Safi Organics

The new case study series that emanated from the SWITCH Africa Green project "Promoting Eco-Entrepreneurship in Africa", implemented by SEED, showcases how innoative eco-inclusive start-up enterprises in Africa shape sustainable development on the ground. The individual case studies are enhanced with short multimedia features that showcase the innovation, the partnership, the support from SEED and the overall impact of each enterprise.

This case study presents Safi Organics. The eco-inclusive enterprise aims to improve agricultural productivity in Kenya.  Approximately 61.4% of Kenya's total surface area is characterised by a high level of soil degradation. Extreme weather events such as droughts and flooding further reduce agricultural activity. Safi Organics aims to reverse declining agricultural yields, improve the income and food security of local farmers, and provide opportunities for local youth in Mwea County, one of the largest producers of rice in Kenya. The area has been used to grow rice continuously for around 70 years, with farmers experiencing slow declines in yield and productivity. Farmers also face challenges around the disposal of waste rice husk, which is traditionally burned in an uncontrolled manner, and high costs of imported inorganic fertiliser. Safi Organics has connected these problems by creating an agricultural value chain from the local organic waste stream that enables farmers to exploit the value of their waste in an environmentally friendly manner, as well as gain access to cheaper fertilisers and soils treatments. Safi Organics also employs a number of local youths, providing them with an income stream, and access to valuable training and experience. 

Further publications in the series

2018 Case Study Series

• Belle Verte - Creating sustainable communities in Mauritius through a closed-loop waste management system (Februar 2018)
• WASHking - Upgrading sanitation in low-income urban households in Ghana (Februar 2018)
• Unique Quality Product Enterprise -  Empowering marginalised women in Ghana through reviving the cultivation of indigenous crops (Februar 2018)
• YICE Uganda - Improving access to training, funding and markets for rural farmers (Februar 2018)
• Sahelia Solar - Increasing clean and affordable energy access in rural areas in Burkina Faso (Februar 2018)