Wangechi Kuria

Honey harvesting made easy! Gender responsive equipment.

Innovations don't have to be shinny.

But rather, we look at problems we have and use locally available materials to solve problems that you may encounter or to effectively and efficiently utilise resources at your disposal.

In honey 🍯 value chain, the honey harvesting process usually occurs at night and requires a lot physical strength 💪 lifting the hives, smoking them etc.

In some places, you need to climb up on to tree to bring the hives down which some cultures consider unacceptable thing for women to do.

Women are mostly appear on trading node as retails and wholesalers/distributors.

Now, this Innovative hive can allow women to participate in the whole value chain without breaking their back having run inn's with culture brigadier!

How cool is that?

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Local people + indigenous knowledge =perfect portfolio mix 😃 😀 😄

Look at that clay fridge storing fruits and they look as fresh as the day they were harvested.

Should we call it, clay chemistry or clay technology or underground fridges!

Nothing is new under the sun.

These fridges existed even before the new fridges came in.

And it is harmonious in nature.

Indigenous knowledge refers to understandings, skills, and philosophies developed by local communities with long histories and experiences of interaction with their natural surroundings~ UNESCO

Indigenous knowledge is sustainable and focuses on living harmoniously with nature.

Examples of indigenous knowledge include traditional medicine used for healing, the sustainable farming, the farmers did not use insecticides, pesticides and inorganic fertilizers, the land resource and management, traditional arts and crafts, oral traditions and story telling etc.

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Aloevera value chain is worth 13,000,000,000 USD annually globally and counting!

Did you know?

Aloe Vera is a sub-tropical plant and in Kenya the best parts to plant it would be in areas like Kitengela, Ngong, Tala, Machakos, Baringo, kitui, Makueni, Taita Taveta and Turkana.

Aloe vera has been traditionally used to treat skin injuries (burns, cuts, insect bites, and eczemas) and digestive problems because its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound healing properties.

In modern times, the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries use aloe vera extensively. Aloe vera is known for its thick, pointed, and fleshy green leaves, which may grow to about 12–19 inches (30–50 centimeters) in length.

In Kenya a kilo of aloe leaves sells at 380 shillings while a litre of the juice is 450-550 Ksh. Two big leaves of the succulent plant equal a kilo and the species that do well in Kenya are aloe vera Bardadensis and Aloe Chinensis. One seedling of this species costs Sh80.

Can we tap into this value chain a lot more?

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About small machines that make work easier.

In grains and pulses value chains one of the most crucial post harvest practices is the drying part.

Usually in most African context, once we have shelled the grains/pulses we put them out to dry under the sun.

For proper drying, depending on on the quality and daily solar irradiation it go up to 14 days.

The work of pouring and spreading in the morning and picking in the evening is back breaking. Especially for medium and large-scale producers.

That's where innovators come in!

Look at that show stopper.

Reducing time and drudgery and it is portable

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Cocopeat is a byproduct that remains after the extraction of coconut fibers from the husks or shells. It is also called “coir fiber pith” or “coir dust”. Cocopeat is full of nutrients and is an excellent growing medium as it biodegradable, pH Neutral, mostly disease Resistance, sustainable, offeres improved aeration, and excellent water retention.

Cocopeat is applied in the following aspects:

Container Gardening: Cocopeat is lightweight in nature and ability to retain moisture make it perfect for potted plants, flowers, and vegetables. Gardeners can blend cocopeat with other soil components or use it as a standalone medium.

Hydroponics: In hydroponic systems, where plants grow without soil, cocopeat is a popular substrate. It provides support to the plants while allowing their roots to access nutrients and water solutions. The water retention capacity of cocopeat simplifies the management of nutrient solutions.

Seed Starting: Cocopeat is widely used for starting seeds. Its sterile nature and moisture-holding capability create an ideal environment for germination. Seedlings grown in cocopeat tend to establish strong root systems.

Soil Amendment: Cocopeat can also be mixed with traditional soil to improve its structure, water-holding capacity, and aeration. This amendment enhances the overall quality of the soil, promoting healthy plant growth.

Animal Bedding: cocopeat is utilized as bedding material for animals. It is absorbent, odor-controlling, and comfortable for livestock, making it an excellent choice for animal welfare.

Erosion Control: Cocopeat helps stabilize soil on slopes, preventing erosion and providing a medium for vegetation to establish itself.

Mushroom Farming: Cocopeat is a common substrate for growing mushrooms. It provides an appropriate base for mycelium growth and helps maintain moisture levels critical for mushroom cultivation.

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