RootedInCommunity

OUR INNOVATIVE APPROACH

MAMLO FOODS is a purpose-driven social enterprise dedicated to transforming the peanut value chain in Africa through sustainable, community-centered solutions. 

our mission centers around the micro-factory model, a groundbreaking approach that transforms the peanut value chain while empowering marginalized women smallholder farmers in Africa. 

By establishing these micro-factories within communities, we create a sustainable business that not only enhances local economies but also strengthens the social fabric of rural areas.


THE MICRO-FACTORY MODEL: A COMMUNITY-CENTRIC INNOVATION

Our micro-factories are solar-powered and container-based, designed to bring the processing of peanuts directly to the source. 

Each facility operates at the heart of peanut-growing regions, allowing for the production of high-value products. This local processing reduces food waste and increases the profitability of farmers by eliminating middlemen in the supply chain.

MAMLO Foods establishes and manages the day-to-day operations of these micro-factories, ensuring consistent quality and efficiency in production.

 By directly overseeing the operations, we maintain high standards, provide training, and implement quality control measures that ensure our products meet market demands. This operational management also allows us to share best practices and innovations with community members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.


EMPOWERING WOMEN  THROUGH CO-OWNERSHIP

The micro-factory model is co-owned by MAMLO Foods and local cooperatives, predominantly comprising of marginalized women farmers. This shared ownership ensures that community members have a stake in their economic future and actively participate in decision-making processes. By working together, we are building a stronger, more resilient community that takes pride in its products and achievements.

MAMLO Foods provides essential resources, including quality seeds and training in good agricultural practices, enabling farmers to grow high-quality peanuts for processing. This commitment to capacity building not only enhances crop yields but also empowers women to take charge of their livelihoods, contributing to greater gender equality in agriculture.


PARTNER WITH US 

We invite stakeholders from impact-driven organizations to partner with us in this transformative journey. 

By collaborating with MAMLO Foods, you will contribute to meaningful change, empowering women and families in rural communities while transforming the agricultural landscape in Africa. 

Together, we can harness the power of the micro-factory model to create lasting economic and social impact for generations to come.

 Join us in our mission to uplift communities through innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices, ensuring that the benefits of agriculture reach those who need it most.



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INNOVATION

we leverage cutting-edge technology, like solar-powered micro-factories, to revolutionize local peanut processing and enhance community-driven value addition.

COLLABORATION

We partner with like-minded organizations to foster a shared ownership model that empowers women smallholder farmers to actively participate in decision-making and benefit from the business’s success.

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES

Sustainability is at the core of our operations, from using renewable energy in our factories to promoting eco-friendly farming techniques that ensure long-term environmental and community health.

​Vision
Global leadership in peanuts through empowered women farmers.
Mission
Increase incomes of rural women farmers

Meet the people behind MAMLO FOODS

IRENE ETYANG

FOUNDER & CEO

12 years of experience in Product Development & Innovation

JUDY OTIENO

HR & OPERATIONS

15+ years of Business Management, Administration & Operations | Project & Product Management

RAHAB MUTHUI

PRODUCTION

10 years of experience in food processing, food safety implementation, audits, and training.

FULGENCE RICHI

COMMUNICATIONS

5 years of experience in photography and film

FRANCIS EMOJONG

COMMUNITY LIAISONS

10 years of experience in the field of agribusiness, food technology, and agronomy

ZEDDY MISIGA

MEL CONSULTANT

10 years of experience in Implementation Research and Analytics

BERYL OTIENO

ADMIN

4 years of experience in administration, accounting, and driving team success

MICHAEL MBOGORO

Head, Technology transfer section.World Intellectual Property Organization – WIPO

MARIA NIEBLA

Senior Consultant.Hydrock

BRAD RICKELMAN

Business Incubator Manager & Entrepreneurship Program Manager.Meridian Technology Center

 
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16Oct


As we celebrate World Food Day with the theme “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,” it's essential to focus on a seemingly humble crop with significant promise—peanuts. 

In a world where over 780 million people face chronic hunger, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), peanuts can play a transformative role in addressing food insecurity, poverty, and sustainability. 


Why Peanuts Matter: A Human Story 


 Peanuts are a vital source of livelihood for millions of smallholder farmers, particularly women, in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, where 33% of the population lives below the poverty line (World Food Programme, WFP).

 This legume is not only resilient to climate change but also requires minimal inputs, making it ideal for farming in arid conditions. Furthermore, peanuts enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen, contributing to healthier crops in future seasons. 

Despite their importance, women farmers face systemic challenges, including limited access to markets, financial resources, and modern farming technologies. Unlocking the full potential of peanuts could thus transform not only their lives but entire communities. 


The Peanut Economy: Empowering Women Smallholders 


Women are the backbone of rural economies, particularly in peanut-growing regions. Yet, they often lack the support needed to thrive. Studies suggest that closing the gender gap in agriculture could lift approximately 150 million people out of hunger (FAO). 

Empowering women smallholders with training, market access, and financial tools is crucial for sustainable growth. When women succeed, their communities prosper. For example, according to the WFP, every $1 earned by a woman in agriculture generates more investment in her children's education, nutrition, and community well-being. 

 

Peanuts and Food Security: A Sustainable Solution 

With over 45 million children suffering from malnutrition worldwide, peanuts are a crucial ingredient in combating this crisis (WFP). Products like Plumpy’Nut, a peanut-based paste, have revolutionized child nutrition, especially in emergency settings.

 Rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins, peanuts offer a sustainable solution to the fight against hunger. Moreover, peanuts are environmentally sustainable.

 They require less water and fewer resources compared to staple crops like maize or wheat, making them a powerful tool for building resilient food systems.Peanuts not only provide nutrition but also improve soil health, enhancing future crop yields. 


Innovative Peanut Processing: The Future of Economic Growth 


The economic potential of peanuts extends beyond farming; it lies in value addition. Investing in local peanut processing through community-driven models, such as micro-factories, can ensure that more profits from peanut farming stay with the farmers. 

These small-scale processing units can help create products like peanut butter, oil, and snacks, reducing food waste and increasing profitability. Currently, only a small percentage of peanuts produced in Africa are processed locally. However, with the right investments, the peanut sector could unlock millions of dollars in revenue for smallholder farmers. The FAO estimates that improving market access for smallholders could boost incomes by up to 40%. 


Opening Global Markets: The Key to Prosperity 

While the global demand for peanuts is on the rise, smallholder farmers often struggle to access these markets due to barriers such as lack of certification, inadequate infrastructure, and unfair trade practices. 

Creating fair trade systems, improving infrastructure, and fostering public-private partnerships can help bridge this gap. Peanuts possess the nutritional and economic potential to connect local and global food systems. By supporting smallholders, we can create a more equitable and sustainable global food economy. 


Conclusion: A Better Future, One Peanut at a Time 

Peanuts are more than a nutritious snack—they are a solution to significant global challenges like hunger, poverty, and sustainability.

 As we mark World Food Day, let’s commit to investing in the people who grow them, supporting sustainable farming practices, and creating fairer markets. 

By unlocking the potential of peanuts, we can transform lives and create a future where food security is within reach for everyone. Together, let’s harness the hidden power of peanuts for a better tomorrow. 


Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences related to peanuts and their impact on communities below!



Irene is an award-winning Innovator and Visionary CEO of MAMLO FOODS

25Sep

On the 24th of August, Irene Etyang, CEO of MAMLO FOODS, embarked on a transformative experience at the Mulago Fellowship retreat in the Atlas Mountains, Morocco. As a Rainer Arnhold Fellow, Irene joined other social impact leaders to reflect, refine, and reimagine their strategies for scaling change. This retreat marked a pivotal moment for Irene, reshaping how she views MAMLO FOODS' journey toward empowering marginalized women smallholders in the peanut-growing regions of  Africa.



For Irene, who grew up in Teso, a peanut and millet-growing community in Kenya, the struggles of women smallholders have been a deeply personal issue. Witnessing firsthand how these women were exploited by middlemen, she set out to create a business that could restore dignity and economic independence to smallholders, especially women, through the value addition of indigenous grains and peanuts. Over the years, her business evolved, culminating in the creation of MAMLO FOODS, an enterprise built around an innovative "Micro-Factory" model that localizes processing and ensures profits remain within communities.

At the Mulago retreat, Irene's vision for MAMLO FOODS shifted to new heights. During a series of in-depth discussions, the fellowship's emphasis on sustainable, scalable solutions deeply resonated with her. "Before, I thought scaling was about expanding the number of micro-factories and market reach," she reflects. "But Mulago’s strategy challenged me to think differently—scale isn’t just about growth in numbers, but about designing models that can create lasting, widespread impact while remaining true to our core mission."

Mulago’s approach, centered around simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability, encouraged Irene to refine MAMLO’s Micro-Factory model, ensuring it could be replicated across diverse regions without compromising the quality or integrity of the solution. With this newfound clarity, Irene now envisions not only expanding MAMLO’s footprint but also deepening the impact on peanut-growing communities by empowering more women farmers through localized processing.



As  Irene continues her fellowship with Mulago, her focus is clear: building a scalable, sustainable system that uplifts women, drives economic growth, and transforms the peanut value chain in Africa. Her time in the Atlas Mountains provided the clarity and confidence needed to push forward, turning MAMLO FOODS into a model for empowering communities, a micro-factory at a time.This retreat has not only sharpened Irene's vision but also reinforced her commitment to community-centered growth.


 For MAMLO FOODS, the future is bright, and Irene is ready to lead the charge toward global peanut prosperity while ensuring that the benefits remain with the women smallholders at the heart of the business.

FROM TESO'S FIELDS TO TRANSFORMATIVE INNOVATION

FROM TESO'S FIELDS TO TRANSFORMATIVE INNOVATION

Born in Teso, a community known for its peanuts and millet, Irene saw firsthand how local farmers, particularly women, were exploited by middlemen, leading to deepening poverty exacerbated by climate change and rising input costs. 


Inspired by her father and driven by a passion for food innovation, Irene pursued a degree in Food Science and Technology at the University of Nairobi. After graduation, she volunteered with an international NGO, gaining insights into effective strategies for supporting rural communities.


In 2017, Irene launched a business producing porridge flours and millet-based snacks from indigenous grains, initially focusing on supporting a handful of women smallholders. The increasing demand from other women smallholders led her to redefine her approach to value addition and livelihood improvement.


In early 2023, Irene and her team developed the “Micro-Factory” model, a transformative approach that localizes processing and leverages community resources equitably and sustainably. Recognizing the peanut value chain as a key driver for impact, she focused on using this model to uplift marginalized women smallholders and foster prosperity in peanut-growing communities across Africa.


Irene’s innovative products and commitment to community empowerment have earned her prestigious awards, including the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Leaders in Innovation Fellowship, and recognition as an MB100 awardee. She is currently a Rainer Arnhold Fellow with the Mulago Foundation, where she continues to scale her impactful solutions for global peanut prosperity.

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Our "why" is rooted in our commitment to social equity, community development, and sustainable growth.

The challenge

In Africa, women smallholder farmers play a crucial role, producing approximately 70% of the continent's peanuts. Despite their hard work, they often receive as little as 40% of the retail price due to exploitative middlemen and limited access to processing facilities. This systemic inequity keeps them trapped in poverty—over 30% of rural women live below the poverty line.


The opportunity

The global demand for ethically sourced, sustainable food is expected to exceed $1 trillion by 2030. By addressing the barriers faced by women farmers and implementing fair pricing schemes, we can unlock a significant market opportunity while transforming lives. Research shows that enhancing market access and local processing can increase smallholder incomes by up to 60%


Our Solution 


At MAMLO FOODS, we leverage an innovative Micro-Factory Model to establish localized processing units in peanut-growing regions of Africa. This model empowers women farmers by:

  1. Ensuring Fair Prices: By reducing reliance on middlemen, we ensure that farmers receive fair compensation for their crops.
  2. Creating Jobs: Local processing units provide employment opportunities, particularly for women, fostering community development.
  3. Enhancing Quality: Our quality means our premium peanut-based products meet international quality standards, making them highly competitive in both local and global markets.
  4. Driving Sustainable Growth: By focusing on community-centered solutions, we help create a resilient economy that benefits everyone involved.

Impact

Investing in MAMLO FOODS is not just a financial decision—it's a chance to make a lasting impact. By supporting us, you will help empower women, promote fair pricing mechanisms, and create economic opportunities in marginalized communities. Our approach aligns perfectly with the values of impact investing, generating not only financial returns but also measurable social and environmental outcomes.

Together, let’s turn this vision into reality.

 Thank you for considering MAMLO FOODS as a partner in this vital mission.

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Thank you for visiting! Be sure to check back regularly for updates on open positions and exciting opportunities with us.

  • Kisumu, Kenya
  • Tom Mboya Estate

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