Welcome to a movement rooted in empowerment, sustainability, and shared purpose. Together, we are growing herbs sustainably and shaping the futures of small farmers across Africa.

Across rural Africa, many smallholder farmers live with daily uncertainty. They face a constant struggle for survival, unsure whether the rains will come, whether there will be too little or too much, whether their harvest will feed their families or be lost entirely. With no safety net, no access to modern training, and often dependent on harmful chemicals out of fear, these farmers who feed the continent bear all the risk.

Our project changes that.

The AP Herbs project empowers small farmers across Africa to grow organic herbs using sustainable methods, with full training, modern tools, free seeds, and installations. These farmers aren’t just the producers of the herbs, they become co-owners in a pan-African value chain from seed to product, sharing in future profits and long-term success. Their income no longer depends on unpredictable weather but on a shared stake in a growing African-led industry. Local communication hubs foster knowledge, connection, and community self-sufficiency, while all labs and production remain in Africa to ensure the economic and social benefits stay where they’re needed most.

We are currently working with farmers in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Sudan, Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia, Congo (DRC), Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, Burundi, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Togo.

Our goal is to collaborate with all African countries to build a continent-wide network of empowered smallholder farmers.

The Point of Fulfillment marks the moment when our vision becomes reality and when smallholder farmers stand connected, skilled, and economically empowered. It is the stage where the seeds sown through training, cooperation, and innovation begin to flourish into shared prosperity. Beyond herbs, farmers cultivate stronger communities, unlock new opportunities for their families, and become drivers of lasting change in their regions.

1. TEAM BUILDING
   At the moment, volunteers from around the world are joining the effort to help identify and connect with local farming communities. Partnerships are also being established with governments and organizations in each participating country to ensure smooth coordination and implementation.
    
2. RECRUITING FARMERS
   The pre-project phase is in progress, focusing on recruiting participating countries and farmers.
   This preparation phase is scheduled to continue until March 2025 at the latest.
    
3. TRAINING GROUP FOR THE FARMERS
   An important step is to equip the farmers with fully functional communication points, including a satellite antenna, tuner, Starlink software and license, solar panel, energy storage system, WLAN router, four signal enhancers, laptop, projector, cables, and all necessary connections. In addition, comprehensive teaching materials will be prepared to support farmer training and ensure effective knowledge transfer.
    
4. DEVELOPMENT OF THE HERB DATABASE
   Work on the central herb database is progressing rapidly. This highly confidential system is being developed and will be accessible through a secure web interface.
    
5. DEVELOPMENT OF THE LEARNING WEBSITE FOR FARMERS
   The creation of an online learning platform for farmers is currently in progress. This website will serve as an accessible digital hub for training, information sharing, and continuous education. It will include step-by-step guides, tutorials, and lessons on organic herb cultivation, irrigation setup and sustainable farming techniques. Farmers will be able to access the platform via the communication points, even in remote areas, ensuring equal access to knowledge and support. The goal is to empower every participant with the skills and confidence needed to operate successfully and independently within the project’s value chain.
    
6. SETTING UP THE PLANTING BEDS
   After completing their training, farmers will begin establishing their first planting beds and preparing the soil for cultivation. This practical phase marks the transition from learning to hands-on implementation, guided by agricultural experts. Comprehensive analyses are conducted for all planting plots, including soil-, climate- and seasonal analysis. These evaluations ensure optimal growing conditions and high-quality herb production across all participating regions.
    
7. TRANSMISSION OF CONSTRUCTION INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE IRRIGATION SYSTEM
   This project phase is underway to ensure consistent implementation across all participating regions. The 3D development of the farming installations has already started, providing precise visual models to guide setup and operation.
    
8. TRANSMISSION OF CONSTRUCTION INSTRUCTIONS FOR POWER GENERATION
   The development and transmission of construction instructions for small-scale power generation systems are now in progress. Research has already begun to identify the most efficient and sustainable energy solutions suited for rural conditions. All materials and guidelines will be shared through the established communication points, ensuring that every participating community can access and implement the technology.
    
9. COMPLETION OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE PLANTATIONS
   Once the training and preparatory phases are complete, farmers will move on to finalizing the full infrastructure for their plantations. This includes constructing the planting beds and setting up the irrigation systems. This stage represents a major milestone, as farmers take full ownership of their agricultural sites and put their newly acquired skills into practice.
    
10. FREE PROVISION OF SEEDS TO FARMERS
    All participating farmers will receive their first supply of high-quality organic seeds free of charge. The collection of the certified seeds has already begun, ensuring that only the best, naturally cultivated varieties are distributed.
     
11. GROW SEEDLINGS AND RAISE SAPLINGS
    In this phase, farmers begin cultivating seedlings from the provided organic seeds. Once the seedlings reach the ideal size and strength, they are carefully transplanted into the prepared garden beds. This stage is a defining moment in the project, as it transforms each training site into a living, productive herb plantation.
     
12. TRAINING FOR CULTIVATION, HARVESTING, AND DELIVERY TO THE LABORATORY
    In this crucial phase, farmers receive detailed instructions on how to cultivate, care for, and harvest their herbs according to organic farming standards. Comprehensive training materials and visual guides are being developed to ensure clarity and consistency across all regions. Once harvested, the crops are carefully prepared and transported to the central laboratory in the capital.
     
13. HARVEST HERBS AND TRANSPORT THEM TO THE CENTRAL LABORATORY
    After initial processing and quality control in each country’s local laboratory, all collected herbs are transported to the Central Laboratory in Nairobi, the core research and production hub of the AP Herbs network.
     
14. EXTRACTION, ANALYSIS, GENETIC ENGINEERING, PURIFICATION, AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
    At the Central Laboratory in Nairobi, harvested herbs are transformed into high-value products through a series of scientific and sustainable processes. Active ingredients are extracted, analyzed, refined, and developed into natural products that meet global quality standards. This innovation-driven approach adds value within Africa, strengthens local industries, and positions African science and agriculture at the forefront of sustainable development.
     
15. FINDING INVESTORS TO SET UP PRODUCTION
    During this phase, the focus is on attracting strategic partners and financial supporters who share the vision of building a fully African-based herb production and processing network.
     
16. PROJECT CLOSING PARTY 

Link to the countries