Synnefa secures funding
Synnefa Secures Funding to Boost Clean Energy Agricultural Technologies in Kenya.
Synnefa’s recent achievement is noteworthy as the company has been awarded a share of $1.7 million by the Efficiency for Access Research and Development Fund. This funding is a testament to Synnefa’s innovative approach to addressing some of the most pressing challenges faced by smallholder farmers in Kenya.
The funds will be used to further develop their clean energy agricultural technologies, specifically their Smart Solar Dryers integrated with FarmShield IoT devices. Which have the potential to significantly enhance post-harvest resilience and productivity.
Innovative Technology for Post-Harvest Management
At the heart of Synnefa’s technological advancements is the Smart Drying solution. This cutting-edge technology combines advanced hardware and software, to create a more efficient and controlled drying system, known as the Greenhouse solar dryer. The Smart Drying solution aims to:
- Increase the volume of dried products for smallholder farmers.
- Reduce production losses by shortening drying times from 5-7 days to 3-4 days.
- Enhance market accessibility for farmers, thereby improving their incomes.
The Greenhouse solar dryer ensures efficient and controlled drying, making large-scale drying safe, nutritious, and hygienic. It is designed to extend the shelf life of food and reduce post-harvest losses. Notably, it is crucial for smallholder farmers who produce around 30% of most food commodities yet face significant challenges due to limited access to energy.
Key Components of the Solution
The Smart Drying solution incorporates two main components:
- FarmShield IoT Devices: These solar-powered sensors monitor humidity and temperature, automatically controlling the HVAC system to maintain optimal drying conditions.
- FarmCloud Software Platform: This platform provides real-time data on solar dryer conditions. Thus, tracks inputs and harvest quantities, generates drying reports, and connects farmers to markets. It is accessible via a web app or USSD platform, making it user-friendly even in remote areas with limited internet access.
Support from Key Stakeholders
The significance of this initiative has been highlighted by key stakeholders. Jolanda van Ginkel, Programme Manager for Renewable Energy at the IKEA Foundation, emphasized, “Early-stage support from the Efficiency for Access Research and Development Fund has the potential to transform the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. By providing access to renewable energy solutions:
- ”we empower farmers to reduce food loss
- increase productivity
- access new markets
- creating a more resilient agricultural sector.”
Moreover, Emilie Carmichael, Head of International at Energy Saving Trust, added, “These innovative technologies are crucial for improving the livelihoods of rural communities in the Global South. Harnessing clean energy, these solutions boost productivity and incomes while enhancing resilience to climate-related challenges.”
Synnefa Vision for Sustainable Agriculture
Synnefa’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers through sustainable solutions. It is evident in their mission to mitigate risks and increase incomes for one million farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Smart Solar Dryers, equipped with FarmShield IoT technology, will benefit farmer cooperatives involved in high-value horticultural crops like coffee, tomatoes, mango, and pyrethrum. This project will be implemented in collaboration with Kiambu, Kitui, and Makueni County Governments.
Taita Ngetich, Founder and CEO of Synnefa, emphasized the impact of this support: “We believe that technology can significantly reduce farming risks and boost incomes for smallholder farmers in Africa. This funding enables us to enhance our FarmShield and FarmCloud technologies, providing community-owned smart drying solutions. Additionally, By reducing drying times and connecting farmers to markets, we aim to improve incomes and minimize post-harvest losses.”
Taita Ngetich, the dynamic and visionary CEO of Synnefa, recently shared an exciting update on social media: “We are funded! 🚀 Looking forward to creating more job opportunities and improving incomes for farmers in Kenya 🇰🇪. We all must win.” This announcement reflects a significant milestone for Synnefa, a Nairobi-based agricultural technology company dedicated to transforming the agricultural landscape for smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Conclusion
Synnefa recent funding from the Efficiency for Access Research and Development Fund marks a pivotal moment. Especially, in their journey towards advancing clean energy agricultural technologies in Kenya. By leveraging innovative solutions like the Smart Solar Dryers and FarmShield IoT devices. Thus, Synnefa is poised to make a substantial impact on the agricultural sector, enhancing post-harvest resilience, productivity, and market accessibility for smallholder farmers. This initiative not only supports sustainable agriculture, but also fosters economic growth and resilience among farming communities in Kenya and beyond.
