Nano-Enterprise 

Introduction 

All of our work programmes include an element of income generation. As well as providing much needed income, this financial incentive also serves to reinforce positive behaviour change, making communities less likely to reverse back to less sustainable methods.

We support communities to set up registered self help groups so that they can set up community savings accounts. We provide seed capital to help known community members get started in small businesses, and then give them training in basic skills such as bookkeeping to help them to manage their money effectively. Any profits derived from the activities can then be fed back into the community to further improve education and health services.

Farm produce

Surplus stock from sustainable farming practices is sold onto surrounding communities.  This includes fish and chickens kept in the integrated aquaculture ponds. A range of nutritious vegetables grown at the farm can also be sold on at community stalls in order to generate income. Learn more about our farming and water programmes.

Biogas and solar kiosks

Our alternative energy programme provides communities with the skills and facilities to generate energy from sustainable sources such as biogas or solar energy. Units of energy can then be sold at kiosks. Cooking time can be bought at the biogas burner, and people can pay a small sum to charge various pieces of electrical equipment at our solar kiosks. The price people pay is cheaper than if they were to pay for firewood.

Learn more about our alternative energy programme.

Eco-sanitary towels

We are currently piloting an eco sanitary towel project which will see the production of towels by a women’s group in each community. These can then be sold on to women in the surrounding area at a lower cost than commercial sanitary pads. These pads are delivered in conjunction with education programmes raising awareness about female reproductive health, making sure girls miss less school as result of their menstrual cycle. Read more about our health programme.

Many, many, more...

Other outputs from the community programmes which offer income opportunities are; Bee keeping, candle making, loofah production, brick making, recycled cement shopping bags, crafts and tree nurseries.