Given his childhood aversion to green foods and lack of swimming skills, Nicholas Kee never imagined his journey would lead him to start a seaweed farm. However, growing up amidst significant wealth inequality and witnessing environmental degradation in his community in Jamaica fueled his passion for restoring the local ecosystem.
In 2020, after stints in tech startups and scientific research, Nicholas founded Kee Farms. The organization addresses environmental degradation and provides alternative livelihoods for Jamaican fisherfolk. Recognizing the rising ocean acidity and its harmful impact on marine life, particularly coral reefs, Nicholas saw seaweed cultivation as a solution to provide nourishment, create jobs, and restore the ecosystem. The main challenge for Kee Farms is to reverse the decline of Jamaica’s marine environment while also improving the economic prospects of local fishermen. By restoring coral reefs and providing sustainable income through seaweed farming, Nicholas aims to mitigate the adverse effects of environmental degradation on food security and public health in Jamaica.
Nicholas emphasizes the importance of patience and compassion in navigating the challenges of social entrepreneurship. He acknowledges that meaningful change takes time. As a participant in the Y&Y Fellowship, Nicholas found valuable support and insights, particularly in impact measurement. This content strengthened his ability to drive positive change through Kee Farms. He encourages aspiring social entrepreneurs to embrace curiosity and pursue their ventures with audacity and a commitment to social impact.
