Description
Aybar develops, manufactures, and sells improved agricultural machines to smallholder farmers. The company has patented more than ten innovations, of which four are already commercialized. Aybar’s innovations increase crop yields, conserve soil and water, reduce GHG, reduce labor requirement (save time) and create job opportunities for youth and women. The company has so far sold ~150,000 units of these innovations.
Market Opportunity/ Problem
There are ~12 million households in Ethiopia employing 15 million oxen for agricultural operations mainly using a traditional plough, called Maresha. There are several challenges with the tradition plough including poor efficiency, increased surface runoff and soil erosion as well as reduced crop productivity. Aybar has developed machines that effectively manage rainwater thereby increasing crop yields by up to 115%, reducing surface runoff and soil erosion by more than 50%, contributing to reduced methane emissions and increased carbon sequestration as well as creating jobs. The company’s largest challenge however has been poor promotion of its technologies as well as poor linkage to farmers. The company has however pilot-tested an efficient strategy to promote its innovations and establish a sustainable linkage with farmers through private vendors and unemployed rural youth
Company Information
Years of operation
8
Type of organization
Private company
Stage of the business
Growth stage
Agribusiness focus
Provision of inputs
Agriculture value chain(s) focus?
Food crops
Primary country of operation
Ethiopia
Other country(ies) of operation
N/A
How many employees does your business have?
11
Does the business have more than 30% women ownership?
No
Does the business have more than 30% youth ownership (under 35 years)?
Yes
Financing and expansion overview
How much capital is the company currently fundraising (US$)?
>1m
What is the split between equity and debt?
Open to either