GIF invests in revolutionary bioherbicide to combat devastating Striga parasite.

The Global Innovation Fund (GIF) is excited to announce an Early Test & Transition grant to The Toothpick Project for their game-changing bioherbicide, Kichawi Kill™. This revolutionary product offers a powerful and sustainable solution to the parasitic weed known as Striga, or "witchweed".

Kichawi Kill™ is a fungal-based bioherbicide, one of the first of its kind to be commercialised globally. What makes it so groundbreaking is its effectiveness, ease of use for farmers, and its environmentally friendly nature.

Stealing nutrients from staple crops before the weed even becomes visible above ground, Striga infestations often mark the difference between food security and hunger. A single Striga plant can produce a staggering 100,000 microscopic seeds, capable of lying dormant in the soil for decades. Once activated, these seeds attach to crop roots, siphoning off water, nutrients, and carbohydrates. The result is often devastating, with yield losses reaching up to 80% or even total crop failure.

Currently, 50 million hectares of farmland are plagued by Striga, leading to an estimated $9 billion in annual crop losses. In western Kenya alone, 340,000 hectares are affected, costing farmers $53 million annually, representing 12.3% of the country's total maize production.

Beyond its impressive effectiveness, its ease of integration into existing farming practices and long shelf-life makes it a practical solution for farmers. Claire Baker, co-founder of The Toothpick Project, said:

"GIF's investment is the catalyst we need to advance The Toothpick Project to its next phase. Striga infestations are swiftly spreading, according to many farmers at our western Uganda trial locations. It is vital that we act with urgency to deal with rapidly spreading infestations.

We’re grateful to GIF for the level of investment over a three-year time period which allows us to go deeper in our field research, expand our reach and forge partnerships. We've already witnessed incredible results, with farmers seeing 35-60% yield increases after just one season of using Kichawi Kill™."

The GIF grant will enable The Toothpick Project to scale up its operations. This includes securing vital regulatory approvals in Tanzania and expanding into Nigeria, where over 20 million people are affected by Striga. The Toothpick Project will also continue to collect crucial long-term impact data for Kichawi Kill™ and develop pricing strategies to ensure the product remains accessible to a wide range of customers.

Managing Director of Grants at GIF, Serah Nderitu, said: 

“Our investment in The Toothpick Project’s product, Kichawi Kill™ exemplifies GIF's commitment to scalable solutions for pressing global challenges," she says. "Striga is a devastating problem for millions of smallholder farmers, and Kichawi Kill™ offers a truly innovative and sustainable way to protect livelihoods and food security. We are excited to support its expansion and the significant impact it will have on agricultural resilience in affected regions."

To find out more about Kichawi Kill™ visit The Toothpick Project investment page.