In Ethiopia, one of the biggest challenges faced by smallholder farmers is preventing their produce from spoiling immediately after harvest. It is estimated that over 30% of fresh fruits and vegetables are wasted due to the lack of proper post-harvest processing and preservation. Against this backdrop, the model developed by Yarashoo Agro Industry, in collaboration with CARE, has become a prime example of how a local startup can leverage technology to build a dried agricultural value chain while promoting sustainable livelihoods for rural women and youth.
Yarashoo began with a simple idea: instead of letting fresh produce rot in the fields, why not buy it directly from farmers, process it into dried products, and distribute it to both domestic and international markets? From this idea, the startup developed the Aifa Foods brand, focusing on dried fruits and vegetables. However, turning what seemed like a simple model into reality required a persistent R&D journey—from studying drying techniques tailored to the characteristics of local crops to designing small-scale processing lines that still ensured food quality and hygiene standards.
One notable highlight in Yarashoo’s technological journey was its decision to adopt a combination of solar drying and an improved cold-drying process. The initial tech stack was basic, but through various MVP stages and trials at collection points, the technical team realized the need for additional components such as temperature and humidity sensors, as well as microcontrollers to ensure consistent product quality across batches. A manual Excel-based operations tracking system was gradually replaced by open-source mobile-integrated software, allowing local operators to record data in real time.
CARE has acted as a strategic partner—helping with policy linkages, providing technical training to farmers and processing teams, and enabling Yarashoo to access funding and international development networks. The synergy between the startup’s technological and operational capabilities and CARE’s deep understanding of rural Ethiopia has resulted in an inclusive growth model. Collection and packaging sites, operated by local women and youth, not only address unemployment but also serve as hubs for spreading preservation and processing skills to neighboring communities.
In contrast to industrial-scale urban processing models or imported high-tech equipment, Yarashoo chose a technology path tailored to local conditions—scalable, easy to replicate, and quick to train. This distinction is a key reason why the model is not only viable in theory but also impactful in practice. At the P4G Vietnam Summit 2025, it was recognized for its applicability and potential to be replicated in other developing agricultural ecosystems.
A major lesson from Yarashoo is the importance of patience and adaptability in the process of technological refinement. The initial MVPs failed due to inconsistent product quality, packaging unsuitable for export markets, and unstable sourcing processes. Instead of chasing high-end technologies or expanding too quickly, the founding team continuously improved based on market feedback—from using desiccant packs to refining their packaging systems. They also actively sought support from acceleration programs, technical networks such as GAIN and CARE, and regional development investment funds.
Technology doesn’t need to be groundbreaking to make an impact. What matters is choosing the right problem to solve, deeply understanding the user context, and continuously adapting to real-world conditions. When developing solutions for agriculture in developing countries, start with simple processes that can be digitized incrementally, use low-tech but sustainable solutions, and never underestimate the catalytic role of nonprofit organizations in ecosystem building.
