commissions and bonuses). We'll ensure employment policies are followed whenever solving employee issues, resignations, and when employing. We'll consider internal promotions of our staff for senior roles and the procedure plus accolades associated with the role are met. We'll ensure the onboarding of competent employees whenever recruiting new staff that can later grow within the company and have more benefits. We'll ensure salary reviews based on several factors as company growth, performance or achieved KPIs for separate departments. We'll ensure open door policies to encourage staff supports and build a team culture.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

We'll be hiring competent candidates for separate roles to steer the company forward at competitive packages. We'll be partnering with suppliers or manufacturers of latest agricultural technologies for distribution or local production of the same under MOUs. We'll be having a customer feedback desk for benchmarking, improving existing technology, or investing in farmer-suggested technologies. Through the Universities or Research centre partnerships, we'll consider internships of researchers or student challenges that could help us improve, document or innovate latest technologies.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

1. Through sustainability promotion: This package of technologies is both sustainable to the environment and offers a long-term economic benefit to farmers. My company will provide a level playing field for small-scale farmers who may struggle to adopt modern technologies. 2. Support to smallholder farmers: We support the 70% of scale farmers in Kenya we help them improve productivity and income levels. This targeted support reduces inequalities between Large & small-scale farmers as both ventures are profitable. 3. Fair pricing: We'll offer a fair and transparent price structure that enables small-scale farmers to afford quality inputs that would benefit Large-scale farmers with purchase muscle. We reduce economic disparities in the Agricultural sector. 4. Knowledge sharing: Through the training and knowledge sharing programs and campaigns, the majority of farmers will gain knowledge to improve yields and income. This will bridge the gap of inequalities in to access information.

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

1. Reduced chemical inputs: We’re offering effective bio alternatives to the synthetic pesticides in managing the quarantine pests. This means the majority of the population and consumers in cities have access to healthier produce, reduced pollution, and improved soil and general environmental quality within urban farming areas (Kiambu, Nairobi, Nakuru, etc.). 2. Community engagement: We’ll be engaging with local communities in the process of marketing and selling these pheromone technologies. We’ll create awareness about sustainable agricultural practices and support community-led initiatives for urban gardening and farming. I anticipate this will foster a sense of community cohesion and promote sustainable living in urban areas. 3. Waste reduction: Through these technologies, we’ll reduce rejections, damaged fruits & flowers, and thus waste due to FCM and fruit fly pests. Also, the container trap is made from recycled plastic waste contributing to waste reduction efforts in urban

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

1. Promoting sustainable farming practices: We’re offering bio-alternative solutions that are environmentally friendly and promote environmental health, we encourage the farmers to reduce overreliance on pesticide inputs, conserve the environment, and improve farm sustainability. 2. Reducing environmental impact: All our solutions are biodegradable and have lower environmental impacts compared to synthetic pesticides. reduction of pollution, soil degradation, and water contaminations associated with current conventional farming practices. 3. Minimizing waste: We derive the essential oils from clove leaves fallen on the ground- a circular solution to waste management. We promote resource efficiency in agricultural production. 4. Educating consumers: We’ll raise awareness about the benefits of bio-alternatives and sustainable farming to promote responsible consumption among farmers and consumers. We anticipate to lead to a more informed and conscious approach. 5. 4. Support farmers

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

1. Carbon sequestration: We reduce chemical pesticide use by promoting pheromone technology that contributes to efforts aimed at increasing carbon storage in agricultural soils, thus mitigating climate change. 2. Promoting sustainable farming practices: by supplying our pheromone alternatives we help farmers reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals. This shift promotes sustainable farming that improves soil health, sequester carbon, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. 3. Supporting agroecological approaches: We provide farmers with bio-pheromones and knowledge of use and advantages. These are integral to agroecological farming systems that emphasize biodiversity, natural resource conservation, and resilience to climate change. 4. Partnership and collaboration: collaboration with stakeholders like the Kenya Flower Council (KFC), and Avocado Society of Kenya (ASCOK) can leverage resources, share knowledge, and scale up initiatives aimed at addressing climate change. 5. Research and

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

1. Reducing agricultural runoff: With pheromones, no spraying and at times no contact with the crop unlike in pesticides where pesticides can leach into water bodies leading to ecosystem degradation or adverse effects on the marine ecosystem. 2. Protecting water quality: We reduce contamination of water bodies with harmful chemicals through bio-alternatives. 3. Conserving biodiversity: pheromones are part of agroecological farming practices that conserve biodiversity on land and adjacent marine ecosystems. Healthy terrestrial ecosystems contribute to the overall health of coastal and marine environments by reducing pollution. 4. Education and outreach: we’ll raise awareness among farmers and other stakeholders about the importance of protecting marine ecosystems and the role that agriculture plays in this regard. Training will help foster a deeper understanding of the connection between land-based activities and ocean health.

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

1. Reducing chemical inputs: Bio-pheromones offer effective solutions while minimizing soil and water contaminations. We help in reducing the environmental impact of agriculture on terrestrial ecosystems. 2. Conserving biodiversity: Pheromones are an agroecological farming practice that preserves natural habitat, and conserves biodiversity on farmland and in surrounding landscapes. We target specific pests and do not harm beneficial macrobials. 3. Preventing land degradation: We’re contributors to the maintenance of healthy and productive terrestrial ecosystems. Being a bio-input supplier, we support soil conservation measures, water-efficient irrigation techniques, and responsible land management practices among others. 4. Empowering smallholder farmers: we work directly with small-scale farmers providing them with affordable and accessible solutions to improve their agricultural practices. We enhance their capacity to manage land responsibly and contribute to SDG 15 objectives.

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

6

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

1. Ethical sourcing practices: we’ll ensure ethical sourcing of raw materials and ingredients by upholding principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability in supply chain 2. Compliance with regulations and standards by registration of the pheromones with PCPB to foster trust among the stakeholders 3. Promoting good governance through engaging with government agencies and industry associations to promote policies that support sustainable agriculture and equitable access to resources 4. Capacity building and training to contribute to the development of strong institutional capacities at the grassroots levels through training initiatives aimed at empowering farmers & extension workers 5. Partnership and collaborations with partnerships of strong institutional networks and collective action for sustainable development. 6. Conflict prevention and resolution: we’ll ensure equitable access to resources contributing to conflict prevention and resolution in rural areas. 7. Transparen

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Provide technical expertise and training to fruits and floriculture farmers on the effective use of biocontrol products for managing pests at workshops, seminars, and on-farm demonstrations. Collaborate with researchers and university experts to develop pest idents tailored to the avocado or rose farms. With correct ID we can understand the pest & solve it. Partner with input suppliers, agro-dealers, extension services, and agricultural cooperatives to integrate pheromones solutions into spray programs. This ensures a holistic approach to managing FCM and fruit flies. Assist avocado farmers in accessing premium markets that value sustainable and organic products by providing certification support for biocontrol inputs. This can include partnerships with certification bodies (eg KOAN) or organizations that promote eco-friendly farming practices. Engage with local communities and stakeholders to raise awareness about the benefits of biocontrol in fruit farming. This can involve particip

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

6

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.

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

06.08 Justification for my startup

Unique holistic approach of managing the immerging quarantine pests challenges that are on the rise and impact the GDP of the economy as the demand for Avocados and Floriculture grows. We're reducing pesticide reliance by offering effective alternatives and reducing the health hardness exposures involved with pesticides to both users/operators (sprayers), and consumers (market). Through our pheromone strategies for monitoring and mass trapping we can as well offer data on species and spread in the region for proactive measures by the government bodies. We stand out by offering the first female lures in the market targeting the FCM and Fruit flies species, unlike the existing competition with only male annihilation technologies. We'll be supporting the SDGs through various platforms of employment, education, poverty eradication etc.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

2 existing companies that only focus on Male Annihilation Technologies (MAT)- that only attract male pests (FCM or Fruitflies). Ineffective strategy as only one gender is targeted with the hope of controlling mating. With the higher rate of reproduction and pests adapting to climate changes, developing resistance to pesticides and some insects reproducing without mating. makes these approaches ineffective and not sustainable. Reliance on pesticides as well has made the pests develop resistance and any further use threatens the safety through pesticide residue limits (MRLs) and end up in rejection. We offer the same effectiveness as pesticides, long-time control, area-wide control, empower the community through training in sustainable pest control & offer organic produce a competitive advantage for farmers to access premium markets.

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

Yes, I let my girlfriend initiate a similar venture and learn worker management, bidding, and negotiation among other skills. Have relied on women when advising sincere options to take and market ventures to pursue, they are sincere.