Environmental Sustainability

ChildFund and green tech innovator Spowdi have joined forces to promote sustainable smart farming among small-hold farmers in Kenya. The two organizations signed a three-year agreement at COP28 to introduce smart farming technologies to tens of thousands of small-hold farmers to enhance food production while using minimal water resources.

This initiative will kick off with the implementation of a pilot project supporting 250 small-hold farmers in Migori and Nyeri counties in Kenya and later scaled to reach 10,000 farmers within the country, over the next three years. Upon completion of this first phase, this initiative will be replicated in other countries in Africa (Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia, Mozambique, Guinea, Senegal, Sierra Leone and The Gambia). 

Through this partnership, farmers will receive equipment and onsite training on how to use smart irrigation technology, comprising of Spowdi’s solar-powered, mobile, water distribution systems “Spowdi Mobile Pro Mk2”, which will also be used for training in micro-irrigation techniques. Spowdi and ChildFund will also establish demonstration sites, testbeds, and training hubs for farmers, trainers, distributors, educationists, and other partners.

“Small-scale farmers are the backbone of our food production systems. Unfortunately, they, just like many other entities, have borne the brunt of climate change. This partnership could not have come at a better time when many communities are reeling from the effects of climate change, manifested by frequent droughts. By adopting Spowdi’s award-winning technology, our farmers will be able to grow more food using less water. This way families will have enough for their consumption and surplus for sale, as they work to build resilient livelihoods that are not always shaken by the effects of climate change,” remarked Chege Ngugi, ChildFund International Africa Regional Director. 

“Early into COP28, there was very positive news coming in where food systems transformation was put on the global climate agenda. Now it’s time for action. Spowdi’s technology last-mile distribution has proven to generate 300% more food in up to 80% less water, resulting in higher profitability and better livelihoods. The technology and last-mile distribution helps small-hold farmers to move away from fossil fuels, and reduce the time spent on the field, which can then be used for other socio-economic activities. Importantly, it also empowers communities to be food self-sufficient. At Spowdi, we believe that ChildFund’s commitment and last mile reach, along with Spowdi’s innovation, can enable small-hold farmers to be profitable and resilient Impact Generators,” said Henrik Johansson, CEO of Spowdi.