The Client's Vision
Adeso, iHub, and the Mastercard Foundation teamed up to create Maarifa Kona, two community idea spaces in rural areas of Marsabit and Garissa counties, Kenya. These hubs aimed to empower local communities to develop creative ways to withstand drought by fostering innovation. Maarifa Kona aimed to help inventors create practical solutions and provide a safe space for people to share experiences and test ideas. Key areas of focus included food security, water management, protecting livestock, creating new ways to earn a living, and early warning systems.
Empowering Innovators
Our role in this initiative was to impart design thinking skills to innovators in Marsabit and Garissa and support them in developing practical solutions for drought management. We conducted two parallel design training sessions, providing UX consultants to guide the innovators through user research, prototyping, testing, and pitching their ideas to potential investors.
The Rigorous Journey
Over a period of seven months, innovators in Marsabit and Garissa underwent a rigorous and competitive design thinking process. The journey began with 11 innovations, with each phase focusing on refining and improving their ideas. Through continuous support and mentorship, the number of innovations was gradually reduced based on their feasibility and impact. By the end of this process, four innovators had advanced to the next stage, having their ideas incubated by the Adeso, iHub, and Mastercard Foundation (AIM) Consortium.
Key Activities and Deliverables
Training and Mentorship:
- Conducted design thinking training sessions in Garissa and Marsabit.
- Provided ongoing UX support, helping innovators with user research, prototyping, testing, and pitching.
User Research and Prototyping:
- Guided innovators through the user research phase to understand the specific needs and challenges related to drought in their communities.
- Supported the development of prototypes, ensuring they were practical and user-centric.
Testing and Refinement:
- Facilitated usability testing sessions to gather feedback and refine the prototypes.
- Helped innovators make necessary adjustments to enhance the effectiveness and usability of their solutions.
Pitching and Incubation:
- Prepared innovators to pitch their ideas to potential investors.
- Four successful innovations advanced to the incubation stage with the AIM Consortium.
Building Resilience Through Innovation
The Maarifa Kona Initiative demonstrates the power of design thinking in addressing complex challenges such as drought in rural Kenya. By empowering local innovators with the skills and support needed to develop practical solutions, Adeso, iHub, and the Mastercard Foundation have created a sustainable model for community resilience and preparedness. Our involvement in this project highlights our commitment to fostering innovation and supporting communities in building a better future.
