Harvest Guard Solutions (HGS)

Post-Harvest Support CHALLENGE; Malawi

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Post-Harvest Support

Learn more about the Post-Harvest Support Challenge and why an evidence-based model that distributes post-harvest loans and improved grain storage bags could reliably boost the standard of living for smallholder farmers.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Harvest Guard Solutions (HGS)’s mission is to empower smallholder farmers with affordable, innovative post-harvest technologies and pre-harvest financial support, reducing food losses, enhancing food security, and increasing household incomes.

HGS’s model combines affordable post-harvest technologies with pre-harvest financial support, delivered through local Village Savings and Loan Associations. Trained village agents manage groups of farmers, ensuring accountability and facilitating payments, while farmers access PICS bags and small loans to protect their harvests. This integrated approach strengthens local distribution networks, reduces post-harvest losses, and increases incomes, providing a scalable framework for expansion beyond the pilot.

The HGS team includes Vanex Kamanga, Charity Manyowa, and Elizabeth Phiri, each playing a key role in the organization. Vanex will lead overall operations, coordinate farmer engagement, and ensure effective distribution of PICS bags. Charity will manage market strategies, farmer training programs, and support VSLAs to strengthen local networks, while Elizabeth will oversee financial management, pre-harvest loans, and repayment systems. Together, they will implement the pilot in Dowa District, directly engaging farmers and building a scalable model to reduce post-harvest losses and improve rural livelihoods.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 500 smallholder farmers within three months.

• Using 4 high-performing distribution agents, distribute 5,000 PICS bags and pre-harvest loans in three months.

• Raise $7800 in additional funding.

FOUNDING TEAM

Vanex Ian Kamanga - Founder

Enkumbi Terimba Aqi Uganda

Quality Inputs CHALLENGE; Uganda

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Quality Agricultural Inputs

Learn more about the Quality Inputs Challenge and why an evidence-based model that distributes high-quality seeds could reliably boost the standard of living for smallholder farmers.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Enkumbi Terimba Aqi Uganda empowers smallholder farmers in rural Uganda with affordable, high-quality agricultural inputs, training, and cost-effective distribution to boost yields, reduce post-harvest losses, improve market access, and drive food security, income growth, and long-term poverty alleviation.

The distribution model uses a hub-and-spoke system with community-based delivery agents who bring quality maize seeds and fertilizers directly to farmers in Kamuli District, the pilot location, through bulk purchasing and bicycle-powered last-mile delivery. Farmers access inputs on a loan basis, while agricultural extension officers deliver training on modern practices. A unique attribute that sets the venture apart is its integration of peer-to-peer recruitment, where each farmer recruits three more, creating organic growth and strong community ownership of the model, ensuring both rapid scale-up and long-term sustainability.

Enkumbi Terimba Aqi Uganda was founded by Cotilda Khainza and Solomon Springs Mukundane in 2024, and both are full-time founders. Cotilda oversees program implementation, strategic decisions, and partner coordination, while Solomon manages partnerships, farmer outreach, training, and monitoring and evaluation. Together, they bring strong backgrounds in biotechnology, agricultural outreach, and community engagement, ensuring long-term commitment and impact.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 100 farmers during the pilot.

• Distribute two proven interventions, including good-quality maize seeds and fertilizer.

• Fundraise an additional USD 40,000.

FOUNDING TEAM

Cotilda Khainza - Founder

Solomon Springs Mukundane - Founder

AGROW

Quality Inputs CHALLENGE; Uganda

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Quality Agricultural Inputs

Learn more about the Quality Inputs Challenge and why an evidence-based model that distributes high-quality seeds could reliably boost the standard of living for smallholder farmers.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Agrow empowers smallholder farmers with the knowledge, tools, and market access they need to increase productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and build sustainable livelihoods.

The pilot is based in Lwengo District, Uganda, where Agrow runs a farmer field school to train smallholder farmers in improved maize production, Good Agricultural Practices, fertilizer use, and post-harvest handling. After training, farmers receive bundled inputs of certified seed, fertilizer, and storage bags sourced in bulk through partnerships with agro-input dealers. They then join a cooperative, which supports collective marketing and ensures farmers access reliable buyers at fair prices.

What sets them apart is their training to implementation model that combines practical training, input access, and market linkages, ensuring farmers are well prepared to take off.

The founding team is led by Dr. Alex Onguramong Etoori, an extensionist by trade with extensive experience training farmers in best agricultural practices, and Jacinta Adepyo, an accountant with a strong background in farmer financial management, monitoring and evaluation with a keen focus on agricultural monitoring. Together, they blend technical expertise with business acumen to support smallholder farmers. Their shared passion for sustainable agriculture drives Agrow's mission to improve livelihoods.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 600 people during the pilot.

• Distribute 120 interventions during the pilot.

• Fundraise an additional USD 12,000 within three months.

FOUNDING TEAM

Dr. Alex Onguramong Etoori - Founder

Jacinta Adepyo - Founder

The Paal

Custom Livestock; India

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Custom Livestock Challenge

Learn more about the Custom Livestock Challenge and why distributing proven livestock interventions can greatly improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

The Paal is reimagining the cow as more than just a livelihood, turning it into an investable asset to unlock economic opportunities for smallholder women farmers.

The Paal turns livestock into an investable asset class to bring better opportunities and economic security for smallholder farmers. The pilot is in Salem and Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu in India. Unlike others, The Paal treats the farm as not merely an input but as a core product- creating value for farmers, consumers, and investors alike.

The Paal was co-founded by Manali Jain, a graduate student at Harvard University who serves as CEO, and Shivam Johri, COO, with experience in agribusiness and private equity. They met as undergraduates at Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) and combined grassroots insight with strong operational expertise to build a scalable, farmer-first model.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Reach 100 customers.

• Distribute 50 proven interventions.

• Fundraise an additional $30,000.

FOUNDING TEAM

Manali Jain - CEO

Shivam Johri - COO

Lotssy Uganda

Quality Inputs CHALLENGE; Uganda

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Quality Agricultural Inputs

Learn more about the Quality Inputs Challenge and why an evidence-based model that distributes high-quality seeds could reliably boost the standard of living for smallholder farmers.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Lotssy connects Ugandan smallholder farmers with quality knowledge, agro-inputs, and markets.

Lotssy Uganda is a social enterprise that is redefining how smallholder farmers access the lifeblood of agriculture: quality inputs, timely advice, and affordable financing. Its community-powered model makes farming more productive, resilient, and inclusive. Lotssy Uganda operates through a decentralized distribution model that connects smallholder farmers in the Mt. Elgon region of Uganda with certified quality agro-inputs, training, markets, and affordable financing.

At the core of its approach are trained community-based farmer agents, who serve as microentrepreneurs, ensuring last-mile delivery. Each community-based farmer supports, on average, 30 smallholder farmers per season during the pilot, facilitating the bulk ordering of inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and crop protective inputs.

Lotssy Uganda’s model emphasizes last-mile delivery, ensuring farmers receive products and training tailored to their specific needs. They collaborate and leverage Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) to provide affordable financing options, allowing farmers to access inputs. Additionally, Lotssy prioritizes education on good agronomic practices and climate resilience strategies, empowering farmers to enhance their productivity sustainably.

Lotssy Uganda’s team is built on a strong foundation of trust and collaboration, stemming from their first meeting at the Rootical Bootcamp in 2023, focused on regenerative agriculture. From that moment, they recognized a shared commitment to addressing the urgent issue of access to quality agricultural inputs for smallholder farmers.

Innocent’s entrepreneurial spirit and community engagement skills drive their outreach efforts, while Brian’s expertise in agricultural finance ensures that they can mitigate risks for farmers. Together, they built Lotssy Uganda with a focus on connecting local input producers to the farmers who need their services the most. They see the gap in the market where many effective local producers struggle to reach their audience.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• 100 smallholder farmers successfully reached and served by the community-based agents in 3 months.

• 300 interventions (seeds, fertilizers, and crop protection inputs) successfully distributed among the 100 farmers in the first 3 months.

• $20,000 in additional funding for the business fundraised.

FOUNDING TEAM

Brian Kiprotich - Chief Operations Officer

Innocent Ociti - Chief Executive Officer

Yafika Agri Ventures

Quality Inputs CHALLENGE; Malawi

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Quality Agricultural Inputs

Learn more about the Quality Inputs Challenge and why an evidence-based model that distributes high-quality seeds could reliably boost the standard of living for smallholder farmers.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Yafika Agri Ventures is boosting the productivity and potential of last-mile subsistence farmers with sustainable agricultural solutions.

Yafika Agri Ventures (YAV) is a social enterprise dedicated to helping subsistence farmers in Mwanza District, Malawi, unlock their agricultural potential and build lasting economic resilience. They provide affordable input bundles on credit, along with hands-on training and ongoing support, so farmers can increase productivity and access better markets.

What truly sets YAV apart is its team of mobile extension agents, who work closely with farmers organised into Village Savings Groups. By delivering services through local hubs within walking distance, they make sure support is affordable, effective and timely, breaking down the barriers of geography and finance that too often hold farmers back.

Yafika Agri Ventures was founded in 2019 by Thomas Chiwaula, a passionate farmer who serves as the full-time CEO. Jacinta Chikalamba is the Project Coordinator, and Jason serves as the Community Development Officer, all working together to drive meaningful change in Malawi’s farming communities.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach and organise 100 subsistence farmers into active village savings groups in three months.

• Using a capable network of mobile extension agents, distribute 100 input bundles in three months.

• Fundraise an additional USD 20,000 within three months.

FOUNDING TEAM

Thomas Chiwaula - Founder

Jacinta Chikalamba - Project Coordinator

Jason Nthumbwana - Community Development Officer,

HERVeg.05

CUSTOM AGRICULTURE CHALLENGE; Tanzania

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Quality inputs, and technical training

Learn more about the Custom Agriculture Challenge and why distributing proven agricultural interventions can greatly improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.  

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

HERVeg.05 empowers women and youth in rural Tanzania to fight malnutrition and poverty through a climate-smart, integrated farming model that improves nutrition, income, and resilience.

HERVeg.05 works with local Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) in rural Tanzania to deliver high-quality poultry, biofortified maize, and vegetable seeds directly to farmers, alongside hands-on training in nutrition and sustainable farming. By using a mobile layaway system, farmers can save as little as $1 to access essential inputs, making the model affordable even with seasonal incomes.

One thing that sets HERVeg.05 apart is its smart integration of poultry, crops, and vegetables, where manure boosts crop yields, crop leftovers feed chickens, and the loop improves health and income. Their last-mile delivery approach ensures even remote farmers are included without extra cost. The pilot is currently underway in Tanzania, with a scalable model designed for broader African markets.

HERVeg.05 was founded by Ibrahim Islam, a passionate advocate for climate-smart agriculture and youth empowerment in rural Tanzania. Ibrahim brings a strong background in agricultural innovation, community engagement, and impact-driven entrepreneurship. He leads the venture’s vision, operations, and growth strategy on the ground.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 600 smallholder farmers, especially women and youth, within three months.

• Through 25 local village agents, distribute 3000 one-month fully vaccinated SASSO chickens, 400kg of vegetable seeds and 2 tons of biofortified maize in three months.

• Fundraise an additional USD 45,000 from new donors.

FOUNDING TEAM

Ibrahim Islam - C.E.O. and Founder

CornHouse

Post-Harvest Support CHALLENGE; Cameroon

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Post-Harvest Support

Learn more about the Post-Harvest Support Challenge and why an evidence-based model that distributes post-harvest loans and improved grain storage bags could reliably boost the standard of living for smallholder farmers.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

CornHouse’s mission is to uplift Cameroonian rural maize farmers through better storage, finance and market access.

The pilot will take place in Ndop, Northwest Cameroon, where they will distribute PICS bags through trusted women group leaders, helping farmers preserve more maize for longer periods. Stored maize becomes collateral for $50–$100 microloans, delivered through partner microfinance institutions. After the storage period, CornHouse connects farmers to high-value markets, ensuring they sell at peak prices. What sets CornHouse apart is its unwavering commitment to farmer prosperity, reducing post-harvest losses, unlocking credit, and maximising income. CornHouse doesn’t just provide tools; it unlocks the true value of what farmers already own.

CornHouse was founded by Rodrigue Jinyuy Birka, a sustainable development economist with a strong commitment to advancing rural livelihoods. He serves as the Managing Director, leading a dedicated team united by a shared vision to empower smallholder farmers in Cameroon.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 200 rural maize farmers within three months.

• Distribute 2,000 PICS bags and 200 micro-loans in 3 months through 10 women group leaders and partner MFI, NgoCCUL.

• Raise $40,000 to $120,000 in additional funding to support operations and scale.

FOUNDING TEAM

Rodrigue Jinyuy Birka - Managing Director

FarmHive Trading Zambia Limited

Post-Harvest Support CHALLENGE; Zambia

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Post-Harvest Support

Learn more about the Post-Harvest Support Challenge and why an evidence-based model that distributes post-harvest loans and improved grain storage bags could reliably boost the standard of living for smallholder farmers.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

FarmHive Trading Zambia Limited will reduce post-harvest losses for rain-fed farmers and enhance regional food security.

Their model establishes decentralised storage hubs that improve rural storage, eliminate post-harvest losses and increase access to post-harvest credit.

The initiative targets small-scale farmers who live on $2 a day, have traditional storage infrastructure, and use conventional post-harvest practices. This will preserve harvests for resource-scarce in Katete District, who would otherwise lose 40% of their annual incomes to post-harvest losses.

FarmHive was founded by Patton Kalunga and Isaac Mando who have over 15 years of experience working on agriculture projects with organisations such as USADF, GIZ, and Vision Fund.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 50 farmers during the pilot.

• Distribute 4 proven interventions.

• Fundraise an additional $30,000 USD from new donors and investors within three months.

FOUNDING TEAM

Patton Kalunga - CEO

Isaac Mando - COO

Edu Call Uganda

Quality Inputs CHALLENGE; Uganda

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Quality Agricultural Inputs

Learn more about the Quality Inputs Challenge and why an evidence-based model that distributes high-quality seeds could reliably boost the standard of living for smallholder farmers.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Edu Call Uganda will improve agriculture services, economic growth and development for women in Uganda.

The organization will adopt a seedling loan model where female small-holder farmers will receive 10kg of maize seeds as a loan to grow on an acre, these grow to ~100kg. The farmers will bring back 20kg as profit raised. They will use the remaining ~80kg to feed their families, as well as sell and replant maize next season.

Edu Call Uganda will provide fertilizers, farmer's training, and market opportunities to increase the competitive advantage of the women.

Thurayyah is Global Health Corps 2018/2019 Fellow, a Lawyer and founded Edu Call Uganda in 2023, with a passion to empower small scale farmers. Dorah holds the position of Project Coordinator because of her fervent commitment to empowering women. This shines through as she spearheads project coordination efforts at Edu Call Uganda.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Reach 150 small-scale female farmers.

• Distribute 1 ton of quality maize seeds, 2.5 tonnes of NPK and 2.5 tonnes of UREA, and 100 litres of acetic acid.

• Raise an additional $3,000 in funding.

FOUNDING TEAM

Thurayyah Zawedde - Team Lead

Dorothy Nanyonjo - Project Coordinator

Creativa

Quality Inputs CHALLENGE; Democratic Republic of the Congo

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Quality Agricultural Inputs

Learn more about the Quality Inputs Challenge and why an evidence-based model that distributes high-quality seeds could reliably boost the standard of living for smallholder farmers.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Creativa improves the agricultural landscape by offering high-quality inputs and training to increase yields, boost farmer incomes and ensure food security.

Creativa is dedicated to empowering low-income rice farmers in the Ruzizi Plain, South Kivu, DR Congo, an area selected for the pilot. The initiative focuses on providing access to high-quality agricultural inputs, including seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, combined with comprehensive training tailored to enhance farming practices.

Through this multifaceted approach, Creativa aims to significantly boost agricultural yields and incomes for rice farmers, while also contributing to the broader goals of food security and sustainability in agriculture across the country.

Creativa was started in 2024 by Simbeko Sadi Guy, and Maroy Aksanti Chanceline. Simbeko serves as Creativa's full time project Lead and Maroy serves as Managing Director.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Reach 100 smallholder farmers within three (3) months.

• Distribute 12 proven interventions.

• Raise an additional $78,750 in funding.

FOUNDING TEAM

Simbeko Sadi Guy - Project Lead

Maroy Aksanti Chanceline - Managing Director

Sustainable Outreach Foundation (SOF)

Quality Inputs CHALLENGE; Cameroon

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Quality Agricultural Inputs

Learn more about the Quality Inputs Challenge and why an evidence-based model that distributes high-quality seeds could reliably boost the standard of living for smallholder farmers.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Sustainable Outreach Foundation (SOF) seeks to implement the Promoting Resilience in Agriculture for Economic Transformation (PRAET) project, which is an agricultural transformative initiative dedicated to empowering smallholder farmers in the Buea Municipality of Cameroon.

SOF’s model is to partner with agricultural input distribution agents to enhance farmers' productivity, improve livelihoods, and foster economic stability through climate-smart agricultural practices, improved input distribution, and enhanced market access in Buea Municipality.

Sustainable Outreach Foundation (SOF) was started in 2024 by Bomdzele Eric Junior, and Ticha Bizel-Bi Mafor. Eric serves as SOF’s full-time Program Coordinator while Bizel-Bi is the Community Development and Communications Officer.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 100 smallholder farmers within three (3) months.

• Using 2 high-performing distribution agents, SOF will distribute 1500kg of improved seeds and 10,000kg of fertilizers to 100 smallholder farmers.

• Fundraise an additional $5,000 - 10,000 USD from new donors or investors within the three-month pilot phase.

FOUNDING TEAM

Bomdzele Eric Junior - Founder

Ticha Bizel-Bi Mafor - Founder

Ongeza Zao na Pato (OZP)

Quality Inputs CHALLENGE; Kenya

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Quality Agricultural Inputs

Learn more about the Quality Inputs Challenge and why an evidence-based model that distributes high-quality seeds could reliably boost the standard of living for smallholder farmers.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Ongeza Zao na Pato (OZP) will enhance farmer yields and income through the provision of quality inputs.

Ongeza Zao na Pato (OZP)’s distribution of quality inputs on credit will be undertaken by selected women and youth groups that come from Gotani and Kaloleni locations as they will know the farmers well.

They will recover the credit from sale of extra surplus, for the best farmgate price, at a rate agreed with the smallholder farmers. They are stepping in to introduce smallholder farmers to growing new drought-resistant legumes that they can commercialize and switch from loss-making maize/corn growing.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Reach 100 beneficiaries during the pilot.

• Distribute 4 proven interventions during the pilot.

• Raise an additional USD 5,000 in funding.

FOUNDING TEAM

Gabriel Mwema Waithaka - Founder

Richard Teah Geegbae - Founder

Margaret Adomako - Founder

TEMO THUO SETHO

QUALITY INPUTS CHALLENGE; Botswana

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Quality Agricultural Inputs

Learn more about the Quality Inputs Challenge and why an evidence-based model that distributes high-quality seeds could reliably boost the standard of living for smallholder farmers.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Peo-Boswa (Seeds of Heritage) by Temo Thuo Setho is an intervention that will provide quality millet and sorghum seeds and locally manufactured organic fertilizers to 100 farmers with farms of 2 hectares or less in the Chobe Enclave region.

Peo-Boswa will increase access to quality seeds and fertilizers through an agricultural pop-up shop distributing inputs to smallholder farmers. Local partnerships with reputable suppliers will provide a consistent inventory of top varieties of millet, sorghum, and organic fertilizers.

Their model hinges on effectively procuring and distributing quality inputs at scale.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 100 farmers within three months.

• Distribute and enable access to quality indigenous seeds and fertilizers to remote community farmers.

• Fundraise an additional $35000 from local stakeholders and new investors within three months.

FOUNDING TEAM

Bojosi Antonette Ncube - Founder

Lone Nthobelang - Vice Chairperson

Farmtorch

Quality Inputs CHALLENGE; Uganda

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Quality Agricultural Inputs

Learn more about the Quality Inputs Challenge and why an evidence-based model that distributes high-quality seeds could reliably boost the standard of living for smallholder farmers.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Farmtorch improves access to timely, affordable and quality inputs for smallholder farmers on credit to improve productivity while facilitating market access.

Farmtorch’s model consists of lending smallholder farmers a comprehensive package of essential farming inputs such as seed and fertilizer, and delivering the package to rural access points in time while providing effective farmer training and market linkages through a robust network of Farmer Village Based Advisors or Agents (VBAs).

This is more than a mere transaction; it is a commitment to boosting productivity and cultivating sustainable growth. Thus Farmtorch is not just about farming only; it's about fostering a community-driven ecosystem where knowledge, resources, and support converge to empower the world's smallest farmers on the journey of growth, resilience, transformation and a sustainable future.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Successfully reach and serve 100 smallholder farmers grouped into Farmer Based Organisation.

• Delivering 100 high-quality bundled interventions through a network of 10 trained and equipped Farmer Village Based Agents.

• Raise 20,000 additional funding from new partners with a major focus on Large-scale off-takers and quality input manufacturers.

FOUNDING TEAM

Charles Emongo - CEO

Mukama Faluku - COO

Kilimo-Premier Financial Services Limited

CUSTOM AGRICULTURE CHALLENGE; Tanzania

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Improved seeds, and fertilizer, training on agronomic practices, finance for farm inputs, and market facilitation

Learn more about the Custom Agriculture Challenge and why distributing proven agricultural interventions can greatly improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.  

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Kilimo-Premier Financial Services Limited aims to be among the leading financial services providers within the country that improve smallholder farmers’ livelihoods through the provision of agro-credit services.

Their model is called the Modified Grameen Model, where solidarity groups guarantee loans and repayment settled on increments at any time within six months. Smallholder farmers join solidarity groups of 5 members called Enterprise Group (EG) and 10 EG form large groups of 50 members called Market Enterprise Committee (MEC). Members in groups will guarantee each other by using their farm fields, so group credit monitoring is the member’s responsibility.

The model reduces the difficulties in loan administration and developing guarantees, the loan services are provided in bundle bases including distribution of improved seeds, and fertilizer, training on agronomic practices, finance for farm inputs, and market facilitation to maximize profits. The MEC members make the final decision on approving loans because they are loan guarantors. The loan repayment will be done on a weekly basis during MEC meetings.

Kilimo Premier Financial Services Limited was founded in 2023 by Kataga Daniel Ngulinzira and Grace Manyama Shadrack. The team members have experience in different professions, Kataga has been an expert in agribusiness sectors for more than 10 years, and Grace is in financial management and baking. Grace serves as the company's full-time Financial and Administrative Director, and Mr. Kataga serves as Managing Director. The company expects to recruit one full-time Loan and Training Officer after its commencing for field work.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• 150 smallholder farmers directly reached within three months.

• 3Market Enterprises Committees (MEC) and 30 Enterprises Groups (EG) mobilized and facilitated by agronomic practices and agro-loans.

• Fundraise an additional fund of $ 10,000 from donors/investors within three months.

FOUNDING TEAM

Kataga Daniel Ngulinzira - Managing Director

Grace Manyama Shadrack - Financial and Administrative Director

Farmerstack Technologies Limited

QUALITY INPUTS CHALLENGE; Uganda

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Quality agricultural inputs

Learn more about the Quality Inputs Challenge and why an evidence-based model that distributes high-quality seeds could reliably boost the standard of living for smallholder farmers.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Farmerstack helps smallholder farmers achieve a more profitable harvest, 2 - 3X better than their average counterparts.

Farmstack’s model pairs asset-based loans with flexible repayment to meet the financing needs of smallholder farmers, who earn the majority of their income after harvest. Instead of providing cash loans, farmers borrow a stack or bundle of top-quality agricultural inputs valued between $100 to $200 per acre and repay the loan within four months after the harvest.

Farmerstack offers a flexible loan repayment system. Clients have only two deadlines: a 10% down payment to receive the loan bundle and a final repayment after the harvest. After the down payment, farmers can make smaller, manageable repayments on their own schedule throughout the season. This flexibility helps them stay on top of their loans and reduces post-harvest pressure.

Farmerstack organizes small-scale farmers and transform them into successful commercial farmers. Currently, Farmerstack is piloting its program in West Budama Central, Tororo district, Eastern Uganda.

Farmerstack was started in 2023 by Phillip SAJJA and Peter ONDUR. Phillip serves as Farmerstack's full-time CEO and Peter is Farmerstack’s full-time CTO. As young boys, they recognized the value of farming, albeit at a subsistence level. Now, as adult farmers, they are determined to make farming more productive and valuable for millions of small-scale farmers through Farmerstack.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 200 smallholder farmers, offer affordable credit rates, lend to them, and ensure a repayment rate of 97% or higher within three months.

• Distribute 200 bundles of high-quality inputs to smallholder farmers, using 5 high-performing distribution officers.

• Fundraise an additional $30,000 USD within three months from new donors, investors or commercial credit

FOUNDING TEAM

Phillip Sajja - CEO

Peter Ondur - CTO

Ziimba

CUSTOM AGRICULTURE CHALLENGE; Uganda

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Quality inputs, technical training, field monitoring, and direct linkages to markets

Learn more about the Custom Agriculture Challenge and why distributing proven agricultural interventions can greatly improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.  

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Ziimba's mission is to empower marginalized farmers to earn substantial income through sustainable agroforestry.

Ziimba’s program is a hyper-scalable, smallholder-based agroforestry initiative that aims to create viable livelihoods for ultra-poor dry-land farmers in Kyankwanzi District, located in Uganda's cattle corridor, where the pilot is set to launch.

Ziimba is employing an end-to-end support model of distributing quality inputs, technical training, ongoing field monitoring, and direct linkages to preferred markets for farmers’ high-value tree outputs.

Their model stands out for its dual approach of helping farmers earn a living wage in the short-term with high-value cash crops interplanted in woodlots, and providing a transformative, secondary source of income in the long-term with rapid-growing trees suitable for dry-land cultivation and high-value commercial utility.

By forging strategic partnerships that empower marginalized farmers via their proven intervention, they will convert their underutilized and deteriorating landholdings into sustainable tree farms, thereby elevating their livelihoods, eradicating deforestation, and stifling surging demand in the region's wood-scarce markets.

Juliet Namwanje is the Founder of Ziimba and serves as the organization's Executive Director alongside key team members including Gerald Katende, a knowledgeable advisory board member who brings extensive knowledge of the pilot district's climate, poverty-driven challenges, and forest management; Simon Zziwa, the Director of Field Operations, with a strong background as a Senior Agriculture Officer and Agronomist; John Kibuuka, the Field Manager with vast experience in community-centric reforestation from the National Forestry Authority (NFA); and Maureen Nakacwa, the Field Facilitator, known for her administrative coordination and efforts in workplace gender equality.

Each member brings specialized knowledge and experience, allowing Ziimba to address the multifaceted challenges of the agroforestry initiative effectively. United by a shared vision, the team is deeply committed to spreading Ziimba’s proven agroforestry intervention to marginalized populations across Sub-Saharan Africa, starting in Uganda, to address the continent’s growing wood supply deficit.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 180+ beneficiaries during the pilot.

• Establish 40 operational woodlots with 9,600+ trees planted.

• Fundraise an additional $50,000 USD from new donors or investors within three months.

FOUNDING TEAM

Juliet Namwanje - Founder and Executive Director

Gerald Katende - Board Member

Simon Zziwa - Director of Field Operations

John Kibuuka - Field Manager

Maureen Nakacwa - Field Facilitator

Raitagyana

Quality inputs CHALLENGE; india

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Quality agricultural inputs.

Learn more about the Improved Farm Practices Challenge and why increasing the effective use of fertilizer has the potential to unlock significant crop yield for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa.  

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Raitagyana aims to equip smallholder farmers in Bidar district of southern India with cost-effective agricultural inputs and specialized knowledge to improve their crop yields and lift them out of extreme poverty.

Our approach to improving agricultural practices in Bidar involves establishing an input distribution center in a village and providing quality inputs and training to farmers. Our team of passionate experts offers guidance on effective farming practices, including soil health, pest management, and water conservation. Our mission is to increase crop yields and income, creating sustainable rural communities.

The team for this venture includes Nikita Vardiparti, an engineer and founder of Raitagyana with entrepreneurial and corporate leadership experience and a passion for helping farmers. Sushant Swami, co-founder and also an engineer with 10+ years of experience in research & development, and planning in the corporate world, will provide strong support in setting up the venture, budgeting, and operations. They are joined by an Agriscience Graduate activist, a social worker, and an award-winning farmer.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Reach 5,000 farmers by the end year one of operations

• Reach 2,0000 farmers by year two of operations

FOUNDING TEAM

Nikita Vardiparti - Co-founder

Sushant Swami - Co-founder

AgriNov

Quality inputs CHALLENGE; Uganda

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Quality agricultural inputs.

Learn more about the Improved Farm Practices Challenge and why increasing the effective use of fertilizer has the potential to unlock significant crop yield for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa.  

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

AgriNov seeks to improve yield and income of smallholder farmers through timely access to quality inputs, knowledge and market facilitation.

AgriNov uses a proven market-based model that stands on the following; financing for quality seeds and fertilizers, timely distribution of inputs to the last-mile farmers, agricultural trainings, and market facilitation to enable farmers maximize profits. Working with field officers, we target smallholder maize farmers that are in hard to reach areas (remote areas), and then provide such farmers with timely access to quality inputs, knowledge, and market facilitation. They mobilize farmers into groups, and then inputs are delivered to them on credit, and the loan is repaid at the end of the growing season.

The company was started in 2021 by Johnson Tumwesige and Emmanuel Dusabimana. Johnson serves as AgriNov’s full time managing director whilst Emmanuel serves as a full time sales and operations lead.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Reach 100 farmers by the end of the pilot period

• Distribute two interventions (improved maize varieties and fertilizers)

• Fundraise an additional $15,000 USD from philanthropic organizations

FOUNDING TEAM

Johnson Tumwesige - Managing Director

Emmanuel Dusabimana - Sales and Operations Lead