Kidist Amedie, the CEO of Guaro Farms, is an architect, farmer, and social justice advocate passionate about resource-based economies, sustainable design, and regenerative agriculture. She employs an innovative approach to farm-gate processing through nano-factories.

Guaro Farms is an award-winning initiative that designs, builds, and manages micro-factories in 20-foot shipping containers that process spices and herbs into essential oils right at the farm gate. These factories are strategically located within walking distance of groups of 500 farmers, which helps reduce post-harvest losses, ensures product quality, and empowers women who cultivate spices in Ethiopia.

Kidist’s leadership exemplifies an activist strategy in business aimed at creating the world we desire rather than resisting the world we do not want. She has developed a business model that supports and sources from women forest farmers.

The distributed micro crude distillation factories located in herb-growing regions significantly reduce weight and produce small quantities of essential oils. eliminates the need for long-distance transportation, minimizing spoilage and waste. By purchasing directly from farmers, Guaro Farms ensures they receive fair prices for their produce, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient food supply chain while creating new job opportunities and fostering economic growth in rural communities across Ethiopia.