Country: Kenya
Lead organisation: Ecorich
Ecorich Solutions developed an artificial intelligence-based food waste decomposer machine that only takes three days to convert household waste into affordable organic fertilizers. The organic fertiliser produced was projected to be 70% cheaper than normal fertilisers and thus more accessible to smallholder farmers. Through AI-enabled recycling and robotics, Ecorich’s recycling technology releases required microorganisms into the waste which converts the waste into organic fertiliser with 95% accuracy. Ecorich Solutions planned to distribute the food waste decomposers in urban settlements in Kenya where the majority of dumpsites are full of food waste that directly expose communities to food and waterborne diseases, such as cholera and typhoid.
Key progress highlights:
- The project supported 2,904 people and created 27 jobs.
- Mobilised $ 19,225 to transform organic waste into affordable organic fertilizer through development of a 500 kg Wastebot machine.
- Organic fertilizer production from organic waste led to strong demand for affordable organic fertilizer among small scale farmers, leading to 36% increase in harvest yields.
- Organic fertilizer enhanced participation of local communities in waste collection and recycling activities.
- Engaged 10,216 small scale farmers in the project through community sensitisation.
- Promoted resilience by:
- Reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers
- Enhancing soil health
- Increasing crop yields