Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Warembo na Kahawa is a socially conscious initiative by Mbogo Coffee Limited dedicated to empowering women in the coffee industry. Our project embodies our commitment to supporting and uplifting the lives of women coffee pickers.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Mbogo Coffee specializes in marketing sustainably grown coffee with minimal chemical use. We are inspired by our great-grandfather’s vision to empower local farmers by encouraging organic fertilizers and compost use. In Kenya, coffee pickers, mostly women, earn an average of Ksh. 27,200 annually in a grueling seasonal job. To support them, we established the Warembo na Kahawa program in collaboration with farmers in West Pokot, Nyeri, and Kirinyaga. This initiative allows coffee pickers to supplement their income by producing and selling compost. We help them set up a 3-box compost system, producing compost year-round. The compost is packed in 4 KG buckets and sold for KES. 25 per bucket, increasing their annual income up to Ksh. 74,490—a 3X increase in one year and over 10X in five years. By 2024, we aim to scale to 1,000 farmers, working with 12 of our current clients, supported by partners, to realize our great-grandfather’s vision of sustainable growth and community empowerment.

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

The main problem we are trying to solve is the economic vulnerability and low income of women coffee pickers in Kenya. These women, who form the backbone of the coffee industry, face significant challenges due to low wages and limited opportunities for meaningful additional income. Our aim is to address this issue by empowering them with skills and resources to supplement their earnings through sustainable agricultural practices, such as compost production. By increasing their income and economic resilience, we seek to improve the livelihoods and well-being of these women and their families, ultimately contributing to poverty alleviation and community development.

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

Increased Income Opportunities: By participating in our program, individuals can supplement their earnings significantly. For instance, women coffee pickers who engage in compost production through our initiative experience a substantial increase in their annual income, empowering them economically. Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Our initiative promotes the use of sustainable agricultural practices, such as organic fertilizer production. Contributing to environmental conservation, soil health improvement, and long-term agricultural productivity. Community Empowerment: Through our program, we empower communities by providing them with valuable skills, resources, and opportunities for economic growth. Consumer Well-being: By ensuring that our coffee is grown with minimal chemical use and promoting sustainable practices, we offer consumers a healthier product that allows them to enjoy high-quality coffee while contributing to the welfare of farming communities.

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

The Mbogo Coffee and Warembo na Kahawa initiative aims at serving both coffee consumers who value sustainability and quality as well as women coffee pickers who seek economic empowerment and livelihood improvement. Through our dual-focus approach, we strive to create a positive impact on both ends of the coffee supply chain, fostering sustainability, empowerment, and social responsibility.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-09-04

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

0

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

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

I am the sole owner of Mbogo Coffee Limited, which I founded in November 2022 and later established as a limited company in September 2023. While I am the driving force behind Mbogo Coffee, I am supported by an advisory board of three members, each bringing a wealth of expertise and diverse perspectives to our venture. Our advisory board consists of: A male Business Partner Advisor A female Industry Training Specialist a female Marketing Strategist and Consultant

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

https://www.mbogo-coffee.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/93202370/ https://www.instagram.com/mbogo_coffee/ https://web.facebook.com/mbogo.coffee

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

d) Primary commodities (food, drink, household and personal products)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

The Warembo na Kahawa initiative helps women coffee pickers supplement their income by training them how to produce compost and sell it back to the farmers, reducing poverty levels. By creating additional income streams, the initiative contributes to job creation for the women coffee pickers, helping them to lift themselves out of poverty.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Increased income allows women to afford better nutrition and food security for their families. Also, by promoting organic farming practices, the soil health improves and increases crop yields, contributing to long-term food security, especially for the farmers who intercrop with shade trees, eg macadamia or bananas.

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

5

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

By reducing the dependence on chemical fertilizers, our initiative provides a healthier working environment for the coffee pickers. The initiative also improves their livelihood through increased income from nutrition, improved living conditions, and healthcare services that enhance general well being.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

The Warembo na Kahawa initiative hires certified agriculturalists who equip the women coffee pickers with composting. We also hire qualified marketers, and they train them about prospecting and pricing. These skills contribute to lifelong learning and capacity-building. Finally, increased income supports women in educating their children, reducing dropout rates, child labor in the villages, and improving future opportunities.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Our initiative is a women's empowerment program that seeks to uplift the lives of women coffee pickers, who make up 80% of the 250,000 coffee pickers in Kenya. By training them in compost production and sales, the project enhances their skills and confidence. We provide them with economic opportunities and leadership roles, therefore promoting gender equality.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

The initiative helps women coffee pickers increase their income, contributing to fair wages for their labor fostering economic growth and stability.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

Our initiative promotes farming using organic fertilizers and sustainable practices aligned with responsible production goals. By marketing sustainably grown coffee, our startup educated consumers about the benefits of responsible consumption.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Using compost manure reduces the reliance on chemical fertilizers, promoting sustainable agriculture. Sustainable farming practices improves soil health and biodiversity, enhancing the resilience farming communities to climate change

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

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

5

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

Working with women in the West Pokot region, an area often affected by tribal clashes and hostile living conditions, aims to foster peace through collaborative coffee farming. By bringing together farmers from different tribes to work towards a common economic goal, we promote peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding. By supporting women and marginalized groups in coffee farming, we contribute to building inclusive institutions that represent and serve all community members.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

The Warembo na Kahawa initiative collaborates with coffee farmers, local communities, and partners to achieve shared goals, promoting sustainable development through partnership. By working with various stakeholders, the project builds capacity and fosters knowledge sharing that contributes to the achievements of Sustainable Development Goals.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

06.08 Justification for my startup

Our project idea, Mbogo Coffee's Warembo na Kahawa initiative, is unique and innovative in several ways. While there may be existing coffee products and initiatives, our approach stands out for its holistic focus on empowering women coffee pickers through sustainable practices and economic opportunities. The initiative represents an extension of existing coffee farming activities but introduces a novel element by integrating compost production and sales into the value chain. This responds to a demand for sustainable agriculture solutions while addressing the socio-economic needs of marginalized communities. By leveraging local resources and traditional knowledge, we enhance the resilience and productivity of coffee farming while fostering inclusive growth and environmental stewardship. Thus, while building on existing practices, our project introduces innovative elements that distinguish it from conventional approaches.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main potential competitors include other coffee marketing companies and initiatives that aim to empower marginalized communities within the coffee industry. What sets Mbogo Coffee apart is our comprehensive approach to sustainability and community empowerment. While others may focus solely on marketing or community development, we integrate both aspects through initiatives like Warembo na Kahawa. Our emphasis on sustainable farming practices, such as compost production, not only benefits the environment but also directly impacts the livelihoods of women coffee pickers. Additionally, our commitment to transparency, fair trade, and local empowerment distinguishes us as a socially responsible brand, resonating with consumers who prioritize ethical consumption.

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

Yes, I am initiating actions within my community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs. By organizing workshops, networking events, and mentorship programs specifically for women, I aim to provide the support and resources necessary for their success. I also collaborate with local organizations to create opportunities for female entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses and share their experiences. Through these initiatives, I strive to foster an inclusive environment that encourages women to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions, breaking down barriers and inspiring future generations.