Food Systems Innovations Ep34: Youth Agri-innovators in Need of Funding to Support their Businesses.
As a young entrepreneur in Kenya and Africa’s agricultural sector at large, you are probably passionate about creating solutions that tackle the challenges of food security, poverty, and sustainable farming practices. But if you’re like many youth agri-innovators, you might be asking yourself, “How can I get the capital muscle to get my innovation off the ground? How do I get people to understand and value what I’m building?” The journey to create meaningful, sustainable change in food systems can feel overwhelming, but every question you are asking is a step toward transforming Kenya’s agriculture into a more sustainable, profitable, and accessible industry.
Probably, you are likely to be creating products or services that aim to improve the lives of smallholder farmers, reduce food waste, or even help consumers access healthier food options. Your innovations are often used by those who see immediate value, farmers who need better crop management, food or input traders seeking streamlined logistics, or even consumers who want traceability of their food sources for food safety assurance. However, access and affordability can be barriers for others.
For instance, sometimes, intended users may not fully understand the solution you are introducing. This happens highly due to Farmers accustomed to traditional methods might resist an unfamiliar innovation, even if it promises better yields. It is too simplistic, for instance, to present technology adoption as a dichotomy of either adopting or not and as a linear process. The assumption that someone either adopts or not, omits the options that technology might be adapted to the local context or partially adopted. (Glover et al., 2016; Ronner et al., 2018).
Others may lack the infrastructure, like internet access or mobile technology, that some agri-innovations rely on while others may lack knowledge of the new product you have developed through value addition. Recognizing these challenges is the first step in bridging gaps, building trust, and expanding your consumer base.
How Funding Can Drive Your Agri-Innovation Forward
To drive significant outcomes and impact with your solution there must be financial investment for the strategic plan to materialize. Bootstrapping and securing funding doesn’t just keep the lights on, it can be the catalyst that brings your vision to life. You may think, “How would additional funding change things for my venture?” With the right financial backing, you can enhance your innovation, improve your product, and scale up to reach a broader audience. Imagine being able to invest in better technology, hire skilled team members, or expand your distribution channels; all things that funding can make possible.
For instance, with additional funding, a youth-led venture producing nutritious flour from indigenous crops could reach thousands more smallholder farmers for raw materials, increasing the capacity of the product to reach more target consumers beyond the production areas. This simply means more people are going to benefit from the supply chain in of likelihood and improved nutrition. This sort of impact aligns directly with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) like SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Ultimately, funding is not just about your business, it’s about amplifying your contribution to food security and economic resilience.
“Why should anyone invest in what I am doing?” The answer lies in the incredible value youth bring to Kenya’s agricultural sector. In the HD4A Agribusiness Accelerator Program Cohort II, Young people are pioneering innovations that tackle entrenched challenges with fresh perspectives. They’re developing solutions that address everything from food waste and low crop yields to environmental degradation to nutrition security.
As a young innovator, you represent Kenya’s future, and your contributions are critical to achieving the country’s development goals. Investing in youth-driven Agri-innovations means investing in a more resilient food system, creating employment, and building a sustainable economy. This is why more investors and institutions need to recognize the importance of supporting youth-led enterprises because these ventures aren’t just about financial returns; they’re about creating a healthier, more sustainable world for everyone.
Which Skills and Knowledge Do I Need?
To boost my chances of getting funded some key areas can make a big difference. The HD4A Agribusiness Accelerator Program Cohort II is building financial literacy, Perfecting your business plan, and helping you to understand the structure of your business. Developing strong communication skills will also help you articulate your vision clearly and inspire confidence in investors.
Read: Inception Workshop of HealthyDiets4Africa Agribusiness Accelerator Program, Cohort II
Understanding the basics of business planning, financial forecasting, and market research can show investors that you are serious about making your innovation sustainable. This accelerator program provides a digital platform, the Community Virtual Hub (CVH) where as an entrepreneur and Agri-innovator you can enroll for self-paced learning to gain valuable insights on how to scale your agribusiness.
Moreover, Networking is vital in the agricultural innovation ecosystem. Connecting with mentors, fellow entrepreneurs, and industry experts through initiatives like the CVH can open doors to new resources, partnerships, and funding leads. networking does not just provide access to potential investors, it offers valuable insights, guidance, and support from people who have navigated similar challenges. Building a solid network will help you gain visibility, credibility, and, ultimately, access to the financial support you need.
Even as the training and learning go on, more financial support is needed to enable the ready-to-scale innovations to thrive. This will make the solutions create more impact on the food system, and increase their income generation which will in turn improve their living standards.
As a young Agri-innovator in Kenya, you’re on a remarkable journey filled with questions, challenges, and immense potential. From securing funding and building partnerships to leveraging technology and scaling globally, each step brings you closer to making a meaningful impact in Kenya’s food systems. Remember, the path may be tough, but your work has the power to improve livelihoods, enhance food security, and contribute to a more sustainable future for all. With perseverance, strategic planning, and the right support, your vision can help shape Kenya’s agricultural landscape for generations to come.
For more information, contact info@fspnafrica.org