Acumen

Wami Agro is an agri-tech company based in Ghana that collaborates with smallholder farmers to cultivate, aggregate, and market a variety of agricultural products. The company focuses on enhancing the livelihoods of these farmers by offering technology-driven solutions that facilitate access to credit and markets. Wami Agro currently aggregates rice, maize, soya bean, and cassava from over 10,000 smallholder farmers, distributing these products to poultry farmers, fast-moving consumer goods companies, distributors, and food service providers within Ghana. By employing sustainable agricultural practices, such as precision farming, the company aims to improve the well-being of farmers, promote food security, and address climate change challenges.

Raino Tech4Impact is a social enterprise that leveraging technology as an enabler to empower African communities. Founded in 2014, They have been developing technology-driven solutions in health, agriculture, sports, green energy and offer business support services. In partnership with various key players in different sectors, they have developed unique and efficient different use cases of technological solutions impacting millions of lives.

RDG Collective was established in 2018 with the ambition to ‘Empower the Future’ by developing and distributing innovative solar home systems throughout Zambia, where an estimated 2.4 million households still lack access to electricity. While the cost of solar energy remained prohibitively high for almost all off-grid households, RDG Collective came up with innovative products distributed on a pay-as-you-go basis. By eliminating this financial barrier, RDG has enabled an increasing number of Zambian households to access solar home systems, refrigerators, solar water pumps and smartphones to improve and empower their lives.

Oorja Development Solutions aims to provide clean energy access to 450 million un/underelectrified people in rural Indian communities. It deploy smart micro-grids powered by biomass gasification and solar PV systems to generate, store and transmit reliable and affordable electricity to SMEs as anchor load and low-income households. It uses a scalable community-owned business model to leverage energy provision as a catalyst for socio-economic development to alleviate poverty, empower women and tackle climate change.

SunCulture, located in Nairobi, Kenya, specializes in solar-powered drip irrigation systems designed to enhance agricultural productivity while promoting sustainability. Their flagship product, the AgroSolar Irrigation Kit, integrates solar water pumping technology with high-efficiency drip irrigation, equipping farmers with the necessary tools to increase crop yields and optimize water usage. SunCulture distinguishes itself as a comprehensive resource for Kenyan farmers by offering not only the irrigation systems but also agronomic services, educational training, and access to financing and markets. This holistic approach addresses the needs of smallholder farmers, enabling them to grow food more efficiently while minimizing fertilizer waste through direct application in irrigation systems. By combining innovative technology with essential support services, SunCulture aims to empower rural communities and improve their agricultural outcomes.

AquaRech is a company focused on enhancing fish farming practices to improve production efficiency and market access for farmers. By developing a fish farming platform, AquaRech aims to reduce production costs and make quality tilapia more affordable, thereby contributing to food security in Africa. The platform provides fish farmers with resources to source quality feed and transition to technology-driven precision fish farming. Additionally, it offers tools to discover new market routes and access credit, empowering farmers to increase productivity and income. AquaRech promotes a community-based aquaculture value chain that fosters equitable trade and supports the growth of local farming communities.

myHarvest Farms is an online platform that connects consumers with local farmers, offering a range of over 200 safe, chemical-free food options. The company focuses on improving farmer livelihoods by promoting natural farming techniques and the use of indigenous seed varieties, which helps to enhance revenue for farmers while ensuring the health of both the producers and consumers. By prioritizing community involvement, myHarvest Farms fosters a sustainable future that benefits both farmers and families seeking healthier food options. The platform serves as a bridge between those who cultivate food and those who consume it, emphasizing the importance of safe, naturally grown produce.

IncluirTec is an AgriFintech company that leverages technology to provide formal credit access to underserved communities through its SaaS platform. Its mission is to promote health and financial inclusion for smallholder farmers and rural microentrepreneurs by simplifying origination and access, making it quicker and 100% digital, establishing trust between producers and Financial Institutions. IncluirTec's algorithm assesses the risk of lending money to smallholder farmers and rural microentrepreneurs. This assessment takes into consideration their economic and productive capacities as well as open data market information. Based on this assessment, Financial Institutions can grant credits under conditions that reflect their ability to payback.

SokoFresh is a social enterprise that specializes in cold storage solutions and digital market linkage for small and medium-scale farmers. By offering reliable off-grid cold storage facilities, the company aims to reduce logistical costs and minimize post-harvest losses in the fruit, vegetable, and fish value chains. SokoFresh provides aggregation infrastructure and essential market connections, enabling farmers and buyers to improve produce handling during harvesting. Through these services, the enterprise supports smallholder farmers in accessing better storage options and market opportunities, ultimately enhancing their productivity and profitability.

BharatRohan is a technology company based in Hyderabad, India, that specializes in agricultural data collection using UAV-based hyperspectral imaging. Founded in 2016, it provides farmers with actionable insights to reduce crop losses and optimize agricultural inputs, thereby maximizing yield and profitability. By utilizing advanced remote sensing techniques and artificial intelligence, BharatRohan enables precision agriculture and integrated pest management. The company offers a range of services, including realistic prescriptions for pest and fertilizer treatments, as well as forecasting services for crop yield, biomass, and development status. By capturing minute physiological activities in crops, BharatRohan helps farmers make informed decisions that enhance productivity while minimizing costs.

Lizard Earth is a producer and distributor of cocoa from Eastern Sierra Leone.

Kheyti is a business consulting and advisory service established in 2015 in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, aimed at supporting farmers in India with their technical and financial needs. The company offers a range of services, including low-cost farming alternatives, farming consultation, financial assistance, and training for farmers. By providing these resources, Kheyti seeks to empower farmers to successfully initiate and expand their agricultural enterprises, thereby enhancing rural business opportunities.

Rural populations forced reliance on biomass and kerosene for their energy needs is causing over 1.6M# deaths per annum. Their lack of access to clean water causes over 5M people to die; 2M of them are children under the age of 5. RVE.SOL's _Changing Rural Life Forever_ initiative is creating alternative, renewable energy choices for the rural poor, allowing them to take advantage of natural resources like sunlight, cattle manure and raw water to manage their own way to a better future. Our _KUDURA_ rural village energy hub is community managed; provides communities with potable water, solar electricity, biogas for cooking and organic fertiliser for agriculture. A holistic approach, the solution seeks to target the four areas of rural life that prevalently cause poverty to propagate: 1. Access to clean water to obviate transmission of water borne disease 2. Access to renewable electricity to obviate the dependance on kerosene for light and improve children's opportunity to study at night 3. Access to Biogas to obviate mass destruction of primary forest in a bid to be able to cook food 4. Access to fertiliser to reinvigorate over-used soils and so increase quality and quantity of crop harvest for subsistence farmers. Ultimately, this approach seeks to create wealth for rural farmers by offering a choie of more cost effective and efficient services utilising naturally available resources.

SimuSolar is dedicated to enhancing rural prosperity in Sub-Saharan Africa by providing and financing productive equipment for farmers and small businesses. The company specializes in energy-efficient, solar-powered solutions tailored for off-grid operations, including solar lights, irrigation systems, cold storage, and other tools that support agricultural and fishing activities. By offering innovative financing options, SimuSolar enables access to these essential technologies through flexible monthly payment plans, often facilitated by mobile money applications. This approach not only meets the specific needs of rural smallholders but also fosters sustainable economic growth in the region.

Uncommon Cacao, Inc., founded in 2010 and based in Berkeley, California, operates as a premium cacao supply chain business that connects smallholder organic cacao farmers directly with specialty chocolate makers. The company began its efforts by establishing Maya Mountain Cacao in Belize, which aimed to provide meaningful market access for local farmers. Following its success, Uncommon Cacao expanded by founding Cacao Verapaz in Guatemala in 2013, further enhancing its impact on local economies. By focusing on purchasing fresh cacao beans directly from farmers, Uncommon Cacao eliminates intermediaries, allowing producers to retain a larger share of profits while ensuring that responsible exporters have access to high-quality cacao. The company also offers support through supply chain logistics, trade finance, working capital, and insurance for international shipping services to benefit cacao farmers.

Farmers Hope produces organic fertilizer using locally available ingredients which provide crops nutrients & nourishes the soil.

Under The Mango Tree is a hybrid social enterprise dedicated to supporting rural livelihoods through the promotion of community-based beekeeping in India. The company specializes in a range of natural, organic, and sustainable honey products that contribute to enhancing agricultural productivity and improving the lives of marginal farmers. Under The Mango Tree offers gourmet honey sourced directly from local beekeepers, featuring unique variants infused with healthy herbs such as Jamun, turmeric, and tulsi. By focusing on sustainable practices and delivering high-quality, single-origin honey, the enterprise aims to create a positive impact on both the environment and the communities it serves.

Sanergy, established in 2010, operates in Nairobi, Kenya, focusing on providing affordable and accessible sanitation solutions in urban slums. The company constructs and franchises low-cost sanitation centers offering toilets and hot showers, which are financed through local microfinance banks. Sanergy collects and processes human waste daily, converting it into biogas for electricity generation and organic fertilizer for sale to farms. Additionally, it collects organic waste from local businesses, transforming it into insect-based animal feed. By creating a circular economy, Sanergy promotes hygiene, reduces environmental pollution, and empowers local entrepreneurs.

The two year old firm was started by Symbiosis Institute of Management alumnus Patidar and has grown its network to work with 23,000 farmers from more than 300 villages across five districts in Madhya Pradesh. It also operates 272 primary milk collection centres, where milk is tested and evaluated, and smallholder farmers receive an instant receipt for the quality and quantity of milk delivered.

Regen Organics is dedicated to transforming agriculture, cities, and communities through circular economy practices. The company focuses on managing residual organics and specializes in the production of regenerative fertilizers, feeds, and fuels. By promoting climate-resilient agricultural methods and green technologies, Regen Organics aims to foster nurturing soils and thriving ecosystems, ultimately contributing to a sustainable future. With a commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship, the company leverages its industry knowledge and international experience to drive meaningful change.

Esoko Networks Limited operates a mobile-based market information exchange tailored for individuals, businesses, and agricultural projects in Africa. Founded in 2007 and based in Accra, Ghana, the platform delivers personalized market price alerts, buy and sell offers, and agricultural advice directly to farmers via SMS. By providing essential information such as market prices, weather forecasts, and growing tips, Esoko aims to enhance agricultural yields and profitability. The company also supports businesses in connecting with farmers, offering apps and services that facilitate marketing, monitoring, and sourcing. Esoko's ecosystem includes content, software, and field support, enabling NGOs, mobile operators, and governments to track market trends and improve communication in rural communities. Through its innovative approach, Esoko aims to promote market transparency and efficiency, transforming African agricultural markets into more viable opportunities for both individuals and businesses while reducing operational costs for organizations.

Esoko Networks Limited operates a mobile-based market information exchange tailored for individuals, businesses, and agricultural projects in Africa. Founded in 2007 and based in Accra, Ghana, the platform delivers personalized market price alerts, buy and sell offers, and agricultural advice directly to farmers via SMS. By providing essential information such as market prices, weather forecasts, and growing tips, Esoko aims to enhance agricultural yields and profitability. The company also supports businesses in connecting with farmers, offering apps and services that facilitate marketing, monitoring, and sourcing. Esoko's ecosystem includes content, software, and field support, enabling NGOs, mobile operators, and governments to track market trends and improve communication in rural communities. Through its innovative approach, Esoko aims to promote market transparency and efficiency, transforming African agricultural markets into more viable opportunities for both individuals and businesses while reducing operational costs for organizations.

EthioChicken operates as a poultry production company in East Africa, with its primary entities being AGP Poultry PLC, Mekelle Farms Ltd, and Andasa Poultry PLC. The company focuses on breeding and hatching day-old chickens, as well as producing affordable blended feed. By partnering with smallholder farmers, EthioChicken aims to improve nutrition and enhance the livelihoods of rural farmers, while also creating income opportunities in the region. The company’s efforts contribute to making poultry products more accessible, thereby supporting local economies and food security.

SiembraViva is an online platform based in Sibundoy, Colombia, that facilitates the sale of organic produce from small farmers to urban consumers. The company focuses on promoting regenerative organic agriculture by connecting these producers directly with environmentally conscious customers. SiembraViva specializes in organic vegetables and offers a range of organic certified products, supporting local farmers while providing consumers with access to fresh, sustainable food options.

Global Easy Water Products (GEWP) specializes in distributing affordable irrigation technologies aimed at enhancing the productivity and income of smallholder farmers. By providing drip irrigation products, including drip tapes, sprinklers, and various components like fertilizer tanks and valves, GEWP has enabled farmers in India to increase their crop yields by 30 to 70 percent. The technology also promotes significant water savings, ranging from 30 to 50 percent. Additionally, through innovative technology transfer initiatives, GEWP's products are now being utilized by small-scale farmers in Pakistan, further expanding their impact on agricultural efficiency and farmer livelihoods. Overall, GEWP plays a crucial role in improving agricultural practices and economic outcomes for farmers in these regions.

Aga Khan Rural Support Programme is a non-profit organization. They provide development programs such as community infrastructure, resource development, agriculture development, and market development.

Sanergy, established in 2010, operates in Nairobi, Kenya, focusing on providing affordable and accessible sanitation solutions in urban slums. The company constructs and franchises low-cost sanitation centers offering toilets and hot showers, which are financed through local microfinance banks. Sanergy collects and processes human waste daily, converting it into biogas for electricity generation and organic fertilizer for sale to farms. Additionally, it collects organic waste from local businesses, transforming it into insect-based animal feed. By creating a circular economy, Sanergy promotes hygiene, reduces environmental pollution, and empowers local entrepreneurs.

BASIX Krishi Samruddhi Ltd. is dedicated to supporting Indian farmers by offering a range of agricultural services aimed at enhancing productivity and reducing costs. Established in 2010 and based in Visakhapatnam, the company provides services such as soil testing, sowing, vermicomposting, procurement, and local value addition. It also focuses on risk mitigation and connects farmers to alternative markets for agro-commodities. To further assist smallholder farmers, BASIX Krishi trains and employs Livelihood Service Providers (LSPs), who deliver extension services and advisory support, including horticulture expertise, directly to farmers on a regular basis. Through these initiatives, BASIX Krishi aims to improve farmers' income and overall livelihoods.

National Rural Support Program (NRSP) Microfinance Bank is the first agency to provide financial services to rural, agricultural markets in Pakistan. With 120 million people in Pakistan dependent upon agriculture and lacking financial services, NRSP Microfinance Bank plans to focus on rural communities of highest need and serve nearly 625,000 borrowers in the next five years.

Juhudi Kilimo Company Limited is a Nairobi-based microfinance institution founded in 2004 that specializes in providing asset financing, technical assistance, and business training services to smallholder farmers and small-to-medium agro-businesses in Kenya. The company offers a diverse range of financing options, including loans for livestock such as dairy cows, goats, poultry, pigs, and other animals, as well as for fish farming. Additionally, it finances agricultural equipment like irrigation systems and energy-related machinery, along with vehicles such as motorcycles and bicycles for transporting farm goods. By focusing on loans that support agricultural activities and providing business management and financial literacy training, Juhudi Kilimo aims to enhance the livelihoods of rural farmers and empower them to create wealth through improved agricultural practices.

Gulu Agricultural Development Company (GADC) is a cotton ginning enterprise that supports over 55,000 smallholder farmers in Northern Uganda by facilitating their access to both national and international agricultural markets. The company focuses on revitalizing the region's cotton industry, which has been severely affected by years of conflict and instability. In addition to providing essential agricultural inputs to enhance crop yields, GADC offers agricultural extension and post-harvest management services. The company purchases cotton and sesame from farmers for cash, ensuring they have immediate financial support. Furthermore, GADC cleans, processes, packages, and exports these products to exclusive buyers, thereby improving production efficiency and market access for smallholder farmers. This initiative not only aids in economic recovery but also helps former refugees rebuild their livelihoods.

Western Seed Company Limited is a seed producer based in Kitale, Kenya, specializing in the development and distribution of high-quality seed varieties. Established in 1986, the company focuses on addressing agricultural challenges faced by smallholder farmers, particularly in enhancing maize productivity. It offers a range of products, including hybrid maize seeds, open-pollinated maize varieties, sorghum, millets, beans, and peas, all designed to resist common agricultural threats such as maize streak virus and drought. In recent years, Western Seed has made significant strides in reaching a large number of farmers, with the goal of impacting over 800,000 households by 2014. The company aims to improve crop yields and farmers' incomes through its innovative seed technologies and comprehensive research and breeding programs.

Micro Drip specializes in providing affordable drip irrigation technology to smallholder farmers in Pakistan. The company's systems significantly reduce water usage, allowing farmers to cultivate an acre of land with 50 percent less water, while simultaneously enhancing crop yields by 40 percent and decreasing input costs by 30 percent. This innovative approach supports year-round farming, helping to prevent the migration of farmers and their families during dry seasons. Micro Drip has already assisted over 3,000 farmers and aims to expand its impact to more than 20,000 farmers within the next five years. The drip irrigation systems are designed for ease of deployment and maintenance, requiring minimal technical knowledge, which empowers local farmers to improve their agricultural productivity.

Micro Drip specializes in providing affordable drip irrigation technology to smallholder farmers in Pakistan. The company's systems significantly reduce water usage, allowing farmers to cultivate an acre of land with 50 percent less water, while simultaneously enhancing crop yields by 40 percent and decreasing input costs by 30 percent. This innovative approach supports year-round farming, helping to prevent the migration of farmers and their families during dry seasons. Micro Drip has already assisted over 3,000 farmers and aims to expand its impact to more than 20,000 farmers within the next five years. The drip irrigation systems are designed for ease of deployment and maintenance, requiring minimal technical knowledge, which empowers local farmers to improve their agricultural productivity.

Drishtee Development And Communication Ltd. operates a rural network aimed at delivering goods, services, and information to village communities across India. Founded in 2000 and based in Noida, the company enhances rural livelihoods by creating jobs and facilitating access to various resources. It establishes kiosks managed by local entrepreneurs, providing a range of products such as eyeglasses, agricultural items, books, lighting, and mobile phones. Additionally, Drishtee offers essential services including healthcare, microfinance, e-government, and education. The company also connects rural areas to outside markets through business process outsourcing and its own sales platform, Drishtee Haat. With over 14,000 registered entrepreneurs, Drishtee's operations span multiple states, including Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Uttaranchal, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Drishtee Development And Communication Ltd. operates a rural network aimed at delivering goods, services, and information to village communities across India. Founded in 2000 and based in Noida, the company enhances rural livelihoods by creating jobs and facilitating access to various resources. It establishes kiosks managed by local entrepreneurs, providing a range of products such as eyeglasses, agricultural items, books, lighting, and mobile phones. Additionally, Drishtee offers essential services including healthcare, microfinance, e-government, and education. The company also connects rural areas to outside markets through business process outsourcing and its own sales platform, Drishtee Haat. With over 14,000 registered entrepreneurs, Drishtee's operations span multiple states, including Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Uttaranchal, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh.

S4S Technologies Private Limited, founded in 2008 and based in Mumbai, India, specializes in designing and manufacturing food processing machines, such as dehydrators and freeze dryers. The company's product lineup includes the Solar Conduction Dryer, HaldiTech, SmartDry, FrostDry, and Solar Grain and Seed Dryer, which are utilized to produce a variety of processed food items, including dehydrated vegetables, fruit candies, and powders. S4S Technologies also offers private labeling and contract processing services, catering to the needs of farmers and food companies. By leveraging technology and collaborating with partner organizations, S4S aims to create a sustainable supply chain for high-quality processed food products.

IncluirTec is an AgriFintech company that leverages technology to provide formal credit access to underserved communities through its SaaS platform. Its mission is to promote health and financial inclusion for smallholder farmers and rural microentrepreneurs by simplifying origination and access, making it quicker and 100% digital, establishing trust between producers and Financial Institutions. IncluirTec's algorithm assesses the risk of lending money to smallholder farmers and rural microentrepreneurs. This assessment takes into consideration their economic and productive capacities as well as open data market information. Based on this assessment, Financial Institutions can grant credits under conditions that reflect their ability to payback.