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Ziada Solutions

Providing alternative livelihood opportunities
for Kenyan farmers

WHO WE ARE

Ziada Solutions is a climate-smart, fully circular agri-processing business championing circular and sustainable practices along the banana supply chain. We promote a transformative approach to agri-waste while advancing sustainable development, supporting rural communities and contributing to a cleaner and greener future. 

We work directly with the Taita-Taveta Banana Cooperative Society – which has 1,500 members- to create added value for smallholder banana farmers. Our approach encompasses the purchase of banana stems, typically wasted after harvest, and bananas at above-market prices to produce natural fibres, enriched soil conditioners (biochar), and paper. 

Additionally, by setting up our own workshop, we want to provide alternative livelihoods and diversified income sources to women communities in the Taita- Taveta region to help them cope effectively with climate-change-induced droughts.

OUR MISSION

ADDING VALUE TO SMALLHOLDER FARMERS BY TRANSFORMING AGRI WASTE
INTO VALUABLE PRODUCTS. WE IMPLEMENT FULLY CIRCULAR SOLUTIONS IN KENYA AND INTERNATIONALLY, WHILE GENERATING SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT FOR LOCAL RURAL COMMUNITIES.

Our values align with several UN Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 5 (Gender Inequalities), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals). Our site teams are youth and women-led.

OUR 4 PILLARS

PROBLEM

During harvesting, banana’s stems become waste with no commercial value, and are usually left on the soil of farms to degrade and emit emissions. 

OUR SOLUTION

We buy the stems transforming them into valuable products by delivering and implementing fully circular solutions locally and internationally.

PROBLEM

In Kenya, approximately 83% of people depend directly on land for survival. However, over 50% of soils are degraded causing a significant concern to food security and climate change.

OUR SOLUTION

Using agri-waste, we generate an enriched soil conditioner (consisting of biochar, compost and slurry) to combat all issues associated with soil degradation in the Taita-Taveta region.

PROBLEM

Kenyan farmers are being economically squeezed by decreasing demand for their products and livestock, falling prices, and increasing costs for raw materials and supplies.

OUR SOLUTION

We pay farmers to take the stems away, creating a significant and reliable additional revenue stream, while also supporting them to build climate change resilience.

PROBLEM

East Africa is experiencing the worst drought since the ‘80s. In this region, 80% of food production relies on small-scale farmers but, with three years of below average rainfall, communities have lost cattle, crops and livelihoods.

OUR SOLUTION

We divert 20% of the fibres to our weaving workshop to generate employment opportunities and economic development.

THE PROCESS

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WORKSHOP

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IMPACT

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Meet Our Team

Samuel Thuo

Operations Director

Alex Gotley

Commercial Director

Andrew Ndung

Site Manager

Esther Chesanga

Biogass Supervisor

Esther Mwikali Kyalo

Fibres Drying & Processing Supervisor

Isaac Woniala

Farm Manager