Lucy Wangari, founder and CEO of Onion Doctor,
was one of the 8 winners of the 2023 YouthADAPT Challenge. This annual competition, jointly organized by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA), is the flagship initiative of the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP). YouthADAPT aims to empower African youth by fostering entrepreneurship and job creation in climate adaptation. The third edition, supported by the African Climate Change Fund (ACCF), specifically focused on young African women leveraging Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies to drive climate adaptation.
Onion Doctor is on a mission to transform Kenya’s arid and semi-arid regions into thriving, climate-smart onion and garlic farms. Since its inception in 2021, the company has worked with 1,000 farmers, converted over 2,500 acres of land, and produced over 800,000 kilograms of onions and garlic for the Kenyan market. This has resulted in over 100 jobs being created for Kenyans – both direct and indirect employment. Looking ahead, the company has the ambitious goal to expand to 500,000 acres by 2040.
Two years into the business, Onion Doctor was facing a challenge that compelled them to innovate. They realised the turnaround time for agronomists and extension officers to visit farms was too long, and as a result, farmers relied more on chemical treatments, which increased their cost of production. In response, the company began integrating AI, machine learning, and real-time monitoring to predict pests and diseases early. This innovation has reduced the need for chemical treatments while improving yields.
Onion Doctor’s YouthADAPT Challenge journey
According to Lucy, the 2023 YouthADAPT Challenge played a crucial role in refining the technology her company employs. Through capacity building support, Onion Doctor received training in AI systems and market analysis. With guidance from mentors, the team strengthened their intellectual property, ensured compliance with Kenyan data integrity laws, and transitioned their product from a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to a full market fit.
As a result, Onion Doctor improved the accuracy of its pest and disease detection system from 69% to 85%, with a target of reaching 95%. The company also leveraged the grant to enhance AI precision, purchase inventory in bulk, and hire key staff.
Beyond technical growth, YouthADAPT also provided a platform for networking and collaboration. Lucy connected with past and present cohort members, exchanging insights and exploring potential partnerships. The increased visibility from the program has also helped Onion Doctor expand its clientele beyond what would have been possible otherwise.
Reflecting on her journey, Lucy Wangari encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to take up opportunities like the YouthADAPT Challenge, saying that through 2023 YouthADAPT Challenge, they have been able to actualize their potential.
To learn more about the Onion Doctor, please visit https://oniondoctor.co.ke/
