Afrinol Holding Ltd is dedicated to improving the lives of Kenyans, especially those in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL), by focusing on food security, energy security, and economic growth. Partnering with various governments & international organizations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Afrinol aligns its mission with global efforts to address poverty, hunger, health, clean energy, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
The project has a component of out-growers and will sensitized and mobilized small holder farmers to grow more sorghum in their farms to enhance their income generating capacity and will initially facilitate 1,000 households in arid and semi-arid regions to form Common Interest Groups (CIG).
The household groups will be trained on profitable market oriented production of sweet sorghum and improved access to markets through the provision of technology and information services.
Project staffs will be providing extension services to ensure the production is sustained.
Afrinol Holdings Limited will buy the Sorghum Cane while farmers will be encouraged to use the grain for food. Any excess grain will be bought and off loaded to other line products in the value chain e.g. animal feed industries, ethanol production etc, which will reduce the dependency of maize in some of the products
Agronomy of Sweet Sorghum
Sweet sorghum hybrid CSH22 among the variety we are adapting, previously cultivated in India, is being introduced for large-scale cultivation in Kenya. Afrinol provides out-growers with clean planting materials, credit facilities, and agronomic services. Harvesting occurs when the crop reaches physiological maturity, with a focus on achieving a brix reading of at least 15% for optimal sugar content. The harvested stalks are transported immediately to decentralized crushing units to maximize juice recovery.
Processing and Utilization
The extracted juice is concentrated into syrup, which is then transported to a central distillery for ethanol production. Bagasse, a byproduct of sweet sorghum, serves as animal feed, organic manure, and biomass fuel. It can also be pelletized for use as stove fuel, reducing dependence on traditional fuels like firewood and charcoal.
Administrative and Value Chain Addition out growers’ program
Decentralized centres serve as hubs for project administration, credit services, and agricultural support. These centers provide out-growers with access to credit, inputs, technical assistance, and processing facilities. By establishing crushing facilities close to farms and implementing efficient weighing systems, the project ensures timely processing and fair compensation for farmers.