About Stawi
Learn about our mission to empower smallholder farmers and transform rural communities through sustainable agriculture.
Our Story
Stawi was born from a simple yet powerful observation: smallholder farmers across East Africa possess incredible potential, yet lack access to the resources, knowledge, and markets needed to thrive. We set out to change that.
Founded in 2020, Stawi (meaning “to flourish” in Swahili) began with a pilot project in coastal Tanzania, working with just 50 farming families. Today, we’ve grown to serve thousands of farmers across multiple regions, but our mission remains the same: to create sustainable livelihoods for smallholder farmers while producing premium agricultural products for global markets.
Our Mission
To empower smallholder farmers by providing them with quality seedlings, beehives, training, and guaranteed market access, creating a sustainable ecosystem that transforms rural communities.
Our Vision
A world where every smallholder farmer has the resources and opportunities to build a prosperous, sustainable livelihood while contributing to environmental conservation and food security.
Our Values
🌱 Sustainability First
Every decision we make considers the long-term impact on farmers, communities, and the environment.
🤝 Partnership & Trust
We build genuine partnerships with farmers, treating them as valued collaborators, not just suppliers.
📊 Transparency
Open communication about pricing, processes, and outcomes builds trust and empowers farmers.
💡 Innovation
We continuously seek new ways to improve farming practices, processing methods, and market access.
🌍 Community Impact
Our success is measured by the positive change in the lives of farmers and their communities.
The Stawi Model
Our integrated approach addresses the entire agricultural value chain:
Input Provision: We provide quality cashewnut seedlings and modern beehives to registered farmers.
Training & Support: Our field officers provide ongoing training in sustainable farming practices, pest management, and harvest optimization.
Guaranteed Purchase: We commit to purchasing all produce from our farmers at fair, pre-agreed prices.
Processing: Our facilities process raw cashewnuts and honey to international standards.
Market Access: We connect processed products to premium markets globally, maximizing value for all stakeholders.
Leadership Team
James Mwangi - Founder & CEO
A social entrepreneur with 15+ years in agricultural development, James founded Stawi to address the systemic challenges facing smallholder farmers.
Mary Kimathi - Chief Operations Officer
With a background in supply chain management and rural development, Mary oversees our field operations and farmer partnerships.
Dr. Peter Oloo - Head of Agriculture
An agronomist with expertise in cashew cultivation and apiculture, Peter leads our technical training and quality assurance programs.
Grace Wanjiku - Head of Community Development
Grace ensures our programs create lasting positive change in farming communities through education and social programs.
Join Our Mission
Whether you’re a potential partner, investor, or simply someone who believes in the power of sustainable agriculture, we’d love to connect.