Award: Welthungerhilfe (WHH) Named One of Germany’s Top 100 Innovative SMEs
Conflicts, the climate crisis and economic inequality pose new challenges for the global fight against hunger. To achieve the goal of "Zero Hunger by 2030", international cooperation needs new ideas and creative approaches––in short, innovation.
This year, we can count ourselves among Germany's top innovators. As the first NGO among the award winners, we are positioning ourselves as a pioneer in this field. Receiving the "TOP100 Innovation Award" underlines the innovative strength of our organization. We view the recognition as an incentive to further strengthen our dialogue with companies. At the same time, this award also sends a clear signal: innovation is not only important—and necessary—in the private sector but also in development cooperation and humanitarian action.
Diverse innovations as an integral part of our work and organizational culture
Innovation is firmly anchored in our “Zero Hunger on a Healthy Planet” strategy. New solutions and approaches are crucial for transforming systems and achieving maximum sustainability. Together with our partners, we actively seek strategic opportunities to research, design, test and scale promising innovative approaches, products and services.
Business-centered Innovation
Our Innovation Unit deals with alternative business models and entrepreneurship. The focus here is on sustainable practices and profitability.
Practical example: Partnership with SHONA – Empowering female entrepreneurs in East Africa
SHONA is a social enterprise based in Uganda that supports female entrepreneurs through tailored business support, mentoring, and access to networks and capital, enabling them to grow sustainably and bring about real change in their communities. Together, we are implementing Project Herizon, an ambitious initiative that supports 41 women-led businesses in sectors such as climate-smart agriculture, nutrition, and digital skills development. Out of 61 companies visited, we have selected 41 promising ones. In intensive boot camps, female entrepreneurs and their teams acquired important skills in areas such as financial and cash flow management, as well as climate resilience.
Technology-centered innovations
Efficient solutions are developed through the use of various technologies and artificial intelligence. The focus is always on the needs of users.
Practical example: Toothpick Kenya Ltd – Revolutionary bioherbicide technology to safeguard the maize harvest
WHH is a strategic partner of Toothpick Company Limited, which uses a revolutionary bioherbicide technology called Kichawi Kill to control Striga weeds in maize fields in Western Kenya and beyond. As a result, maize plants are healthier and farmers achieve higher yields. The initiative started as a pilot program in Western Kenya to test the effectiveness of the product. It is now being scaled up.
Approach-centered innovation
We integrate innovation into our day-to-day work by designing methods and approaches. This revolutionizes traditional practices. A key aspect of this work is its focus on transforming adaptability, evidence, and impact.
Practical example: Nutrition Smart CommUNITY – A cross-sectoral approach for “One Planet - Zero Hunger”
Proven and successful practices from different nutrition projects worldwide are combined in an integrated approach and further applied. Components of this approach are education about nutrition, sustainable agriculture and community empowerment. Following the establishment of 670 model villages in India, Bangladesh and Nepal, WHH has exported the concept to other countries (Sierra Leone, Malawi, Ethiopia, Burundi and Tajikistan).
Organizational-centered innovation
Our Culture and Transformation Office and the Digital Service Operations department are working on innovative changes to internal processes, systems and organizational structures. In this way, we want to ensure that our organization can adapt to constantly changing conditions.
Practical example: Culture and Transformation Office – Promoting agility, flexibility and unconventional thinking within our organization
The Culture and Transformation Office team supports the entire organization in the internal implementation of our strategy. It initiates innovations within the organization and gives culture and transformation a firm place in WHH’s day-to-day work. The focus is on the social side of change (strengthening the way we work, lead and learn) and preparing for strategic change in an ever-changing environment.
Innovation through partnerships: shaping the future together
Many companies are seeking effective ways to articulate their social commitment. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) means more than just donations; it stands for corporate responsibility—ecologically, socially, and economically.
Partnerships with us are diverse and can be individually tailored: From financial support and sponsorship to mentoring and advice to jointly designed innovation events and intensive collaboration on specific projects.
Whether through technologies, new business models or creative collaborations––innovation thrives on cooperation. Let's shape the future together––for a world without hunger!
Interested in a partnership? Contact Jan Kever, Head of Innovation, or Patricia Niewels from the Corperate Partnerships team.
