Irene Etyang empowers rural women farmers in Kenya through Mamlo Foods’ sustainable, value-added processing model.
Growing up in a farming community, Irene Etyang witnessed the economic challenges of smallholder women farmers, particularly in the peanut and Indigenous grain sectors. Many of these farmers faced difficulties with limited market access and were frequently underpaid by middlemen.
Drawing on her academic background in Food Science and Technology, Etyang developed a business model focused on local crop processing and community ownership. Mamlo Foods organises women farmers into cooperatives that operate container-based, solar-powered micro-factories. These units process raw agricultural products such as peanuts, cassava, and bananas into higher-value items like peanut butter and flour. The approach enables farmers to earn better returns by moving up the value chain while retaining more community profits.
Mamlo Foods also offers training in food safety, value addition, and cooperative marketing, and assists in connecting farmers with higher-paying buyers. Each micro-factory can process crops grown on approximately 40 acres of land. According to the company, this model supports income generation while promoting sustainability and traceability in rural food systems.
Etyang’s business philosophy has evolved through mentorship and fellowship programmes. “Before, I thought scaling was about expanding the number of micro-factories and market reach, but Mulago’s strategy challenged me to think differently—scale isn’t just about growth in numbers, but about designing models that can create lasting, widespread impact while remaining true to our core mission.”~Etyang said during the Mulago fellowship retreat.
With over ten years of experience in food processing, product development, and agribusiness, Etyang has also shaped Kenya’s agricultural trade policy, particularly in enhancing inter-county trade. Her leadership has been recognised through several accolades, including the Mandela Washington Fellowship, the Leaders in Innovation Fellowship by the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Meaningful Business 100 Global Award, and her selection as a Mulago Fellow. In 2024, Mamlo Foods received a $25,000 Seed Grant from the Seeding The Future Foundation and the Institute of Food Technologists to support its expansion efforts.
Through Mamlo Foods, Irene Etyang continues to pursue her mission of strengthening food systems, increasing farmers’ incomes, and promoting inclusive, sustainable agriculture in Kenya’s peanut-growing regions.
