Domestica
Domestica is an agricultural business started by entrepreneurial healthcare professionals who wanted to combat malnutrition within their community. They recognized that the affordability and accessibility of protein was one of the strongest drivers of health and wellbeing, and thus in 2021 established a goat and poultry farm.
Since starting their business, the Domestica team have tried a range of innovative techniques to reduce costs and increase production. One of these innovations has been hydroponic farming to speed up the generation of livestock feed. As a result, they are able to produce food for goats in 7 days, which allows them to keep and feed their herd using only a small piece of land rather than the more common grazing method. Given the high percentage of smallholder farmers in Rwanda, they recognize this as a much-needed innovation across the country and are now training other businesses to employ hydroponics.
They have also introduced a small solar-power facility which supports their irrigation system to improve water efficiency. Alongside their hydroponics, they have pellet-maker and corn-crusher machines which allows them to transform agricultural waste into food pellets for the goats and create compost both for their farm and as a product to sell to the local community.
The key to Domestica’s growth has been their embrace of new farming techniques, some of which have been successful, while others require more advice, support and finessing. Previous attempts with Black Soldier Flies were unsuccessful, but the Domestica team are excited by the prospect of training and support from CIRF to make this a success,
Domestica also hope to find more sustainable solutions to their farming systems overall, including the cultivation of grasses that will provide additional food for the goat herd, and better market access for their products to support business growth.
They are hopeful that engaging with the CIRF process will support them with their innovations, which in turn will provide access to affordable protein and better health for their community.
Domestica Farm employs 4 full-time employees.
