Safi Organics: Cultivating Change in the Agroecology Sector through Fertilizer Innovation
A conversation with Samuel Rigu, co-founder of Safi Organics and Fast Forward 2030 Africa Board Member
In the heart of Kenya, where agriculture is the lifeblood of communities, Safi Organics stands as a beacon of sustainable change. Founded with a vision to transform the agricultural landscape, Safi Organics thrives on innovation that goes beyond conventional boundaries.
What is Safi Organics, and why was it founded?
Safi Organics is a revolutionary agroecology enterprise that aims to transform the fertilizer industry. The journey began with a realization that conventional fertilisers were too expensive for smallholder farmers and posed environmental threats. Therefore, Safi Organics was founded as a solution to produce affordable, locally sourced, and eco-friendly fertilizers. The primary objective of the enterprise is to empower farmers, especially women and youth, by providing them with sustainable means to enhance soil fertility.
What does innovation mean for Safi Organics?
Innovation is the driving force behind Safi Organics' mission to create a sustainable future for agriculture. It involves more than just technology - it's about rethinking processes and questioning conventional practices. Safi Organics leads the way with a revolutionary combination of hardware technology and an Internet of Things (IoT) system that enables fertilizer production to be decentralized and downsized. This innovation allows for local manufacturing, eliminating the need for long-distance transportation, reducing costs, and promoting the use of organic and carbon-negative fertilizers.
What impact has Safi Organics created, and what role has innovation played in achieving it?
Safi Organics has significantly impacted around 10,000 farmers over the years. Our localized fertilizer production has not only helped to improve soil fertility but has also led to increased yields and farmer incomes. They have accomplished this by combining hardware technology and an IoT system, which optimizes every step of the process for efficiency and sustainability. By providing farmers with affordable, organic fertilizers, Safi Organics contributes to rejuvenating lands, mitigating climate change, and promoting economic growth in rural communities.
Tell us more about Safi Organics’ recent milestone.
Safi Organics has been selected as a finalist for the KEPSA SME Innovation Excellence Awards in the Best Overall Business Innovation category. This achievement is not merely a token of appreciation; it signifies the company's commitment and influence. To us, joining this competition is not just about winning; it's a chance for Safi Organics to showcase what sets us apart. Our uniqueness lies in our commitment to providing quality and affordable fertilizers while championing environmentally friendly practices. Safi Organics envisions a future where productivity doesn't compromise sustainability.
A call to action and why should we support your mission?
Safi Organic is an excellent example of how innovation can have a significant impact on solving critical agricultural challenges. It's not just about fertilizers; it's about redefining how we care for the land, empower communities, and create a more sustainable future.
The company has set a goal to expand its reach and impact in the agroecology sector, enabling it to reach more farmers and reduce environmental impact. You can show your support for Safi Organics by voting for them under the "Best Overall Business Innovation Award" category at https://kepsa.or.ke/smesopportunities#vote.
You can also support them by spreading awareness, using our products and advocating for sustainable agricultural practices. Collaborations, partnerships, and continued recognition are essential to fuel Safi Organics' mission of cultivating change through innovation.