Ecologic, your partner in organic input solutions.
Following our “meet the founders” series, we are excited to introduce a new series showcasing the businesses in Rootical's studio. Delve into their genesis, the journey thus far, and explore the lessons learned by their founders.
Unlocking access to organic inputs
Ecologic, in partnership with Rootical, is committed to facilitating the transition towards regenerative agriculture. Ecologic is a lead-farmer-led regenerative business that makes organic inputs accessible to smallholder farmers, in remote communities in particular.
“The Rootical boot camp was an eye opener that created a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in the food system in Uganda today. For example, the problem of synthetic farming with all these chemical inputs. I wanted to start a business that addresses these issues” says Brian Kiprotich, co-founder.
Brian Kiprotich (on the left) with Innocent Ociti, the co-founders of Ecologic.
Ecologic sources organic inputs from reputable local producers, facilitating their delivery to lead farmers who sell and distribute them to smallholder farmers. These lead farmers also provide training and extension services to farmers on how to use the organic inputs.
The lead farmers are trained to support farmers in soil health management, diagnose and prescribe soil treatment solutions, and aggregate input orders, which are usually supplied within 24 hours through their systems and then distributed to the smallholder farmers via this network of village-based agents.
Brian Kiprotich training farmers about organic input solutions during the Ecologic field visit.
Championing regenerative agriculture
At Ecologic, the mission is clear: to empower smallholder farmers and facilitate the transition to regenerative agriculture. Through a combination of much needed services, supply of organic inputs and comprehensive training programs, the co-founders equip farmers with the knowledge and tools necessary to transition and thrive in agroecological practices.
“I had a dream to start my own business and Rootical’s call was perfectly timed. I teamed up with Brian, someone with similar work ethics and a shared vision of transforming Uganda's food system with practical solutions that are environmentally friendly and context specific. That is the genesis of Ecologic.” Innocent adds.
Despite challenges of skeptical farmers and finding the right lead farmers, Ecologic, through its validated learning, discovered that approaching farmers on an individual basis is more effective than through established farmer groups and bureaucratic structures.
The Ecologic team, Rootical director (centre) and farmers, during one of the Ecologic field visits.
Looking Ahead
Ecologic’s goals are ambitious yet achievable. Over time, the co-founders aim to expand their reach by recruiting a lead farmer within a 5 kilometer radius from any other farmer in every district of Uganda.
“The overall goal is to serve 10,000 small-holder farmers in 10 districts across Uganda by 2030, to ensure high yields for farmers, improve livelihoods and create a direct link between farmers and our Soil Doctors. We envision a future where Ecologic pilots more districts and transcends borders across East Africa.” affirms Innocent.
