Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Décrivez votre projet en quelques mots

Provision of affordable and certified farm inputs distributed through agro dealers and service partners like drones. We leverage on robust technology and quality, accessibility and traceability for small holder farmers.

01.01 Décrivez votre startup en détail

Provision of affordable and certified farm inputs distributed through agro dealers and service partners like drones. We leverage on robust technology and quality, accessibility and traceability for small holder farmers. We aim to empower small holder farmers with innovative solutions for precision agriculture while supporting sustainable and productive farming practices.

01.02 Quel est le problème principal que vous essayez de résoudre ?

Availability of High Quality, Certified and Affordable Farm Inputs is a huge problem in the country. With 85% of the land in Kenya being arid & semi arid, failure to use certified inputs greatly affects the produce thereby leading to food insecurity. Only 5% of the 7.5M Smallholder farmers have access to inputs making availability of these inputs in the rural areas a key solution gain towards solving the problem.

01.03 Dites-nous quels sont les principaux avantages et/ou bénéfices de l'utilisation du produit/service fourni par votre startup (au moins 3).

Quality Assurance; Certified inputs undergo rigorous testing to ensure consistency in quality and effectiveness when used on farms. Efficacy: High-quality inputs contribute to better crop health and higher yields, maximizing productivity. They also enhance plant resilience to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses. Environmental Benefits: Certified farm inputs include eco-friendly options that support sustainable farming practices, reducing environmental pollution to minimize the risk of overuse and runoff, reducing pollution and environmental impact. Certified inputs meet regulatory standards, ensuring that agricultural practices adhere to legal requirements. Enhanced traceability and documentation also facilitates compliance with food safety and environmental regulations. Precision Agriculture: Drones enable precise application of inputs (like fertilizers and pesticides), reducing waste and ensuring uniform coverage,cost reduction on labor & quantity of inputs & profitability

01.04 Veuillez décrire précisément à qui s'adresse le produit/service de votre startup. Quels sont les bénéficiaires visés ?

Farm Inputs e.g Seeds, Agrochemicals, Pesticides, Mineral Supplements and Farm Equipment. Target Beneficiaries:, Our target customers are informal agro dealers situated in the rural parts of the country serving smallholder farmers with farm inputs and services. - We have targeted this group (agro dealers) of Accessibility and Convenience to the farmers. They are located closer to the farmers and their farms, making it easier for farmers to access inputs conveniently. This proximity reduces travel time and transportation costs for farmers, enabling them to obtain inputs more efficiently and timely. - Agro dealers are trusted by the; being part of the local community and have relationships with the farmers they serve. This trust and familiarity leads to more consistent and reliable business transactions.

01.05 Quand votre entreprise a-t-elle été créée ?

10/08/2023

01.06 Vendez-vous déjà votre produit/service ?

Oui

01.07 Combien y a-t-il de propriétaires de votre entreprise en plus de vous ?

1

01.08 Parmi les autres propriétaires, combien sont des femmes ?

1

01.09 Veuillez décrire le profil des autres propriétaires de votre startup (compétences, expérience, etc.).

Dorah Malema, Field Supervisor 7+ Years Experience in Agronomy services and agro dealer relationship management. She holds a Dip. In Business Management. Lucy Mwangi, Field Supervisor 5+ Years Experience Veterinary Services and agro dealer relationship management

01.10 Si vous avez un site web, une page sur les médias sociaux (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin...) ou une application, veuillez fournir le(s) lien(s) ici :

https://www.linkedin.com/company/101671187/admin/feed/posts/. https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556290782074

01.11 Quel est le secteur d'activité qui décrit le mieux votre entreprise ?

Matériaux (agriculture, pêche, produits chimiques, matériaux de construction, conteneurs et emballages, métaux et mines, papier et produits forestiers)

02.01.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Pas de pauvreté'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.01.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Increased Agricultural Productivity and Income; Certified inputs lead to healthier crops and higher yields, directly increasing farmers' income. Efficient Application: Drones ensure that inputs are applied precisely where needed, optimizing crop growth and minimizing waste. Cost Reduction: Lower Input Costs through Precision agriculture reduces the amount of agrochemicals and pesticides required thereby lowering expenses. Automation through drones also decreases the need for manual labor, cutting labor costs and allowing farmers to invest savings elsewhere. Empowerment of Smallholder Farmers; Providing affordable access to cutting-edge technology levels the playing field for smallholder farmers. Offering training on how to use drones and certified inputs can empower farmers with new skills and knowledge ensure increased productivity on their farms which in turn ensures zero poverty.

02.02.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Faim Zéro'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.02.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

We distribute certified farm inputs which enhance agricultural productivity, supporting sustainable farming practices, building capacity, and fostering partnerships thereby contributing to food security and improved nutrition globally.

02.03.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Bonne Santé et Bien Être'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.03.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Pest and Disease Management: Using certified pesticides and fertilizers reduces the prevalence of crop diseases and pests through effective control resulting in healthier produce. Precision Application using Drones ensures minimizes the risk of over-application and chemical residues on food. Biodiversity Conservation: Using certified organic or biological inputs supports biodiversity by reducing the impact on non-target species, including beneficial insects and soil microorganisms. Healthy Ecosystems: Maintaining a healthy ecosystem contributes to better overall environmental health, which is crucial for human well-being. Reduced Exposure: Certified inputs are formulated to be safer for farmers, reducing their exposure to harmful chemicals. Protective Measures: Training on the safe handling and application of inputs ensures that farmers follow best practices, further protecting their health.

02.04.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Éducation de Qualité'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.04.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Training Programs: By providing comprehensive training programs on the use of certified inputs and drone technology equips farmers with new skills. This includes understanding advanced agricultural practices, precision farming techniques, and the benefits of using certified inputs. We also offer continuous learning opportunities, such as workshops and seminars, helps farmers stay updated with the latest advancements in agricultural technology and sustainable practices. Empowering Youth and Promoting STEM Education; The integration of drone technology in agriculture has helped attract young people to farming, making the sector more appealing by showcasing its technological and innovative aspects. Internships and Apprenticeships: We Offer internships and apprenticeship programs provides students with practical, hands-on experience in using drones and certified inputs, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.

02.05.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Égalité entre les Sexes'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.05.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Empowering women in Agriculture with the skills to operate and manage drone technology and certified inputs helps bridge the gender gap in technical expertise within the agricultural sector. Job Creation: Creating job opportunities in areas such as drone operation, data analysis, and sales of certified inputs directly benefits women, providing them with stable income sources. Our staff consists of 70% women. We are promoting and supporting women owned agrovets with targeted programs like access to extra credit for farm inputs purchased from us with very flexible repayment terms, first priority with new products and programs as well as improved training on how best to manage and grow their businesses.

02.06.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Eau Propre et Assainissement'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.06.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Precision Agriculture: Drones equipped with sensors can monitor soil moisture levels and optimize irrigation, ensuring that water is used efficiently and only where needed. This reduces water wastage and conserves precious water resources. Data-Driven Decisions: Collecting detailed data on crop health and soil conditions enables farmers to make informed decisions about irrigation, leading to more sustainable water management practices. Eco-Friendly Inputs: Certified inputs and organic inputs include environmentally friendly options that are less likely to contaminate water sources.Their use reduces the potential for harmful chemicals to leach into groundwater and surface water. Organic farm inputs that we distribute increases organic matter in the soil improve its ability to retain water, making crops more resilient to drought and reducing overall water demand Providing training and education on water conservation techniques and the sustainable use of certified inputs empowers farmers

02.07.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Énergie Propre et Abordable'

6

02.07.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Sustainable Practices: Promoting sustainable farming practices through the use of certified inputs and precision farming contributes to overall emissions reductions in the agricultural sector. Irrigation and Water Management: We are promoting efficient irrigation systems powered by renewable energy sources, such as solar pumps, reduces reliance on grid electricity and promotes sustainable water use on farms. Reduced Energy Consumption: Drones enable precision application of inputs, reducing the need for multiple passes over the fields and thereby lowering fuel consumption for machinery.

02.08.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Travail Décent et Croissance Économique'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.08.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Distribution and sale of certified inputs will require a network of suppliers, creating jobs in logistics, sales, and distribution. The demand for skilled drone operators has increased as the technology becomes more widely adopted in agriculture. This creates new job opportunities in rural areas where we target. By improving crop yields and reducing costs, our startup helps stabilize farmers’ incomes, making them less vulnerable to market fluctuations and adverse weather conditions. Training programs and job creation in drone technology and certified input distribution provide alternative income sources for rural communities, reducing their economic dependence on traditional farming alone. We ensure that training and job opportunities are accessible to all, including marginalized groups and women, promotes inclusivity & equality in the workforce. By creating high-skilled jobs in drone technology and certified input distribution, your startup helps ensure that workers receive fair wages

02.09.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Industrie, Innovation et Infrastructure'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.09.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Cutting Edge Technology; Drones enable precision farming, allowing for precise application of inputs, monitoring of crop health, and efficient resource management, driving innovation in farming techniques. IoT Integration: Integrating drones with Internet of Things (IoT) devices creates smart agricultural infrastructure, enabling real-time monitoring and management of farming operations. Automation and Efficiency: Automated systems for irrigation, pest control, and crop monitoring increase the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural infrastructure. Our Mobile Application is very interactive allowing our customers to effectively and efficiently contact us, place, pay and track the delivery status of their orders as well as earn and redeem loyalty points for all their purchases.

02.10.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Réduction des Inégalités'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.10.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Job Creation for Women and Youth: Training programs specifically aimed at women and young people for roles in drone operation, data analysis, and input distribution create inclusive job opportunities. Gender Equality: Promoting gender equality by ensuring women have equal access to training and employment in new technologies helps reduce gender disparities in the agricultural sector. Targeted Support: Using drones to precisely identify areas needing intervention ensures that resources such as fertilizers, water, and pest control measures are allocated efficiently, benefiting small and resource-poor farmers. Subsidies and Financial Support to the women owned agrovets in our network ensures that women are also empowered to build and grow their businesses thereby reducing inequalities. Remote Area Inclusion: Availing drones in remote and geographically challenging areas, ensuring that farmers in these regions receive the same level of service and support as those in more accessible areas.

02.11.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Villes et Communautés Durables'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.11.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Certified inputs often include organic and sustainable options, which reduce the reliance on harmful chemicals. This benefits urban and rural communities by reducing pollution and promoting healthier ecosystems. Healthier Produce: By using certified inputs, farmers can produce healthier, safer food that benefits urban consumers and reduces the health burden associated with pesticide exposure. Sustainable Supply Chains: By improving the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural production, we helps ensure a stable supply of food and raw materials to urban areas, enhancing food security and reducing the environmental footprint of food transportation. Minimized Waste: Precision farming reduces waste by ensuring that inputs are used efficiently and effectively. This decreases the environmental impact of agricultural waste, contributing to cleaner and more sustainable communities.

02.12.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Consommation et Production Responsables'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.12.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Precision Farming: Drones enable precise application of water, fertilizers, and pesticides, ensuring resources are used efficiently and minimizing waste. By applying inputs exactly where they are needed, drones reduce overuse and runoff, leading to more sustainable farming practices. Healthy Crops: Drones provide detailed crop health monitoring, enabling early detection of diseases and pests, leading to healthier and safer food production. Using certified inputs ensures that crops are grown with safe and approved substances, reducing the risk of contamination. Community Empowerment: Empowering local communities with sustainable practices and technology improves their livelihoods and promotes social equity.

02.13.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Lutte contre les Changements Climatiques'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.13.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

We offer and recommend a range of Organic Products to our customers. By minimizing chemical inputs, organic farmers reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate the environmental impacts associated with conventional agriculture, including air and water pollution, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss. By embracing organic agriculture, farmers can enhance the resilience and sustainability of their farming systems while mitigating the impacts of climate change on food security, environmental health, and rural livelihoods. - We promote the use of hybrid seeds that are more resilient to drought and heat stress, traits that are becoming increasingly important in the face of climate change-induced water scarcity and rising temperatures. These varieties can maintain yield stability and productivity even under challenging environmental conditions. Some hybrid seeds are bred for shorter maturity periods, allowing farmers to accelerate their crop production cycles.

02.14.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Vie Sous-Marine'

6

02.14.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Encouraging the use of certified and organic inputs ensures that only environmentally safe products are used in agriculture. These inputs are less likely to contain harmful chemicals that can leach into water sources. Promoting certified inputs also goes hand-in-hand with sustainable farming practices, which further reduce the impact on surrounding water bodies. We are engaging with local communities to raise awareness about the benefits of reducing agricultural runoff and protecting water bodies can foster broader support for sustainable practices. We are improving soil health through the use of certified organic inputs can reduce erosion and runoff, further protecting water bodies.

02.15.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Vie Terrestre'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.15.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Sustainable Practices: Promoting practices like intercropping, terracing, and agroforestry can help reduce erosion and improve land productivity. Drones can assist in planning and managing these practices effectively. We are promoting and advocating for Integrated Pest Management strategies that use natural predators, biological controls, and targeted chemical applications though precision agriculture to reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides. Drones can monitor pest populations and help apply treatments precisely. We are providing training and resources to farmers on sustainable practices, the use of certified inputs, and drone technology helps them adopt methods that protect and enhance land health.

02.16.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Paix, Justice et Institutions Efficaces'

3

02.16.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

N/A

02.17.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Parteneriats pour la Réalisation des Objectifs'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.17.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

At Agriflex, we understand that we cannot achieve our ambitious goals alone. That is why we are always looking for and collaborating with organizations that share our values. By combining our unique strengths, resources, and expertise, we can create a sustainable future for everyone. Some of our key partners are input manufacturer's, third party transports, drone company and Farm to Market Alliance (FTMA).

06.01 Un grand nombre de clients utilisent déjà un produit/service très similaire au nôtre.

7 = Tout à fait d'accord

06.02 Notre produit/service représente un type de produit/service entièrement nouveau

2

06.03 Notre produit/service pourrait être décrit comme une nouvelle technologie

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

06.04 Notre produit/service est une amélioration d'un produit ou d'un service existant

6

06.05 Notre produit/service pourrait être décrit comme une extension d'une gamme de produits ou de services

5

06.06 Notre produit/service répond à une demande ou à un besoin qui n'a pas été satisfait par d'autres produits/services.

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

06.07 Notre produit/service est une nouvelle version d'un ancien produit/service

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

06.08 Justification

We are promoting the use of drone technology on farms as opposed to the traditional manual sprays and tractors which ends up destroying some of the products. There's a lot of demand for certified farm inputs but access and affordability is a major problem, our company solves this for agro dealers and smallholder farmers.

06.09 Analyse compétitive

Our main competitors are: 1. Apollo Agriculture 2. One Acre Fund 3. Grebe Enterprises - Our key competitive advantages include; Reliability & Affordability where we guarantee deliveries to customers based on the routes at affordable prices. - We are focusing on sustainable farming practices and products offering a range of products that are environment friendly promoting profitable agriculture to our customers. - Robust Technology; Our Mobile App which is currently being finalized is very interactive and shall be a major differentiator as it'll ensure convenience for our customers when ordering inputs from us, paying, tracking status as earning and redeeming loyalty points. It shall also allow us to generate data analytics to optimize operations and personalize customer interactions.

11.05 Menez-vous des actions au sein de votre communauté pour promouvoir le rôle des femmes entrepreneurs ?

We have established a mentorship program where we provide mentorship and targeted support for female owned agrovets geared towards mentoring and supporting the to build long lasting businesses in the agricultural technology sector. Access to Resources: We provide interest free credit to female owned agrovets thereby increasing their purchasing power and supporting their businesses. We are actively seeking partnerships with female-led businesses and support them through contracts and capacity building. Training and Capacity Building: We offer training sessions on drone technology, precision farming, and the use of certified inputs tailored specifically for women. We also have programs aimed at enhancing leadership skills among women, encouraging them to take on leadership roles in their communities and businesses.