Haron Wachira

Contrary to what some people might think, it is actually possible to build ethical business around disasters. Take, for example, the cyclical drought that perennially invade and devastate lives in our part of the world. Entrepreneurs can provide solutions for:

• AWGs: Proliferate, engineer new systems or improve existing Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs). Some AWG methods rely entirely on natural temperature differences (eg between night and day periods), requiring no external energy sources. Others produce useful yields of water at a reduced energy cost. Huge business potential in our part of the world.

• Water storage: Partner with governments, or communities, to build sand dams. Through community level associations or cooperatives, it is possible to build, maintain and sustain a small-scale, irrigated agricultural programme in a village – built around a sand dam.

• Greenhouses and vertical gardens. The technology is now refined. One can set up a system that reduces water use by as much 95% using aeroponic and hydroponic technologies. one can also maximise use of space by building vertical gardens. Better still it is now possible and economical to use artificial LED lights to eliminate the need for sunlight, and to maximise growth by lighting up the ‘farm’! By the way, this is not a yarn: a coop I belong to has recently acquired land on which we intend to implement a vertical farm – producing tree seedlings. So watch this space.

All things considered entrepreneurs are actually better than government in addressing complex needs in society through business approaches. Medicine. Machinery. Agricultural production. Even drought resistant crop varieties are all products of business. Good governments aid research, create infrastructure and otherwise facilitate the availability of a conducive environment for doing business – to solve problems and meet needs in society.

For the socially-mindful entrepreneur, the difference he/she brings on board is the ethical fibre – a rare find these days: in the quality of products; in pricing; in the honouring of warranty commitments; and, most of all in ensuring environmental responsibilities are adequately factored in the the execution of the business.

Top among how an ethical business is structured is a commitment to developing good, trusting relationships with customers, employees, suppliers and the community. Trusting relationships grow around keeping of promises, openly discussing difficulties with customers and listening and addressing the concerns of employees and stakeholder or neighbouring communities.