AgriTech4Kenya has launched an innovating challenge for agri-food systems that would look to support startups, entrepreneurs, and researchers in overcoming serious agricultural challenges felt within the country. In so doing, the initiative would contribute to catalyzing the development, deployment, and scaling of impactful, science-based agri-tech solutions for the needs of smallholder farmers and agricultural value chain players at large.
Bridging the Gap Between Research and Market Adoption
The AgriTech4Kenya Innovation Challenge forms a strategic effort in narrowing the usually difficult divide between agricultural research and its uptake into the market. Consequently, the initiative attempts to resolve some of the critical linkages within the Kenya agricultural value chain for inclusive economic growth, sustainability, and resilience within the sector. According to the driving force behind the initiative, Pangea Accelerator, the challenge seeks to bring top international innovators to Kenya with the view of encouraging impactful, affordable solutions to meet Kenya's most pressing agricultural needs.
Focus on Market Demands
AgriTech4Kenya is designed to cater to the demands of local Kenyan markets by attracting innovators to solve some of the most pressing agricultural challenges in the country. For instance, creating a pipeline of deployable technologies that can be easily adopted by smallholder farmers and value chain actors is highly expected. This makes sure that the innovations supported by the challenge become effective, accessible, and hence more likely to succeed in the Kenyan context.
Creating an Enabling Environment for Innovation
One of the major objectives of the AgriTech4Kenya Innovation Challenge is nurturing an enabling environment for innovation. In this regard, the initiative aims to attract investment and reduce risks related to new technology development in agriculture. This is on a path that ensures Kenya leads the way in agricultural developments.
Meeting the Challenges in Food Security for Kenya
It is ironical that despite the country being one of the fertile lands in the region, it has struggled to ensure food security. Imports of food items valued at over $1.1 billion (Sh142 billion) remain an annual affair into the country, with challenges compounded by climate change and urbanization. Against this backdrop, AgriTech4Kenya Innovation Challenge aims to foster localized, science-based agri-tech innovations propelled by market demand.
Targeting Global Agri-Tech Innovators
The program specifically aims to support the world's agri-tech innovators who are working on science-based, tech-driven solutions that can be rooted in or applied to Kenya's agricultural sector. Candidates need to have an existing minimum viable product or proof of concept and get comprehensive support in the creation of a robust go-to-market strategy. This support includes business mentorship, scientific and technical validation, market opportunities, access to finance, and on-the-ground experimentation with end-users to pilot their solutions.
Encouraging Participation from CGIAR Scientists
Applications are also invited from scientists of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) willing to adopt an entrepreneurial approach to their research. Scientists will be supported through the wide-ranging support available in the AgriTech4Kenya Innovation Challenge to turn their innovative research into tangible applications.
Key Priority Areas
The AgriTech4Kenya Innovation Challenge follows a few priority areas, such that an innovator should be in a position to bring his solutions to at least one of the following areas, including:
- Sustainable Agricultural Production
- Improved Market Access and Supply Chain Efficiency
- Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building for Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
- Livestock Health and Disease Management
- Equitable Finance and Investment Mechanisms
- Water Use Efficiency and Sustainable Irrigation Practices
It is within these confines that lie the enormous and strange challenges that the agricultural sector in Kenya has to put up with and where efforts are meant to bring about effective and lasting solutions.
Empowering Rural Communities
AgriTech4Kenya Innovation Focuses a great deal on the development and empowerment of rural communities, paying special attention to women and youth. Creating jobs and growing a talented labor class propels economic development in Kenya's agriculture. This inclusiveness in development is a function of innovation across all sectors in society, a key driver of long-term, sustainable development.
