Pillar 4
People, Planet & Impact
Collaboration, co-creation and shared value — rooted in dignity and respect for nature.
Kanakisa exists to demonstrate that ethical trade, indigenous knowledge systems, and commercial viability are not opposing forces. This pillar reflects our commitment to shared value creation, where communities, ecosystems, and markets thrive together.
Overview
People, Planet & Impact is the foundation upon which all of Kanakisa’s work is built.
We operate as a women-led biotrade enterprise committed to empowering rural communities, protecting biodiversity, and restoring balance within value chains that have historically extracted more than they returned.
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Our approach is intentional, long-term, and grounded in the belief that
true value is created when people and nature are treated with dignity.
Our Communities
Kanakisa works closely with:
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Rural harvesters
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Smallholder farmers
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Women’s groups
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Youth-led initiatives
Across sourcing and processing regions in Zimbabwe,
including Mashonaland Central and Matabeleland North.
Partnerships are built on:
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trust and transparency
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skills exchange
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fair benefit sharing
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respect for traditional knowledge systems
Where possible, we formalise relationships through
cooperatives, social enterprise models, and long-term agreements.
Indigenous Knowledge Systems
Traditional and indigenous knowledge is not an inspiration for Kanakisa
— it is a core operating principle.
We actively work to:
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honour heritage harvesting and processing practices
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protect community intellectual capital
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ensure knowledge holders remain visible and valued within the value chain
This approach strengthens
authenticity, sustainability, and intergenerational knowledge transfer.
Impact Focus Areas
​Kanakisa’s impact work centres on four interconnected areas:
Women’s Economic Empowerment
Supporting women as harvesters, processors, and leaders within biotrade value chains.
Biodiversity Conservation
Promoting sustainable harvesting, ecosystem protection, and regenerative land use practices.
Skills & Capacity Building
Providing training in quality control, value addition, business skills, and sustainable practices.
Climate Resilience
Supporting livelihoods and sourcing models that strengthen resilience to environmental and climate pressures.
Impact is measured progressively through
pre- and post-engagement assessments,
income indicators, and community-level outcomes.
Sustainability & Accountability
Kanakisa is committed to transparency and continuous improvement.
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Current focus areas include:
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Development of internal sustainability and environmental policies
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Progressive certification pathways (organic, fair trade, eco-labels)
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Lifecycle thinking across products and processes
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Impact documentation aligned with recognised global standards
While some systems remain in progress, we believe
honest reporting builds stronger trust than premature claims.
Recognition & Momentum
Kanakisa’s work has been recognised through:
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Participation in regional and international trade missions and expos
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Engagement with export and development partners
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Award recognition and nominations related to sustainability, climate, and nature-based solutions
These milestones affirm both our direction
and our responsibility to grow with integrity.
Partner With Us
We welcome collaboration with organisations and individuals who share our values and long-term vision.
Explore partnership opportunities
Learn more about our impact journey
Our Commitment
People, Planet & Impact is not a separate programme — it is embedded across:
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BioTrade Commodity Broking
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BioTrade Manufacturing
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BioTrade Retail
As we grow, we remain committed to:
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collaboration over extraction
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long-term value over short-term gain
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stewardship of both people and ecosystems
