Ndaloh_AgriPlus

The problem this projects seeks to address is food and nutritional insecurity in Siaya County

Ndalo’s greatest barrier to alleviating food and nutritional insecurity in Siaya is the limitations to scale-up in production and utilization of sorghum and nutritious indigenous crops which locks the untapped potential of their value chain in Siaya County. These limitations impede employment creation particularly for young women and men, enterprise development and related nutrition solutions emerging from the sorghum and nutrient-dense indigenous, climate-smart crop value chains.They also encapsulate young men and women in a cycle of poverty and hopelessness.

Access to quality seeds and seedlings. Most of the agricultural and livestock research institutes in Kenya have seeds in theory. When the seeds are available then they are expensive and in very high demand. Ndalo seeks to leverage on its community network for seed bulking and through research establish a quality fruit-tree seedling farm with affordable, available and traceable good-quality and climate -smart seedlings.

Access to land for young men and women remains a challenge thus the need for leasing. Most young people lack the knowledge about the legal, financial, and practical aspects involved in leasing land for agribusiness activities and thus experience difficulty in navigating the land leasing process effectively. Many of them may also get cheated out of their produce by unscrupulous land owners simply because they didn't follow due process at the inception of their lease. This results in less young people engaging in sorghum and nutrient-dense, climate-smart crops farming while contributing to food security, personal and community economic development in Siaya County.

Commercialization  of nutritious sorghum products is barred by lack of information about recommended husbandry practices and the existence of numerous empty-calorie  foodstuffs in the market which are marketed as fortified. The legal framework in Kenya, despite being advanced, lacks the backing of efficient research institutes and due to endless existing loopholes the business community exploits in production and distribution of sub-standard goods, there is a large circulation of non-nutritive food, falsely marked as healthy and nutritious. An apt example is the current trend of 'uji power,' a mixture that incorporates various ingredients without the scientific backing about the interaction of its ingredients.

Access to Quality Seeds: By engaging with the community to produce improved seeds and seedlings through community seed bulking, Ndalo will ensure that farmers have access to high-quality planting materials. This will improve crop yields, crop resilience to climate change, and overall sorghum and fruit production. Establishing a quality fruit-tree seedling farm will enhance agro-biodiversity and diversification, offering additional income streams for the organization and interested farmers.  The linkages to local quality seed providers will be beneficial in ensuring continuous access to reliable and locally available good-quality seed sources and reduced dependency on external suppliers who may be expensive and out of reach for the small-holder farmer. This will also foster local seed systems.

For enterprise growth, improved seed availability and quality will lead to increased agricultural productivity, higher yields and incomes for farmers. This will encourage investment in farming enterprises, expansion of cultivated areas, and adoption of improved agricultural practices.

The establishment of seed farms and community seed bulking initiatives will in turn increase employment opportunities for young people involved in seed production, nursery management, and seed and seedling packaging and distribution. More so, increased agricultural productivity will generate demand for labor in farm operations and the need for additional employment opportunities in rural areas. The organization will need attractive packaging and branding for the seeds thus the need for young men and women for graphic design and printing.

Commercialization: The construction of an enriched sorghum flour processing plant with modern facilities, including warehouses, silos, and solar dryers, will enhance its value addition and post-harvest management practices. Constriction/setting up of the industry will require an experienced architect, engineer, quantity surveyor, construction supervisors and workers. This will present an opportunity for young men and women to be engaged in various segments of the construction process, including supplies.

Diversification of sorghum products into breakfast cereals, cakes, pastries, and beverages will expand market opportunities and increase the commercial viability of sorghum and orphaned climate-smart, nutrient-dense crop cultivation, Ndalo will create a sustainable local and international market for sorghum products, while also addressing food security and nutrition challenges in the community.

Digitization: The development of the NdaloAgriPlus App will facilitate training, communication, and collaboration among farmers, extension workers, and other stakeholders. This app will enhance knowledge sharing, capacity building, and networking opportunities in the agricultural sector. Geo-mapping and predictive modeling features will enable informed decision-making and appropriate resource allocation, therefore optimizing agricultural production and resource utilization. Market access and value chain integration support through the app will enhance market linkages, improve price transparency, and foster inclusive participation in agricultural markets. With such knowledge Ndalo will galvanize the farmers to negotiate for better prices among bigger enterprises like East African Breweries Limited which is a big consumer of sorghum. Access to digital tools and information will result in enterprise growth by enabling  farmers to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices, optimize resource use, and access new market opportunities. This will lead to increased productivity, profitability, and competitiveness for the farmers and Ndalo as a producer.

Our target population are the small-holder farmers and community members who are at risk of malnutrition. Some of their notable challenges include but not limited to:

• land,

• rising prices of inputs,

• soil fertility,

• enterprise,

• climate change,

• low quality/productivity,

• market volatility,

• low value for produce,

• capital/investment and

• poor access to technology.

To assist smallholder farmers and Siaya community members overcome some of the above challenges,  our project emphasizes climate adaptation and mitigation by integrating strategies and practices aiming at enhancing resilience and sustainability like the tree nursery and fast-maturing fruit trees. Planting trees is known to benefit the environment immensely. Fast-maturing fruit trees contribute to climate adaptation by increasing vegetation cover, enhancing soil health, and providing shade and windbreaks. These trees also capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate climate change.

Sorghum is a climate-smart crop inherently resilient to drought and heat stress, thus an excellent choice for Siaya as our pilot  project county. By promoting sorghum cultivation, we will support climate adaptation efforts by providing farmers with a resilient crop option that can withstand adverse weather conditions.

The utilization of climate-smart fortificant crops into our agricultural practices enhances food security and nutrition while also promoting climate resilience. These crops are historically and genetically adapted to local climatic conditions and contribute to a resilient agricultural system.

Bringing back orphaned crops to the agricultural landscape enhances biodiversity and resilience to climate change. By diversifying crop species, we will mitigate the risks associated with climate variability and increase farmers' adaptive capacity. They will still have food for subsistence if all other methods fail. This project encourages the uptake of food crops instead of inedible cash crops like coffee or tea.

Digitizing internal office processes will reduce paper usage and minimize environmental impact. These efforts align with climate mitigation efforts by reducing carbon emissions associated with paper production and transportation.

Ndalo  will continually encourage manure uptake over fertilizer overreliance on fossil fuel-based inputs. This will in turn mitigate greenhouse gas emissions associated with fertilizer production and application. Additionally, it will promote soil health and fertility and better adaptation to climate change.

By utilizing green energy through solar power for the borehole and the dryer over electricity will reduce reliance on fossil fuels and will lower carbon emissions. We will conduct research on the viability of solar for the running of the sorghum value addition plant and if feasible, then we will adapt it. By adopting green energy practices, we contribute to climate mitigation efforts, harness natural sources of energy like the sun or a possible windmill,  while also reducing energy costs and increasing energy independence.

Ndalo is best positioned to implement this from these key factors that setting it ahead of our competitors  

1. Ndalo benefits from the experience, expertise and lessons learned through its sister organization, Ndaloh Heritage Organization, which is already implementing a related project on a non-profit basis. The organization is doing such a project only up to production. This firsthand experience provides verifiable insight into the challenges and opportunities associated with the project,  which will enhance Ndalo's ability to design and execute effective strategies.
2. The existing project has demonstrated commercialization potential, indicating Ndalo's capability to translate agricultural interventions into sustainable business opportunities. This commercial mindset enables Ndalo to leverage agricultural innovations for economic growth and prosperity, contributing to long-term sustainability.
3. Ndalo boasts a director pursuing a PhD in Nutrition Biotechnology, bringing relevant academic knowledge and expertise to the project. This expertise enriches the project's technical foundation and ensures alignment with best practices in agricultural research and nutritional sciences.
4. The organization benefits from a diverse board of directors with extensive experience in organizational management and policies. This ensures effective governance, risk management, and decision-making processes, enhancing the organization’s overall effectiveness and impact.
5. Ndalo leverages a skilled workforce with expertise in finance, nutrition, monitoring and evaluation, field operations, and community development and business strategy. This team provides comprehensive day-to-day management and operational support, ensuring each project's smooth execution.
6. Ndalo has established collaborations with credible research organizations and academic institutions in Siaya and internationally, offering technical, advisory, and in-kind support. These partnerships enhance Ndalo's access to resources, expertise, and networks, strengthening the project's technical capacity and sustainability.
7. Ndalo is well- known within the community for over 5 years, having engaged in community initiatives from before its formal registration in 2020.
8. Finally, no other organization in Kenya has conceptualized digitization of any crop value chain. The NdaloAgriPlus App will be revolutionary in transforming agricultural practices and enhancing productivity across the entire crop value chain. By pioneering digitization in the agricultural sector, Ndalo will revolutionize how farmers, stakeholders, and communities engage with and benefit from agricultural activities. The NdaloAgriPlus App will empower users with real-time information, data-driven insights, and innovative solutions for better farming practices. It will also enhance improve market access, and promote sustainable agricultural development

We have been able to enroll and train (about food-to-food fortification) over 200 smallholder farmers and vulnerable households into the program. These farmers and households have been supported with subsidized farm inputs such as seedlings and fertilizers to increase their production of sorghum and the ingredients (indigenous tropical plant foodstuffs) for food value addition. On the other hand, Ndalo Heritage has been able to establish a demonstration farm with most of the culturally acceptable and locally available foods needed for food-to-food fortification. These include sorghum, amaranth leaves, mango fruits, guavas, blackjack, sim sim seeds, etc. We have further been able to characterize these plants to establish their micronutrient quality as well as the contents of organic acids (mineral bioaccessibility enhancers). Currently, there is ongoing demonstrations and hands-on training on food value addition using the above plants as we intend to roll out more demonstration sites into the community before product development, marketing, and project scaling up. The project ahs also been able to establish cooperation agreements with the Siaya County Government, Siaya Institute of Technology, the East African Breweries Limited, and the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Cooperation for joint training, research and capacity building of the farmers and housholdes.

Having been selected as a Global Seed Fund Winner and a keynote speaker by the Institute of Food Technologists, USA, I had a very strong feeling that I was about to make big decisions and milestones in my entrepreneurship journey and to better serve my community. This needed more mentorship on leadership, global networking, and innovation yet there is no better learning opportunity than the MIT Solve. I want to participate in the nine-month entrepreneurship support program to advance innovation and long-lasting that address Africa’s most pressing problems such as malnutrition. I also hope to join a supportive community of funders, peers, experts, and scientists who advance their innovations through the nine-month program while receiving mentorship and strategic advice. I am looking forward to attending the MIT Solve annual flagship events to tap into the network of like-minded entrepreneurs in the nutrition and food security space. I hope to partner directly with allied innovators and tech-based social entrepreneurs at the pilot stage as we strive to scale our work to impact millions of underserved communities globally. Most importantly, I will be able to meaningfully drive real impact through the leadership training sessions on issues that are globally important across sustainability, prosperity, health, and education. The MIT Solve space will enable me to not only learn but also share my ideas about food value addition, sustainable agriculture, product development, and value chain marketing that is both socially inclusive and gender sensitized.

I want to push what I think my limits are, reassess my priorities as a young scholar practitioner, and leader, and learn how I might stay happy even when things don’t work out as planned. My other very important reason is to learn how to handle failure more constructively. Sometimes luck plays into success but I have always learned that hard work, resilience, and mentorship are important to help address some of the most pressing global challenges – this is what MIT Solve stands for: building confidence, taking risks, and assessing obstacles more strategically.

Overall, I see MIT Solve as the ideal opportunity for setting up the next phase of my social entrepreneurship journey, monitoring and evaluation support, gaining exposure in conferences and the media, pushing my limits, redefining my leadership style, and building a global network to explore opportunities for collaboration and scaling up.  

To improve household food security, nutrition, and socioeconomic empowerment in Siaya,Kenya the project will support smallholder farmers with inputs and skills to produce and commercialize cost-effective fortified sorghum flour and porridges. Malnutrition remains to be a menace in Kenya. To prevent the occurrence of macro and micronutrient deficiencies food-to-food fortification has been practiced. 

Despite the existing food-to-food fortification practices, little attempts have been made to adopt the use of climate-smart cereals such as sorghum as a vehicle. Specifically, in Siaya County, sorghum is cultivated by few farmers and with little consumption. However, sorghum is an important source of key minerals, particularly iron and zinc but has antinutritional factors (such as phytic acid, and phenolic compounds) that limit the bioavailability and bioaccessibility of these nutrients. 

The project will utilize organic acid-rich plant foodstuffs and beta carotene-rich plants, such as guava fruit and amaranth leaves, to improve the mineral bioaccessibility of whole grain sorghum flour and porridges in order to help reduce malnutrition in the target communities. The tropical plant foodstuffs (such as mango, guava, legumes, seeds, and amaranth leaves) that will be used in the fortification exist in the community but have not been used in food-to-food fortification. Most of the mango and guava fruits (for instance) go to waste due to their perishable nature, while amaranth naturally exists as a weed in the farms. 

The project will therefore assist with both food wastage management and the integration of the indigenous nutrient-dense amaranth weed into the food system through food-to-food fortification. From previous research at the University of Pretoria by the project principal investigator, a formulation/recipe ratio of 100:1 (sorghum: natural plant fortificants) has been proven to yield maximum nutrient bioavailability in a fortified flour/porridge. This experience will guide the recipes/formulations developed during the project and the training offered to the beneficiaries. 

Enhancing access to quality seeds and seedlings for sustainable production:  Ndalo Heritage will engage in community quality seed-bulking and train farmers on propagating quality and fast-maturing grafted fruit seedlings. The organization will collaborate with Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and a local women’s CBO, Katro to provide expert advice. These two organizations have the technical know-how of the seeds and seedlings best adapted to the climate of Gem, Rarieda and the larger Lake Victoria Basin Region of Kenya.  

Access to land for young men and women through leasing: A majority of young women and men in Siaya county lack ownership of land. Land is owned and controlled by the older men, which leaves the younger generation without secure tenure or rights to agricultural land. This stems from traditional inheritance practices, cultural norms, and legal barriers favoring older male relatives in land allocation and management. Studies have shown that about 65% of land is unutilised. Ndaloh will develop and deliver training programs aimed at educating young individuals and engaging the land owners in the process of leasing land for agricultural purposes. Through these programs, young people will learn about the legal, financial, and practical aspects involved in leasing land for agribusiness activities and therefore ease in navigating the land leasing process effectively.  

Capacity-building: Sorghum production involves the implementation of best/improved agricultural practices to cultivate Sorghum which checks soil management, pest control, as well as post-harvest management. This project will include capacity-building on sustainable agriculture practices and natural resource management techniques tailored to Siaya County, which is important to ensure the long-term viability of sorghum farming systems while minimizing adverse impact to the environment. The training will incorporate enhancing soil fertility and health through soil cover and conservation, integrated pest management to promote the sustainability of sorghum production systems

Commercialization/Market research: in this project Ndaloh will conduct a market research  to establish the perception of sorghum's role in addressing nutritional challenges.  A market analysis will examine existing market channels for sorghum and sorghum products. It will also establish  trends for sorghum and sorghum-based products and the opportunities for market expansion and development.

Sorghum Fortification/ value addition: The select appropriate fortificants will be based on nutritional needs and dietary gaps in the population. The project aims at food-to- food fortification using orphaned nutrient-dense and climate smart fortificants like orange-flesh  sweet potatoes, guava, mangoes, amaranth leaves or seeds. Sorghum has been determined to be rich in  iron, Zinc with complex Vitamins A and B. Research conducted at the University of Pretoria by the project's principal investigator found that a formulation with a specific ratio of sorghum and fortificants (organic acid to iron molar ratio)  maximizes nutrient bioavailability in fortified flour and porridge. This knowledge will inform the development of the Ndalo recipes/formulations during the project and inform the training provided to project beneficiaries. To incorporate fortificants into sorghum flour during the milling process, the team shall utilize premix blending to ensure uniform distribution of fortificants throughout the flour.

Ndalo Heritage will prioritize the recruitment and training of young women for various roles within the project, aiming to meet the target of 70% employment for this demographic. More so, the organization will actively seek out opportunities for other marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities (PWD). In Siaya, the refugee population is insignificant but if present, refugee youth will access employment opportunities and support on legal and working status therefore ensuring their representation in the workforce. Job advertisements will emphasize equal opportunity and encourage applications from all the mentioned

In capacity building and training, Ndalo will provide tailored capacity-building programs and training opportunities Which will be designed to address the needs and challenges faced by young women and marginalized groups. This may include workshops on agricultural techniques, financial literacy, record-keeping, use of the application,  entrepreneurship skills, and leadership development. Specialized training programs will be developed to accommodate diverse learning needs and ensure equal access to knowledge and resources for both literate and illiterate young men and women. Teaching material will be considered both sighted and non-sighted learners and hearing and non-hearing participants

To promote gender equality Ndalo will implement supportive policies and practices that create a healthy work environment for women. This will involve establishing mentorship programs, providing childcare support such as the proposed Creche for nursing mothers, and implementing flexible working arrangements to accommodate the needs of female employees. Additionally, gender-sensitive language and imagery will be used in project communications and materials to promote inclusivity and representation.  

Ndalo will actively seek partnerships that facilitate access to resources, inputs, and market opportunities for young women and marginalized groups. This may involve partnerships that provide micro-loans, access to land, or technical assistance to entrepreneurship initiatives led by women and marginalized individuals. Ndalo will further establish partnerships with relevant organizations and government agencies to advocate for the rights and inclusion of these groups in broader socio-economic development initiatives.  

The organization will also establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track progress towards inclusion targets and identify any barriers or challenges faced by young women and marginalized groups. Regular feedback loops will be established to gather the opinion of staff, farmers, consumers of our products, CSR beneficiaries and stakeholders, ensuring that the project remains responsive to their needs and concerns. Adjustments to strategies and interventions will be made as needed to address emerging issues and promote greater inclusivity and equity in the sorghum value chain .

The development of the NdaloAgriPlus App will facilitate training, communication, and collaboration among farmers, extension workers, and other stakeholders. This app will enhance knowledge sharing, capacity building, and networking opportunities in the agricultural sector. Geo-mapping and predictive modeling features will enable informed decision-making and appropriate resource allocation, therefore optimizing agricultural production and resource utilization. Market access and value chain integration support through the app will enhance market linkages, improve price transparency, and foster inclusive participation in agricultural markets. With such knowledge Ndalo can galvanize the farmers to negotiate for better prices among bigger enterprises like East African Breweries Limited which is a big consumer of sorghum. Ndalo may also leverage on this existing relationship to supply the excess sorghum to the company and other brewing companies within the larger East Africa.  

Access to digital tools and information will result in enterprise growth by enabling  farmers to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices, optimize resource use, and access new market opportunities. This will lead to increased productivity, profitability, and competitiveness for the farmers and Ndalo as a producer.  

The digitalization of agricultural processes will increase employment opportunities by creating demand for skilled workers in Mobile App development, coding, young men and women skilled in machine learning, digital communication, call-center support, data collection and analysis technology development, data analysis, and digital communication. Additionally, the expansion of market access and value chain integration will open up opportunities for employment in agri-tech startups, digital marketing firms, and agribusiness service providers, particularly for young people with technical skills and expertise in digital technologies

Leadership and Management: Chief Operating Officer (COO): 1 position (70% women, 30% young men), Project Managers: 4 positions (70% women, 30% young men)

Technical Expertise: Crop Scientists, Soil Scientists, and Irrigation Specialists: 3 positions (70% women, 30% young men), Food Scientists and Processing Specialists: 2 positions (70% women, 30% young men)

Logistics and Supply Chain: Drivers: 3 positions (40% women, 50% young men, 10% persons with disabilities and refugee youths)

Warehouse Managers: 2 positions (40% women, 50% young men, 10% persons with disabilities and refugee youths) 

Technology and Innovation: 1 App Developers and 1 Software Engineer

1 year 6 months

At Ndalo Heritage Trust, we are committed to the highest standards of conduct and integrity to effectively reach the people and communities we serve. Ndalo Heritage Trust, therefore, does not and shall not discriminate based on race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include but are not limited to, the appointment to and termination from its Board of Directors, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, hiring and firing of staff or contractors, selection of volunteers, selection of vendors, and the provision of services.

The organization has an antidiscrimination and human resource policy that highlights among others the consideration of its members of staff to be its most important asset. The attitude taken by the personnel working for Ndalo Heritage Trust is fundamental to the organization achieving its mission. The people who work for Ndalo Heritage Trust are respected valued, and appropriately received. The effectiveness and success of development initiatives and humanitarian aid are dependent on the contribution of every staff member – regardless of whether they are an employee, a collaborator, an intern, or a volunteer.

Ndalo Heritage Trust is, therefore, committed to continually and sustainably training its employees to upgrade their knowledge, skills, attitudes and competencies. The purpose is to enhance their performance and career growth, ability to assimilate technology, adopt favorable mindsets, and create and seize opportunities for social advancement, economic growth and individual fulfillment. To promote training that is responsive to the requirements of the community/society, Ndalo Heritage Trust will endeavor to strengthen linkages between training and/or research institutions and industry.

Our selection process is fair, transparent, and consistent. Ndalo Heritage Trust selects and hires its employees and collaborators based on the correlation between their professional profiles and the organization’s needs and requirements, concerning the equal opportunities of all those concerned and by the Code of Ethics in the constitution of Kenya. Both women and men have the right to equal treatment, including the right to equal opportunities within the organization. Ndalo Heritage Trust is committed to covering the NSSF fees of Kes. 300/ and NHIF Medical Cover at Kes. 500/ per person per month subject to their Level of Effort (LOE). Every member of the Ndalo Heritage Trust is expected to uphold an excellent work ethic and knows that their work and behavior shall be subject to a periodic evaluation based on criteria of responsibility and merit.

To sustain the project even at the close of the donor-funding period, Ndalo will continue to supply water to the community from the borehole and other innovative rainwater harvesting, purification and storage strategies or water harvesting systems. This will ensure continuous access to water for both agricultural and domestic use. This will contribute to sustainable water management. Additionally, community involvement in water management and conservation efforts will ensure the long-term sustainability of water supply initiatives.

Reinvestment of Accrued Profits:

The project will reinvest accrued profits back into the business to ensure long-term sustainability and growth. By reinvesting profits, the social enterprise will finance expansion plans, upgrade infrastructure, and implement innovative practices that enhance productivity and profitability. This cyclical process of reinvestment will ensure the project's financial sustainability and its ability to adapt to changing market dynamics and community needs over time.

Sale of Seedlings from the Seedling Farm:

The project will generate revenue through the sale of seedlings from the seedling farm, contributing to its financial sustainability. By producing high-quality, climate-resilient seedlings of fruit trees and other crops, the project will create revenue streams that support its operations. Sustainable management practices, such as regular maintenance of the seedling nursery and adherence to quality standards, will ensure the consistent supply of healthy seedlings to farmers and other customers, enhancing the project's reputation and market competitiveness.

Sale of Seeds:

Similarly, the project will generate revenue through the sale of seeds produced from its seed production activities. By producing and selling quality seeds of sorghum and other indigenous crops, the project will contribute to seed security and agricultural resilience in the region. Sustainable seed production practices, including seed selection, storage, and distribution, will ensure the availability of viable seeds for farmers, thereby promoting agricultural productivity and food security in the long run.

Sales of Value-Added Sorghum Products:

The project will create sustainable revenue streams through the sale of value-added sorghum products to various markets. By producing and marketing nutritious sorghum-based foods such as fortified flour, breakfast cereals, and beverages, the project will address nutritional needs while generating revenue. Sustainable production practices, quality control measures, and market diversification strategies will ensure the continued demand for value-added sorghum products, supporting the project's financial sustainability and impact on food security.

Sale of Desiccated Fruit:

Additionally, the project will generate revenue through the sale of desiccated fruit products. By processing fruits into desiccated form, the project will add value to seasonal produce, extend its shelf life, and create marketable products with higher value. Sustainable sourcing of fruits from local farmers will promote income generation and support agricultural diversification. By tapping into local and international markets for desiccated fruit products, the project will enhance its financial sustainability while contributing to the economic empowerment of smallholder farmers and the overall development of the community. Sustainable production practices, quality assurance, and market linkages will ensure the competitiveness and long-term viability of desiccated fruit sales within the project's value chain.