Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Ndeiya Akiwa Farm is committed to promoting climate-smart agricultural practices and utilizing bio-energy to foster climate-resilient agriculture and renewable energy.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Ndeiya Akiwa Farm spans 4 acres situated in the Ndeiya sub-county. The farm's dedication is the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices, agroforestry, and empowering farmers to adopt clean and sustainable energy. At Ndeiya Akiwa Farm, the focus is on environmental stewardship, community engagement, and farmer empowerment. The primary objective of the farm is to equip farmers with the necessary skills and knowledge to improve their agricultural practices and create a sustainable future for agriculture. Through various training programs and resource sharing, the farm seeks to promote good agricultural practices, increase crop yields, organic farming, and microclimate through the adoption of agroforestry practices, regenerative agriculture, and precision farming and promote the use of clean and renewable energy sources like bioenergy and solar.

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

To support sustainable development goals, Ndeiya Akiwa Farm is committed to promoting sustainable farming practices, including agroforestry, regenerative agriculture, and green energy technologies. In Kenya, reliance on traditional fuels like firewood has contributed to widespread deforestation and respiratory diseases due to fumes from burning fuel. By advocating for bio-energy adoption, we intend to reduce dependence on non-renewable energy sources and promote clean, green energy. Additionally, we aim to mitigate overreliance on agrochemicals by promoting organic farming using bio-slurry. We intend to impact society through our training programs and resource centres by sharing knowledge and expertise with those eager to learn.

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

Ndeiya Akiwa Farm has taken a proactive approach to address the challenge of wood fuel dependency by implementing bioenergy technology. A biogas generator installed in collaboration with Sistema Bio now provides sufficient electricity to power essential farm operations such as cow milking, chaff cutting, chick brooding, and overall farm lighting. This innovative electricity generation concept has the potential to fulfil energy requirements in rural areas and promote sustainable practices. At Ndeiya Akiwa Farm, we offer an array of resources and services to support small-scale farmers in their pursuit of sustainability. Includes providing access to training programs focused on climate-smart agricultural techniques. Furthermore, we proudly serve as a demonstration farm, featuring successful sustainable farming models and providing practical learning experiences, valuable information, research, and guidance on sustainable agriculture, enabling farmers to make informed decisions.

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

The farm's main target is small-scale farmers, as we aim to reduce their reliance on non-renewable energy sources while also embracing organic farming and regenerative farming as we strive to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The main objectives of the farm are: 1. Raising awareness and educating the community about environmental issues. 2. Partnering with schools to establish 4K clubs – Kuunga, Kufanya na Kusaidia Kenya, setting up nurseries, and promoting environmental education to instil the importance of climate action from a young age, which will have a long-term impact. 3. Building the capacity of farmers through exchange visits and field trips. 4. Facilitating community and stakeholder training programs to empower the community, enabling them to fulfil the nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

01.05 When was your company established?

2021-12-15

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

6

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

4

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

Currently, six individuals manage the farm in various capacities. As marketing director, Muhia Samuel Ng'ae ensures media visibility through digital channels. In addition to overseeing business operations and decision-making, Barbra Wanja ensures resource management and efficiency. Joseph Ndwaru is responsible for the farm's overall production, i.e., cow's milk, and farm animals are well cared for. As part of her daily responsibilities, Ivy Kiongi coordinates the production and distribution of the company's products, including milk. Managing the customer interaction chain and financial matters is handled by Hellen Wanjiru, while Monica Wanjiru manages customer service.

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

https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552261467842&mibextid=LQQJ4d https://www.instagram.com/_ndeiya.akiwa_farms?igsh=MXZ4NnI2ZXhiMzhlag== https://www.linkedin.com/company/ndeiya-akiwa-farms/

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

l) Farming

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Incorporating regenerative agricultural practices, such as organic farming and agroforestry, can lead to increased income and cost savings for farmers. Organic farming focuses on enhancing soil fertility and structure through natural methods, with biogas by-products like bio-slurry enriching the soil and promoting sustainable farming practices. By embracing regenerative agriculture, farmers aim to restore degraded farmland while increasing crop yields using methods such as agroforestry, crop rotation, polyculture, rotational grazing, and soil management practices. Agroforestry, in particular, shows potential for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions through carbon sequestration in biomass and soil. Additionally, incorporating trees like Avocado Hass, Sabine Mangoes, and Pixie Oranges in farms not only helps mitigate climate change but also offers benefits such as promoting local climate, water resources, biodiversity, and community livelihoods.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Organic farming focuses on enhancing soil fertility and structure through natural methods, with biogas by-products like bio-slurry enriching the soil and promoting sustainable farming practices. By embracing regenerative agriculture, farmers aim to restore degraded farmland while increasing crop yields using methods such as agroforestry, crop rotation, polyculture, rotational grazing, and soil management practices. Agroforestry, in particular, shows potential for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions through carbon sequestration in biomass and soil. Additionally, incorporating trees like Avocado Hass, Sabine Mangoes, and Pixie Oranges in farms not only helps mitigate climate change but also offers benefits such as promoting local climate, water resources, biodiversity, and community livelihoods. Furthermore, agroforestry can improve water conservation, micro-climate conditions, soil productivity, and nutrient cycling, reducing the need for mineral fertilizers while increasing crop yield

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

4

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

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Not precisely.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

Not precisely.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

6

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

In Kenya, small-scale farmers face the challenge of high electricity bills. However, the country's agricultural sector has the potential to greatly benefit from renewable energy technologies. The integration of these technologies can lead to improved agricultural productivity, increased energy access for farmers, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and enhanced environmental sustainability. Kenya's favourable climatic conditions result in abundant solar energy, making it an ideal renewable energy source for agricultural applications. Additionally, bioenergy technology, which involves converting organic waste into biogas and bio-slurry, provides another renewable energy option. Bioenergy can be utilized for cooking and heating, reducing dependency on wood fuel and offering a cleaner and more efficient energy source.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

4

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Not precisely.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

4

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

4

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Not precisely.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

3

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

Not precisely.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

5

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

The integration of solar and bioenergy technologies in Kenya's agricultural sector is a testament to the nation's commitment to sustainable development. Innovative solutions such as solar powered irrigation and bioenergy can revolutionize the agricultural landscape. These technologies can enhance productivity, improve energy access, and align with environmental conservation objectives by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting cleaner energy alternatives. By harnessing the power of renewable energy sources, farmers in Kenya can enhance productivity, reduce operating costs, and contribute to a greener and more resilient agricultural sector. It is a step towards building a more resilient, efficient, and environmentally friendly agricultural sector that benefits both farmers and the country as a whole.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

Not precisely.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

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

4

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

Not precisely.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

3

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Not precisely.

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

2

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

2

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

2

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

2

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

2

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

2

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

2

06.08 Justification for my startup

06.09 Competitive Analysis

We compete primarily with those who sell firewood legally and illegally in the country, contributing to respiratory diseases and unreliable electricity. With our alternative, green, clean, and renewable energy, we help fight climate change and adopt green energy. Despite being a little pricey at first, our renewable energy source is quite cheap in the long run, so our customers are more inclined to switch to it. We also strive to provide excellent customer service and technical support, ensuring our customers have a positive experience.

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

It's vital to recognize the significant impact on the majority of people, especially on gathering firewood and the adverse effects of relying heavily on non-renewable sources such as firewood, which disproportionately affects women due to cultural biases. We aim to empower women by involving them in our diverse projects, allowing them to contribute valuable insights and gain firsthand experience.