KickStart International

KickStart International. It is a nonprofit social enterprise founded in 1991 by engineers Martin Fisher and Nick Moon, with a mission to lift millions of people in Africa out of poverty. The organization designs and markets low-cost, high-quality irrigation technologies to enable small-scale farmers to transition from subsistence to commercial agriculture. Its innovative approach focuses on creating sustainable businesses and markets around its tools, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa.

History and founding

The organization was established in 1991 by Martin Fisher, a PhD in engineering from Stanford University, and Nick Moon, an engineer with experience in appropriate technology in Kenya. The founders were influenced by their work with ApproTEC, a Kenyan nonprofit, and sought to address the root causes of poverty through market-based solutions. Initially based in Kenya, the organization later expanded its headquarters to San Francisco to better manage fundraising and partnerships with the international development community. Its early work focused on developing and testing a range of tools, which eventually led to the flagship MoneyMaker irrigation pump.

Technology and products

The core of its work revolves around the MoneyMaker series of human-powered irrigation pumps, which include the hip pump and the super money maker pump. These devices are manufactured locally in Africa using materials like steel and PVC and are designed to be affordable, durable, and easy to maintain. The technology enables farmers to access water from shallow wells, rivers, and lakes, allowing for high-value crop cultivation during dry seasons. Beyond pumps, it has also developed complementary technologies, such as low-pressure drip irrigation kits, to maximize water efficiency. The products are sold through a network of local retailers and agro-dealers, creating a sustainable supply chain.

Impact and operations

Its programs have been implemented across several countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Malawi. By selling over 300,000 pumps, the organization estimates it has helped lift more than 1.4 million people out of poverty. The impact is measured through increased farm incomes, improved food security, and the creation of rural employment opportunities in sales and maintenance. Operations involve not only marketing but also extensive farmer training and the development of demonstration farms to showcase best practices. This market-driven model has been recognized for its scalability and effectiveness in transforming rural economies.

Partnerships and funding

It collaborates with a diverse array of partners to finance its work and expand its reach. Key funding has come from major foundations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Skoll Foundation, and the Mastercard Foundation. It also works with international development agencies like the United States Agency for International Development and the Department for International Development of the United Kingdom. Corporate partnerships, including with companies like The Coca-Cola Company and PepsiCo, have supported specific projects and value-chain development. These collaborations are essential for subsidizing initial market creation, conducting research, and scaling proven models across new regions.

Recognition and awards

The organization and its founders have received significant acclaim for their innovative approach to poverty reduction. Martin Fisher was named an Ashoka Fellow and received the prestigious Lemelson–MIT Prize for invention. The model has been highlighted by the World Bank and the United Nations as a successful example of social entrepreneurship. It has also been recognized by the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship and received the Tech Museum Awards for technology benefiting humanity. These awards underscore its contribution to the fields of appropriate technology and sustainable development.

Category:Agricultural organizations Category:Non-profit organizations based in San Francisco Category:International development organizations