Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Urban Vertical Farming Cooperative: Sustainable, community-driven agriculture in urban spaces, providing fresh produce, empowering residents, and fostering environmental stewardship.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Develop urban vertical farms in underutilized urban spaces, such as rooftops and vacant lots. These farms will grow organic produce using hydroponic and aquaponic systems, reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transportation.

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

The main problem that the Urban Vertical Farming Cooperative aims to solve is the challenge of sustainable food production and access in urban areas. In many cities, there is a growing disconnect between food production and consumption, with much of the food consumed being imported from distant rural areas. This reliance on external food sources contributes to environmental degradation through carbon emissions from transportation, loss of biodiversity, and depletion of natural resources. Additionally, it leaves urban populations vulnerable to disruptions in the global food supply chain, such as extreme weather events or economic crises.

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 of our Urban Vertical Farming Cooperative include: Sustainable Food Production: We utilize underutilized urban spaces for vertical farming, minimizing environmental impact by reducing water usage, eliminating pesticides, and lowering carbon emissions from food transportation. Increased Food Accessibility: Residents gain direct access to fresh, nutritious produce, mitigating food insecurity and reliance on distant food sources, particularly in underserved urban areas. Community Empowerment: Through cooperative ownership, we empower residents to participate in food production, decision-making, and profit-sharing, fostering resilience and social cohesion within urban neighborhoods.

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

Our startup's product/service is aimed at serving urban residents, particularly those living in areas with limited access to fresh, nutritious produce. The targeted beneficiaries include individuals and families seeking healthier food options, communities affected by food insecurity and food deserts, and local businesses and organizations interested in supporting sustainable agriculture initiatives. By providing access to locally grown, organic produce, we aim to improve the well-being and quality of life for urban residents while promoting environmental sustainability and community resilience.

01.05 When was your company established?

2024-01-01

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

0

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.)

Our cooperative owners possess diverse skills and experience in agriculture, business management, and community development. They bring expertise in hydroponics, aquaponics, urban farming, marketing, finance, and sustainable practices. With a passion for innovation and social impact, they collaborate to drive the success and growth of our cooperative.

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

https://curtismadawa.wordpress.com/

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

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

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

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

6

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

6

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

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

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

5

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

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

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.

5

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

6

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

6

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

6

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

6

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

6

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

5

06.08 Justification for my startup

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main potential competitors include traditional urban farms, community gardens, and conventional grocery stores. What sets us apart is our innovative approach to vertical farming, which maximizes space efficiency and resource utilization. Additionally, our cooperative model fosters community engagement and ownership, distinguishing us from traditional farming initiatives. We prioritize sustainability, offering locally grown, organic produce to urban residents, promoting food security, environmental stewardship, and social cohesion.

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

Yes, we are actively promoting the role of female entrepreneurs within our community. Some examples of actions we are taking include: Hosting workshops and training programs specifically tailored for women interested in urban agriculture and entrepreneurship. Providing mentorship opportunities and networking events to connect female entrepreneurs with experienced professionals in the industry. Offering flexible work arrangements and childcare support to facilitate women's participation in our cooperative and other entrepreneurial ventures. Actively recruiting and promoting women in leadership positions within our organization, ensuring gender diversity and inclusion in decision-making processes.