CityBlue Hotels, a prominent African hospitality chain, has announced a significant investment in Kenyan startup Farm to Feed, a technology-driven platform addressing the critical issue of food waste in Sub-Saharan Africa. The partnership aims to increase farmer income, combat food waste, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the region.
Farm to Feed operates by connecting farmers directly with buyers, focusing on “imperfect” produce that often goes unsold due to cosmetic imperfections despite being perfectly edible. The platform’s innovative approach not only provides farmers with a reliable market for their surplus produce but also tackles the alarming problem of food waste, which accounts for up to 50% of crop loss in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“The impact of unsold produce is devastating,” said Claire van Enk, Founder and CEO of Farm to Feed. “It not only threatens food security but also contributes significantly to climate change through the release of methane from rotting food.”
Farm to Feed leverages technology and a robust logistics network to ensure efficient delivery of produce. The company also collects valuable data to understand the root causes of food loss, identify opportunities to improve agricultural practices, and ultimately create a more sustainable food system.
“This partnership reinforces our commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices,” explained Jameel Verjee, Founder and CEO of CityBlue Hotels. “It aligns perfectly with the impact investment focus of The Diar Group, our parent company.”
The announcement was made at the Africa Hotel Investment Forum 2024, where Verjee encouraged other businesses to collaborate with Farm to Feed in tackling pressing issues such as food security, sustainability, and climate change.
This strategic investment solidifies CityBlue Hotels’ position as a leader in sustainable hospitality practices and demonstrates a tangible commitment to supporting a more circular food system in Africa.
The collaboration between CityBlue Hotels and Farm to Feed is expected to have a positive ripple effect throughout the region. By increasing farmer income, reducing food waste, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, the partnership has the potential to significantly impact both the environment and the livelihoods of millions of people.