Zambia - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Lubono is a precision agriculture app designed to empower farmers by providing them with accurate, real-time information and tools to enhance their farming practices.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

The app uses satellite technology to survey land, offers guides on growing crops and keeping livestock, provides access to chat-based extension services, helps identify pests, and facilitates the purchase of agro inputs. By integrating advanced technologies and user-friendly features, Lubono aims to improve agricultural productivity, ensure sustainable farming practices, and support the livelihoods of farmers, particularly in regions with limited access to agricultural expertise and resources.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

The main problem that Lubono aims to solve is the lack of access to accurate, timely, and actionable agricultural information for farmers, particularly in regions like Zambia. Many farmers face challenges such as Limited Access to Expert Guidance,

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

The major benefits and advantages include: Enhanced Agricultural Productivity: provides farmers with real-time, accurate data on soil conditions, weather patterns, and crop health through satellite technology. This enables farmers to make informed decisions about planting, fertilizing, and harvesting, leading to higher crop yields and more efficient use of resources. Expert Guidance and Support: The app offers comprehensive guides on growing various crops and managing livestock, tailored to the local context and access to chat-based extension services to get timely advice from agricultural experts. Integrated Pest and Disease Management: Lubono includes tools for identifying pests and diseases, along with recommended treatments and preventative measures. This helps farmers mitigate the impact of pests and diseases on their crops, reducing losses and improving yields. Access to Quality Inputs: farmers can easily source and purchase high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and o

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Lubono is aimed at serving small to medium-scale farmers in Zambia and other sub-Saharan African countries who face challenges due to limited access to agricultural expertise, resources, and technology. The targeted beneficiaries include: Rural Farmers: Individuals and families who rely on agriculture as their primary source of income and need support in improving their farming practices. Agricultural Cooperatives: Groups of farmers working together to enhance productivity and share resources, who can benefit from coordinated use of the app’s features. Extension Workers: Agricultural advisors who need tools to provide timely and accurate guidance to farmers. Young and Aspiring Farmers: New entrants to farming who need comprehensive information and support to start and sustain their agricultural ventures. Women Farmers: Female farmers who often have less access to resources and support, thereby benefiting from the app’s inclusive approach to agricultural education and resource access.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-07-01

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

1

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

0

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

A seasoned software engineer with over 10 years experience in software development. Conversant with Javascript, Python and React Native

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

h) IT (digital services, equipment and software)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Increased Agricultural Productivity: By providing farmers with precise, real-time information and expert guidance, Lubono helps increase crop yields and livestock productivity. This leads to higher income for farmers, lifting them out of poverty and enhancing their economic stability. Access to Resources: The app facilitates access to quality seeds, fertilizers, and other essential inputs, ensuring farmers can optimize their production. Easier access to resources reduces costs and boosts profitability, directly contributing to poverty reduction.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

3

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

4

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

2

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

2

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

2

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

2

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Lubono uses satellite technology and data analytics to provide farmers with precise information about soil health, weather conditions, and crop management. By making advanced agricultural technology accessible to small and medium-scale farmers, including those in remote and underserved areas, Lubono promotes inclusivity. This ensures that all farmers, regardless of their location or economic status, can benefit from technological advancements and improve their livelihoods.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

4

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

4

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

5

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

The app promotes the adoption of sustainable agricultural methods that conserve resources, reduce environmental impact, and improve soil health. These practices help build a resilient agricultural infrastructure that can withstand climate change and other environmental stresses.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

4

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

2

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

2

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

1 - Strongly Disagree

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

4

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

1 - Strongly Disagree

06.08 Justification for my startup

While many existing agricultural services offer fragmented solutions, Lubono integrates multiple functionalities into a single platform. It combines satellite land surveying, crop and livestock management guides, pest identification, and input purchasing, providing a comprehensive tool for farmers

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Lubono's main potential competitors include traditional agricultural extension services, farm management software like FarmLogs and Agworld, and mobile applications targeting farmers such as Farmcrowdy and mFarms. What sets Lubono apart from these competitors is its comprehensive integration of features tailored to the specific needs of smallholder farmers. Unlike traditional extension services that may be limited by resources and accessibility, Lubono leverages satellite technology to provide real-time data on soil health, weather conditions, and crop management, empowering farmers to make informed decisions. Additionally, while farm management software offers comprehensive solutions, Lubono's focus on accessibility through smartphones and personalized support sets it apart. The app's interactive features, including chat-based support and market connectivity, further enhance its value proposition, making it a user-friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable solution for smallholder farm

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?