Tanzania - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Asili Thamani Hub is a platform that links Tanzanian farmers with consumers. By doing this, we will get rid of the intermediaries who often offer unfair prices to farmers, robbing them of the ability to get maximum value for their agricultural produce.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Asili Thamani Hub is an innovative initiative aimed at enhancing the economic welfare of Tanzanian farmers by directly linking them to consumers through a mobile application. Derived from the Swahili words "Asili" (Origin) and "Thamani" (Worth), the project seeks to eliminate intermediaries who often exploit farmers with unfair prices. By providing a platform for farmers to sell their produce at fair market prices, the Hub ensures that farmers receive the maximum value for their products. Additionally, the mobile app will offer training and capacity-building programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of farmers, particularly targeting youths and women. These efforts will not only improve the livelihoods of farmers but also stimulate local economies and contribute to national food security and socio-economic growth.

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

The primary problem Asili Thamani Hub addresses is the exploitation of farmers by intermediaries who offer unfair prices for agricultural produce. This exploitation significantly reduces the income of farmers, limiting their economic welfare and discouraging investment in better farming practices. Furthermore, the lack of direct market access and insufficient training opportunities hinder the ability of farmers to achieve higher productivity and sustainable practices. By directly connecting farmers with consumers and providing necessary training, the Hub aims to overcome these barriers, ensuring fair compensation and improved agricultural practices.

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

1. By eliminating intermediaries, Asili Thamani Hub ensures farmers receive fair prices for their produce, increasing their income and economic stability. 2. Training and capacity-building programs offered through our mobile app will empower farmers with modern farming techniques, financial literacy, and sustainable practices. 3. Higher incomes for farmers will stimulate local economies, create employment opportunities, and encourage youth and women participation in agriculture, contributing to broader socio-economic growth.

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

The targeted beneficiaries are; 1. Local farmers in rural areas who suffer from unfair market practices and lack access to modern farming techniques and market information. 2. Youths and Women - We aim to empower young people and women, encouraging their active participation in agriculture by providing training and market access. 3. Local Communities - The broader economic development resulting from increased farmer incomes will benefit entire communities, improving overall living standards and contributing to national growth.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-03-18

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.)

Ms. Neema Jarden is a visionary leader and passionate advocate for environmental sustainability and community empowerment. She co-founded Asili Thamani Hub to directly connect Tanzanian farmers with consumers, ensuring fair pricing and improved livelihoods. In 2022, she founded the Girls in Climate Tanzania Foundation, focusing on climate education and empowerment for young women, and the One Pad for One Girl Child Campaign to address menstrual health challenges. As the program lead at the Environmental Conservation Community of Tanzania (ECCT), she drives initiatives to promote sustainable environmental practices. Additionally, she is an active member of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) team in Tanzania, contributing to improved nutritional outcomes across the country. Neema’s extensive experience in environmental conservation, community development, and gender equality makes her an invaluable asset to Asili Thamani Hub.

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

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

l) Agriculture

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Asili Thamani Hub directly addresses poverty by creating a fairer marketplace for Tanzanian farmers. By eliminating intermediaries and allowing farmers to connect directly with consumers, they can receive fair prices for their produce, thereby improving their income and reducing poverty levels among farming communities.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

By enabling farmers to receive fair prices for their agricultural products, Asili Thamani Hub contributes to food security and helps combat hunger. When farmers earn more, they can invest in improving their farming practices, purchasing better seeds and equipment, and ultimately increasing their yields to meet local and possibly even regional food demands.

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

5

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Asili Thamani Hub indirectly contributes to better health outcomes by enabling access to nutritious, locally grown food products, which are essential for a healthy diet.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Through training and capacity-building programs offered by our mobile app, Asili Thamani Hub contributes to improving the skills and knowledge of farmers, particularly targeting youths and women, thereby promoting quality education. Additionally, our success will lead to improved educational opportunities for farming communities as increased income can be invested in education for their children.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Asili Thamani Hub empowers female farmers by providing them with fair market access and opportunities to earn a sustainable income, thus contributing to gender equality and women empowerment in the agricultural sector.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

3

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Asili Thamani Hub promotes decent work by empowering farmers economically. Through fair pricing, farmers are motivated to continue farming as a viable livelihood, which in turn contributes to economic growth in rural areas. The platform also fosters entrepreneurship among farmers by providing them with direct access to consumers, encouraging innovation and business development.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Asili Thamani Hub embodies innovation by using a mobile app to disrupt traditional supply chains. We directly improve infrastructure for agricultural trade, and foster sustainable industry practices.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

By eliminating exploitative intermediaries and ensuring fair prices, Asili Thamani Hub reduces economic inequalities and promotes inclusive growth within the agricultural value chain.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

2

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Our platform encourages responsible consumption by connecting consumers with locally sourced, fresh produce and educates farmers on sustainable production practices. By bypassing traditional supply chains, Asili Thamani Hub reduces food waste and promotes environmentally friendly farming practices. This contributes to sustainable production methods and promotes a more conscious approach to consumption.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

4

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

3

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

3

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

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

4

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Asili Thamani Hub actively fosters partnerships between farmers, consumers, and other stakeholders in the aricultural value chain to achieve sustainable development goals and create positive social impact.

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

3

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

3

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

6

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

6

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.

2

05.08 Justification

Asili Thamani Hub stands out as a unique and innovative solution in several ways. Firstly, it improves on existing services by directly linking Tanzanian farmers to consumers through a mobile app, eliminating exploitative intermediaries and ensuring fair market prices. Secondly, it extends its offerings by providing training programs and capacity-building initiatives to enhance farmers' skills and knowledge, particularly targeting youth and women. Thirdly, it responds to an unmet need by addressing the lack of fair trade practices and market access for farmers, ultimately contributing to economic welfare, food security, and sustainable agricultural practices in Tanzania.

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

My main potential competitors are agricultural produce brokers and agricultural cooperatives operating in Tanzania. What sets Asili Thamani Hub apart is its holistic approach, combining fair market access with training programs and capacity-building initiatives. This comprehensive model not only empowers farmers economically but also addresses skill gaps and promotes sustainable practices. Additionally, the direct linkage between farmers and consumers through a mobile app reduces inefficiencies and ensures fair prices, distinguishing it as a user-friendly and transparent solution in the agricultural sector.

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

Yes, I am actively initiating actions within my community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs. My collaboration with Ms. Neema as the co-founder of Asili Thamani Hub showcases my commitment to empowering women in entrepreneurship. My recognition and appreciation of her expertise, particularly in environmental sustainability, community development, and gender equality, which aligns with my vision for Asili Thamani Hub was the leading factor that led me to invite her to co-found the hub.