It all started with a question.
Why, with so much land and so many capable hands in East Africa, are we still struggling to feed ourselves?
That question brought three young strangers from different countries together—united by a dream to build something that matters. We met through the Jasiri Talent Investor program, packed up our lives, left behind familiar cities, stable jobs, and even family, and dove headfirst into the unknown.
We didn’t have all the answers—but we knew where we wanted to start: at home, in Africa. Solving real problems, not for the sake of innovation, but for impact.
Why Agriculture?
Agriculture is the heartbeat of East Africa. Over 80% of our people depend on it for a living. And yet, it remains one of the least invested, least innovated sectors.
To us, farming isn’t just about planting and harvesting. It’s about dignity. It’s about feeding people well so they can live, work, and dream well. It’s about creating opportunities for farmers to thrive—not just survive.
If other countries can build systems that not only feed their people but also export, why can’t we? The potential is here. What’s missing is the right kind of support.
Why Rice?
As we dug deeper, one crop stood out: rice.
Rice is fast becoming a staple in East African homes, especially among younger generations. It’s energy-rich, versatile, and always in demand. More importantly, it’s a commercial crop—people grow rice not just to eat, but to earn.
But rice farming is tough. It’s labor-intensive, the tools are outdated, and with older generations stepping back, the youth aren’t stepping in. Not because they don’t care, but because the economics just don’t add up. It’s physically demanding and often not financially viable.
That’s not just a problem—it’s a warning sign. But we also saw it as an opportunity.
Why Rwanda?
Because it’s the hardest place to start.
Rwanda’s landscape is stunning, but challenging. Rice is grown in marshlands that are hard to reach, prone to flooding, and tough to work with. Mechanization is nearly non-existent. Most farmers still rely on hand tools and long hours.
And yet, when we visited those farms, sat with the farmers, and really listened, we saw something powerful: they’re ready. They want change. They’re proud of what they grow, but they’re tired—especially of the cost. Labor alone makes up over 76% of their production expenses.
That’s when it hit us: rice farming in Rwanda hasn’t had its steam engine moment yet. But it’s ready. And Cradle is here to help ignite it.
Where We’re Going
We’re building simple, tech-enabled tools and systems that work with small-scale farmers, not around them. Starting with rice, we’re focused on cutting production costs, saving time, and making farming more viable—especially for young people.
Because we believe farming can be smart. It can be dignified. It can be beautiful.
And with Cradle, we’re planting the seeds of that future—right here, at home.
