Energy Africa Ltd, transformer of agriculture and energy production on the South Coast of Kenya Since 2006 a group of highly motivated Kenyans have been making bio fuel and growing organic fruit and vegetables on the south coast of Kenya. The social business named Energy Africa Ltd. is created for the benefit of the employees and their communities at large. Energy Africa staff is focused on being transformers of agriculture, and role models in their communities. Why Kenya? Kenya is a country of contrast; On the coast the beaches are full of well to do tourists, while only a few miles away many are living in poverty. The potential for business of mutual benefit is enormous, but also challenging as many things in Kenya. Why Energy Africa Ltd? Lack of employment, and lack of future prospects is common in the rural area; it causes crime and insecurity, which again affects the tourism sector adversely. By linking the poor hills with rich beaches Energy Africa Ltd is creating linkages of mutual benefit. It is a win-win situation. The hotels on the beaches get fresh, organic and healthy fruits, vegetables and bio oil the hills get much needed employment and injection of cash. The environment is also a winner, as transport of fruit and vegetables is reduced and organic production practiced. Currently most of the fruits and vegetables are from upcountry more than 10 hours drive away! By creating local employment in the Hills the community is benefitting, reducing tension and increasing the prospect of a peaceful and productive relationship between the beaches and the Hills. What is Energy Africa? Has a small press and filter unit for production of Jatropha Curcas based bio fuel. More than 100 farmers and their families (total of about 700) people are involved in seed production for oil. The market is the hotel, which wants a bio friendly lighting alternative to paraffin. In addition 10 people are employed on Energy Africa Ltd run farms, and in administrative roles. The Energy Africa farms is a demonstration farm for local farmers interested in commercial agriculture. Giving them skills that enable them to produce with a quality that the tourist market requires is a challenge, but ones they are able to supply with quality and consistency they demand. The employment opportunities in the Hills are currently very limited, but trough commercial agriculture of bio fuel and vegetables/fruits production the young may stay behind and not move towards the cities and an uncertain of destructive future in the slum or on the beaches. We welcome supporters to join in and help transform the Hills, become part of the transformation required, but with a market oriented approach, unlike most aid projects in Africa that lack sustainability.
Posted on: Mon, 12 Aug 2013 06:39:30 +0000
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