EcoFertilizer & Pesticides is operated by Ferax Hills Ltd, producing organic inputs under the FERAXIO brand from Jali-Gasanze, Gasabo District. Supported by the University of Rwanda and GIIH, the venture turns organic waste into eco-friendly fertilizer and bio-pesticide solutions.
- Cohort: GIIH Cohort 2
- Status: Startup stage
- Company: Ferax Hills Ltd
- GIIH support received: 4,000,000 RWF
- Location: Jali-Gasanze, Gasabo District, Kigali
- Founder: Alphonse NSENGIYUMVA
Introduction — the farmer challenge
Mukeshimana Claudine, a farmer in Rwanda’s South Province with 1 hectare of land, spends around 300,000 RWF on chemical fertilizer and pesticides each season. She expected 6 tonnes of harvest but achieved only 2 tonnes. Her story reflects millions of smallholders — agriculture employs 65% of Rwanda’s labour force and contributes 26% of GDP.
The problem
- Excessive use of chemical inputs
- Declining soil fertility
- Untreated organic waste
The solution
- Organic inputs to replace harmful chemicals
- Soil restoration and conservation
- Organic waste management — converting waste into productive inputs
Products
- Organic waste management — collection and processing of food and farm waste
- FERAXIO eco NPK — organic fertilizer (*For everything that GROWS*)
- FERAXIO Bio-pesticide — natural crop protection
- SHISHA Max — combined organic fertilizer + pesticide (N, P, K, Ca, Mg)
Traction and projections
Current traction:
- Demo site garden in operation
- Production capacity of 50 L per day
- Working with 10 farmers, including one cooperative and one hotel
- Member of ROAM (Rwanda Organic Agriculture Movement)
Projections:
- 500 kg compost from wasted food by 2024
- 500 L liquid fertilizer per day by end of 2024
- 5,000 farmers by 2025
Target market
Local farmers growing vegetables and fruits, including producers supplying the export market.
Business model
- Pesticide (1 L): cost 3,000 RWF → sell 5,000 RWF
- Fertilizer (5 L): cost 3,000 RWF → sell 5,000 RWF
- Compost (25 kg): cost 5,500 RWF → sell 9,000 RWF
Competition
Main organic competitor: AGROPY (bio-pesticides). Ferax Hills competes against conventional chemical inputs by offering a sustainable alternative.
Why Ferax Hills is better
- Sustainable solution with zero chemical residue
- Increase crop yield up to 30%
- Does not harm soil health
Team
Passionate and goal oriented.
- Alphonse NSENGIYUMVA — Founder & CEO, Master of Organic Farming
- Marie Grace Umubyeyi — Farmer, Operations Manager
Funding ask
Seeking 25 million RWF for assets, increased working capital, and marketing. Goal: scale to 500 kg/day compost from organic waste and 500 L/day of liquid fertilizer and pesticides.
Contact
Jali-Gasanze, Gasabo District, Kigali
Phone: 0788 800 909