Technology drives sustainability, paving the way for groundbreaking solutions to environmental, social, and economic challenges. Enter Taita Ng’etich, a young visionary on a mission to revolutionize farming for smallholder farmers facing limited resources, erratic weather patterns, and outdated methods.
In 2014, while studying at the University of Nairobi, Ng’etich took the plunge and founded Synnefa, an agri-tech startup dedicated to equipping smallholder farmers with cutting-edge hardware and software solutions. Their goal? To make farming not only sustainable and profitable but also resilient in the face of the ever-changing climate.
One of Synnefa’s star innovations is their lineup of smart greenhouses, FarmShield sensors powered by IoT technology, and Farm Cloud software. The smart greenhouses are designed to optimize the growing environment for various crops, creating ideal conditions for production while reducing dependency on unpredictable weather.
The FarmShield sensors are part of the company’s Internet of Things (IoT) offerings, allowing farmers to monitor critical conditions such as temperature, humidity, soil moisture, and more. This data is gathered and transmitted to a centralized system, which can be accessed through Farm Cloud, a software solution that helps farmers maintain detailed farm records, receive crop advisories, and access financing options.
“These technologies offer insights on agronomy, market linkage, and financing, making farming more sustainable and profitable,” says Ng’etich.
Some of the innovative products under Synnefa’s umbrella include smart greenhouses, which are priced starting from KES 150,000, depending on their size and customization. The Farm Shield Internet of Things Sensors are sold as part of a package with greenhouses or separately for KES 25,000 each. They can also be rented at Sh 3,250 per month.
Farm Cloud Software subscriptions are free for one farm and one user, while monthly plans start at Sh 2,500 for more farms and users, providing features like farm record-keeping, crop advisory, and access to financing. The Smart Solar Dryers, priced from Sh 100,000, are designed for cooperatives and commercial farmers to reduce post-harvest losses through efficient drying techniques, improving the overall quality and longevity of produce.
Other products offered by the company include smart drip irrigation kits, which are designed to automatically irrigate crops without the need for manual intervention. These innovative kits provide a reliable and efficient way to grow vegetables, flowers, and fruits year-round, ensuring a consistent and healthy harvest.
In addition to these technologies, the company has a program that empowers Kenyan farmers to grow and export high-value crops to European markets. Their “Herbs for Export” initiative equips farmers with the necessary infrastructure, technology, and expertise to succeed in the competitive export sector, helping them tap into lucrative global markets.
The company has worked with over 87 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and cooperatives, reaching 19,000 farmers across Kenya and neighboring regions. Additionally, Synnefa’s irrigation systems are being used by over 2,500 farmers in 13 African countries, further extending the company’s reach and impact.
Through innovative technology and strategic partnerships, Synnefa is helping individual farmers and contributing to the broader goal of improving food security and economic stability across Africa. His dream is to improve the income of millions of farmers in Africa sustainably.
