Protection and Preservation
We promote the conservation of the indigenous baobab trees which take approximately 15 -20 years to mature by not just conserving existing ones but planting new baobab trees.
Social Impact
We buy baobab fruits from at least 2,000 farmers from the semi-arid Makueni, Taita Taveta and Kilifi counties, Kenya. This has been a constant source of income for these farmers and continues to aid in improving their livelihoods.
Circularity in Production
We are applying the circularity model by recycling the baobab seed cake into animal feed and the baobab husk is being developed into a planting medium for hydroponics farming.
our story
Vokenel was born in 2017 by two siblings driven by the passion to conserve drought resistant trees in semi-arid areas that local communities can use as alternative cash crops to improve their livelihoods. They set their eyes on the baobab tree; an icon of the African continent offering over 300 life – sustaining uses and with a lifespan of over 5,000 years; hence termed the tree of life. To them, it was not just about the tree though.
WHY BAOBAB?
Apart from the need to preserve this iconic, indigenous tree, baobab fruits contain medicinal properties and were used for centuries by African communities due to treat various ailments and also strengthen the bodies to withstand diseases. Baobab fruit powder has various healthy and nutritional ingredients and the tree’s oil is a highly sought out commodity in the cosmetics and dermatology industries for its health benefits.