Namibia - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Growing up in a family of subsistence farmers, the challenges of tracking livestock across remote, unfenced lands were/still evident. The aim is to develop a theft-proof device and app, for real-time alerts and geo-fencing, benefiting rural livelihoods.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Growing up in a family deeply rooted in subsistence farming, where livestock is integral to our livelihood, I've intimately understood the challenges of tracking animals across vast, unfenced lands. Witnessing my father and other rural farmers juggle work and the constant worry of livestock safety due to theft or straying. Currently, the farmers use WhatsApp groups to communicate information regarding their livestock, but this is still not sufficient to keep a watchful eye on their livestock. Drawing on my professional background in technology, the goal is to develop a robust tracking system comprising a theft-proof device and an intuitive mobile app. This innovation aims to provide real-time alerts and geo-fencing capabilities, harnessing the widespread availability and use of mobile technology to empower rural farmers starting with our community. This project represents my commitment to giving back to the community that raised me, embodying the belief that change begins at home.

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

The primary challenge I seek to address is the vulnerability of livestock in rural, unfenced environments to theft and straying. This issue significantly impacts subsistence farmers who rely on livestock for their livelihoods. I have witnessed firsthand how farmers, including my own family, struggle with the dual responsibilities of work and ensuring the safety of their animals. Current communication methods, such as WhatsApp groups, while useful, do not provide adequate protection or real-time monitoring capabilities. Therefore, leveraging my background in technology, I aim to develop a comprehensive tracking solution that includes a theft-proof device and a user-friendly mobile app. This innovation aims to mitigate losses due to theft and enhance livestock management through timely alerts and geo-fencing features, thus supporting the sustainability of rural farming communities.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

The proposed tracking system offers several significant advantages. Firstly, it enhances livestock security by providing real-time alerts and geo-fencing capabilities, thereby reducing losses due to theft and animal straying. Secondly, it improves efficiency in animal monitoring, allowing farmers to manage their livestock more effectively across vast, unfenced grazing lands. Thirdly, by leveraging mobile technology, the system enables farmers to focus on their dual responsibilities of work and animal care, while also enhancing communication and collaboration among them in safeguarding livestock for better farm management practices and community support.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

The project is aimed at serving subsistence farmers in rural areas, particularly those who rely on livestock as a primary source of income and sustenance. These farmers face significant challenges in monitoring and protecting their animals due to remote and unfenced grazing lands. The targeted beneficiaries include farmers who currently struggle with the dual responsibilities of agricultural work and ensuring livestock safety against theft and straying. By providing a robust tracking system with real-time alerts and geo-fencing capabilities, the project aims to empower these farmers with enhanced security measures and improved livestock management practices. This initiative seeks to support the sustainability of rural livelihoods and foster community resilience through innovative technological solutions.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-01-01

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

1

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

The one partner brings expertise in systems and network administration, possessing skills essential for infrastructure setup, maintenance, and cybersecurity aspects of the project. The second partner, myself, contributes a background in software quality assurance (QA) and automation, bringing proficiency in ensuring the reliability, functionality, and user-friendliness of the tracking device and mobile app. Together, our combined skills in IT systems management and software testing ensure a comprehensive approach to developing and deploying a robust, reliable tracking solution for rural livestock management.

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

https://www.linkedin.com/in/selma-amwaalanga-9a462a79/

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

l) Agriculture

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Our project aims to enhance the livelihoods of subsistence farmers by reducing losses from livestock theft and straying. By providing a reliable tracking system, we help protect their valuable assets, thereby safeguarding their income source and contributing to poverty reduction.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Through improved livestock management and security, our project supports sustainable agriculture and food security. By minimizing losses and enhancing productivity, we contribute to ensuring food availability and promoting better nutrition among rural communities.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Our tracking system helps reduce stress and economic losses for farmers, promoting mental well-being. By ensuring prompt response to livestock issues, it also indirectly supports community health by reducing potential conflicts and enhancing overall welfare.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

By easing the burden of livestock management, our project allows farmers more time to engage in educational activities. Enhanced access to technology and knowledge transfer through our solution can also promote learning and skill development in rural areas.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Our inclusive approach empowers both male and female farmers with equal access to technology and resources, fostering gender equality in decision-making and participation in agricultural activities.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

5

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

While not directly related to water, our project indirectly supports sustainable resource management by promoting efficient livestock practices that can minimize environmental impacts and improve water use efficiency.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

5

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Our project's focus is on livestock tracking technology rather than energy solutions. However, by optimizing livestock management, it indirectly supports resource efficiency and sustainability, contributing to broader energy goals.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

By enhancing livestock productivity and reducing losses, our project supports economic stability for farmers. It also promotes job creation and entrepreneurship opportunities in the technology and agriculture sectors within rural communities.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Our project introduces innovative technology solutions tailored to rural agricultural needs. By improving infrastructure for livestock management, it enhances efficiency and resilience in agricultural practices, fostering sustainable development.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Our project aims to provide equal access to technology and resources, reducing disparities between rural and urban communities. By empowering farmers with advanced tools, we contribute to bridging the digital divide and promoting inclusive growth.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

While focused on rural areas, our project indirectly supports sustainable community development by enhancing agricultural productivity and resilience. It promotes local economic stability and reduces rural-urban migration pressures.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Our project promotes efficient resource use and sustainable agricultural practices. By minimizing livestock losses and improving productivity, it supports responsible consumption patterns and agricultural sustainability.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

5

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

While not directly addressing climate change, our project indirectly supports environmental sustainability by promoting efficient livestock management practices that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Our project focuses on land-based livestock management and does not directly impact marine ecosystems. However, by promoting sustainable land use practices, it contributes to overall environmental conservation efforts.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Our project directly supports sustainable land use practices and biodiversity conservation by reducing livestock-related habitat degradation and promoting efficient resource management in rural areas.

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

6

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

Our project indirectly contributes to peaceful and inclusive societies by reducing conflicts over livestock theft and promoting community cohesion through enhanced communication and cooperation.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Our project emphasizes collaboration between technology experts, farmers, and local communities. By fostering partnerships, we enhance capacity-building, knowledge-sharing, and resource mobilization for sustainable development in rural areas.

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

2

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

5

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

6

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

4

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

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

4

05.08 Justification

05.02: Our project aims to introduce a novel approach to livestock tracking, using advanced technology absent from the local market. It combines theft-proof devices and a user-friendly mobile app, tailored for rural farming communities. 05.03: Our envisioned tracking system features innovative geo-fencing and real-time alerts, crucial for enhancing livestock security in remote areas where traditional methods fail. 05.04: By integrating GPS and mobile technology, our solution will be a significant advancement. It aims to offer a cohesive, robust, and user-friendly system for effective livestock management. 05.06: With my Father's assistance in conversing with a few rural farmers from my region, there's a clear market gap for affordable, effective livestock tracking solutions that meet rural farmers' unique challenges. Our project will directly address this need with a comprehensive system, improving livestock management and reducing theft losses.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

Our main potential competitors include traditional livestock tagging systems and basic GPS trackers. What sets us apart is our integrated approach combining a theft-proof device with a mobile app that offers real-time alerts and geo-fencing. Unlike traditional methods, our solution is specifically designed for the challenging conditions of rural Namibian farming communities, ensuring reliability and ease of use even in remote, unfenced areas. Moreover, our emphasis on affordability and user accessibility through mobile technology ensures widespread adoption among farmers who already utilize mobile phones for communication. This innovative combination of technology and user-centric design positions us uniquely in the market, offering a comprehensive solution to enhance livestock security and improve farming livelihoods.

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

Yes, the goal is to initiate actions within our community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs, particularly in the agriculture and technology sectors. Recognizing the potential of female entrepreneurs, we envision providing targeted training on using our innovative livestock tracking system. Our project aims to collaborate with local women's groups to ensure they have access to the tools and knowledge needed to succeed. Additionally, we hope to actively promote success stories of female entrepreneurs in our community through social media and local events, creating role models and encouraging more women to take entrepreneurial paths. By integrating these initiatives, we aim to empower women, foster innovation, and contribute to a more inclusive and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.