Aftrak

Source: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/aftrak/ Parent: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/aftrak/team/

Winner of the $1 million Milken-Motsepe Prize in Green Energy global competition.

Aftrak is a groundbreaking initiative that combines solar microgrids and tailored tractors to empower smallholder farmers across Africa. It aims to significantly increase crop yields and smallholder incomes while providing access to clean, green electricity in rural communities.

A scalable, self-sustaining economy

The Aftrak solar array electrifies the community, powers the Aftrak micro electric tractor which allows villages to use Deep Bed Farming to increase their crop yield by up to three-fold which in turn allows for the purchase of power from the Aftrak microgrid, creating a self-sustaining model for decentralised energy access.

The Aftrak system

A revolutionary system comprising a solar microgrid, a micro electric tractor and a new agricultural technique, Deep Bed Farming.

[### Technology

Our innovative approach combines the implementation of solar microgrids with the deployment of Aftrak tractors, specifically designed for the African market.](https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/aftrak/technology/)

[### Impact

We are creating a self-sustaining model with the potential to help 800 million African farmers, addressing multiple Sustainable Development Goals.](https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/aftrak/impact/)

[### Deep Bed Farming

Aftrak aims to lower the barriers to Deep Bed Farming which significantly increases soil fertility, maximise water retention and mitigate erosion.](https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/aftrak/deep-bed-farming/)

[### Milken-Motsepe Prize

Aftrak is honoured to be named the $1M Grand Prize winner of the Milken-Motsepe Prize in Green Energy at the opening of the Milken Institute Global Conference.](https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/aftrak/milken-motsepe-prize/)