Based on innovative nanotechnology, the products are ecologically friendly, natural, affordable and safe for human consumption, contributing to sustainable food production and minimizing hunger. For these reasons, Molepse BioResources won the ISC3 Best Regional Impact Award 2023 and has been chosen as the ISC3 Start-up of the Month for January 2024.

What exactly are Molepse´s products and what are the advantages in regard to sustainability? Dudukit and Dudumit are both grain storage protection products, the former aiming at small scale farmers and the latter being developed for large scale farming. Both products consist of essential oils extracted from naturally growing herbs and shrubs. In addition, the production process is not energy intensive, making it even more environmentally friendly.  Compared to other products on the market, the products are 50% cheaper.

Dudukit is a multi-target biopesticide that has both mortality and repellence actions against both larvae and live weevils and has been processed using nanotechnology to improve its use and effectiveness. The kit is inserted in the storage bag after breaking the seal and lasts for 6 months without the need to reapply. Its eco-friendly, affordable and easy to use.  The inorganic products currently in the market usually come in form of dust and require to be mixed with the grain. The obsolescence of this step not only reduces the risk of incomplete mixing and thus ensures the protection of the grains, but also reduces the amount of labour required, as this step involves personnel. The second product, Dudumit, is developed for large storage silos used by large scale farmers, for instance national storage facilities. It is a liquid that has to be sprayed into the silo for pest control and protection. As the chemicals are released very slowly, the protection is granted for approximately 6 months, until the next harvest season.

The whole success story of the ISC3 Start-up of the Month in December 2023 is currently told by the ISC3 on its website at Start-up Molepse BioResources (isc3.org).

Three questions for Donatus Njoroge (Co-Founder & CEO of Molepse BioResources):

What led to your solution in Sustainable Chemistry?

Donatus Njoroge: I witnessed first-hand food insecurity through destruction of maize by major post-harvest pests – weevils, as my parents were grain farmers in central Kenya. The pesticides or agrochemicals used back then and even now seems to lack effectiveness, and the pests have developed resistance. Moreover, they negatively affect the health of farmers and end-consumers, as the pesticides often contain toxic substances. This inspired me to pursue career in chemistry and look for a solution that is organic in nature, that won't affect human beings and at the same time a solution that will be effective.

What does being chosen as ISC3 Start-up of the Month mean to you?

D. Njoroge: It's indeed an honour and a privilege to be recognised by ISC3 as Start-up of the Month. The support is instrumental in helping us navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead on our entrepreneurial journey. As we embark on the long road ahead, we will leverage the resources and guidance provided by ISC3 to further fuel the growth and success of Molepse BioResources.

What’s next up at Molepse BioResources?

D. Njoroge: We want to increase our footstep in the market and work on introducing our products in other countries in East and West Africa like Tanzania and Nigeria, which are both major grain producers. Kenya highly relies on grains imported from our neighbour Tanzania, providing the chance to solve the problem of infestation at the root, at the grains´ origin. Furthermore, we are looking for funding to invest into suitable machinery to elevate the production of our innovative products.