Freshco is a Kenyan company that sells high-yield hybrid seeds, especially maize seed, to small-scale farmers. Maize seed that is optimized for the climates of Kenya's various regions can produce up to six tons of grain per hectare, compared to only one ton with ordinary seed.
Root Capital is a nonprofit social investment fund that grows rural prosperity in poor, environmentally vulnerable places in Africa and Latin America by providing capital, delivering financial training, and strengthening market connections for small and growing agricultural businesses.
In this video, Musasa cooperative members recall the genocide and describe how the cooperative helped them rebuild their community. They also explain the importance of Root Capital financing to Musasa.
In the aftermath of the 1994 genocide, devastated communities in Rwanda's coffee-growing regions struggled to rebuild. In 2005, the Dukundekawa coffee cooperative, also known as Musasa, became Root Capital's first client in Africa. Since its founding, the enterprise has grown from 300 to more than 1,800 members.
By making small farms more productive, Freshco helps women earn steady cash income that they may never have had before. In this video, hear from Kenyan women about what better seed means to them, and learn how Root Capital contributes to Freshco's growth and success.
Quinoa production in Ecuador is a powerful vehicle for the economic advancement of women. But while women increasingly operate the quinoa production facilities, their economic prospects are still limited by traditional gender norms that limit a woman's ability to profit from her work. Sumaklife is working to change that.
Root Capital Vice President of Investor Relations Catherine Gill describes a visit to Root Capital clients that are helping revive their rural Ugandan communities.
Root Capital writer Alan Petrillo reflects on his recent visit to Kenya and Rwanda where he visited clients Tropical Fresh, an exporter of Fair Trade vegetables, and Musasa, a Fair Trade coffee cooperative.
Find out how Root Capital staff literally reach their clients. With the use of trucks, mopeds, and even animals, journeys to the country can be challenging ... and fun.
The quality of your coffee is measured every step of the way, starting at the coffee cooperative itself. In this video Root Capital takes you to C.A.C. Chirinos, a small coffee cooperative in northern Peru that has been a Root Capital borrower since 2004. Watch Eber Tocto Bermeo, Chirinos coffee cupper, in action.
For the last 6 years, Jasmin Flores and her husband Gonzalo Collaguazo have been co-managing the farm owned by Organic Blooming, an Ecuadorian company that produces organic calla lillies. In this short video you will meet them and visit Organic Blooming's breathtaking farm.