Joyce Rugano
Kenya | Fertilizer Production from Organic Waste
Joyce Rugano is the founder and CEO of Ecorich Solutions, a pioneering agri-tech enterprise transforming organic waste into value through innovative technology. She is the inventor of the Wastebot, an AI- and solar-powered, sensor-based device that converts organic waste into nutrient-rich organic fertilizer within 24 hours. Her work has significantly impacted sustainable farming in Kenya, supplying over 15,000 bags of organic fertilizer to 7,200 smallholder farmers across Kiambu, Machakos and Nyandarua counties. Joyce has helped farmers achieve a 36% increase in yields, reduce chemical fertilizer use by 37% and boost revenues by 25% through the use of Ecorich’s organic fertilizer. She leads the Ecorich team with a hands-on, community-driven approach and has gained international recognition, including being shortlisted for the Global Resilience Partnership’s Resilient Agriculture Innovations for Nature (RAIN) Challenge. Joyce collaborates extensively with farmers' cooperatives, agrovets and women’s groups, demonstrating persistent leadership despite regulatory, financial and market challenges.