Ten Senses Africa (TSA)

Ten Senses Africa (TSA) is a Kenyan-based social enterprise established in 2008, dedicated to producing and exporting organic and Fair Trade-certified nuts and fruits, primarily macadamia and cashew nuts. The company collaborates directly with smallholder farmers in Kenya and Rwanda, aiming to improve their livelihoods by eliminating intermediaries and ensuring fair compensation.

Mission and Values

TSA’s mission is to enhance the incomes and productivity of smallholder farmers through ethical and sustainable practices. The company embodies ten core values—creativity, integrity, justice, equal opportunity, community, environment, quality, entrepreneurship, mystery, and humor—to foster better working conditions and empower nut growers.

Operations and Impact

• Farmer Engagement: TSA works directly with approximately 30,000 smallholder farmers, providing training, resources, and market access.

• Processing Facilities: The company operates processing plants in Nairobi and Athi River, adhering to high-quality standards such as FSSC 22000 compliance.

• Product Range: TSA specializes in organic and Fair Trade-certified macadamia and cashew nuts, catering to niche markets in the US and EU.

• Environmental Sustainability: The company practices zero-waste processing by utilizing nut shells as fuel for dryers and finding markets for all by-products.

Educational and Community Initiatives

In partnership with Sote Hub and supported by the AgriFI Kenya Challenge Fund, TSA has initiated programs to integrate agriculture into education:

• School-Based Farming: Collaborating with 150 schools, TSA encourages students to cultivate cashew trees, promoting agricultural entrepreneurship among the youth.

• Training and Certification: Students and farmers receive training to achieve organic and Fair Trade certifications, enhancing the quality and marketability of their produce.

International Recognition and Support

TSA has garnered support from international organizations, including the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), which provided financial assistance to help the company scale its operations and support more farmers.