Uganda - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Nyabihara Agro-homestay seeks to promote sustainable tourism practices, support local communities, and preserve the environment through our homestay service. Our company seeks to support the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 8th, 12th, 13th, 15th and 17th UN SDGs

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Uganda being a top tourist destination, there is a significant opportunity to tap into the tourist influx. Nyabihara Agro-homestay offers more than just a place to stay, it provides an immersive experience that connects travelers with the heart and soul of Nyabihara, a picturesque rural community nestled in the heart of Uganda. Our concept merges the warmth of homestay hospitality with the authenticity of farm tourism, inviting visitors to step off the beaten path and into the lives of local families. Unlike conventional accommodations, where tourists are mere spectators. We offer a hands-on approach to exploration, where guests become active participants in agricultural practices and rural life. We believe in the power of tourism to create positive change, both for travelers and the communities they visit. Our business is based on renting a bed for one night and two days spent with farming families, at the price of 60 USD. This price is solely for accommodation and 3 meals per day.

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

Standard accommodation facilities provide a place to stay and unwind, however, they lack the opportunity for the guests to interact with the local farming community, learn about sustainable agriculture, and experience the joys of life on a working farm. Within the setting of Nyabihara community in Uganda they have a strong culture including practices including music, local foods and other traditions. Guests staying in these traditional accommodations are not likely going to be fully embraced into the culture and engaged in the traditions.

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. Our target is to obtain 10% of the income that comes from the homestay service after taxation and finance sustainable projects in Kyakagunga primary School. 2. The host families will have a 50% income to boost their economy, standard of living, improve their way of life and that of the community at large. 3. A percentage of the income will be allocated to the Redevelopment of double social groups - women / men that were created earlier on in Nyabihara. 4. We are also looking at using about 95% of the materials for our business establishment as locally manufactured products with the exception of the solar panel system. 5. Our company’s long term objective is establishing a school farm, where residents and visitors will learn the secrets of animal husbandry and the sustainable cultivation of the traditional vegetable crops. We also wish to become a leading brand in the residential tourism market and promote innovation and sustainable development in the tourism industry in Uganda,

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

The primary target market is both domestic and international eco-coscious travelers with sustainable tourism enthusiasm, tourists interested in farm-to-table concepts and those looking for immersive cultural experiences with different activities that allow them to live and be present in the daily lives of the communities. The target consumer will be the local community of Nyabihara that are faced with poverty and inadequate education. The host families will have a 50% income to boost their economy, standard of living, improve their way of life and that of the community at large. A 10% contribution of the income obtained to a Primary Education Modernization Fund in Nyabihara. We seek to highlight this financial decision as a remarkable draw to encourage ecotourism in the area, showing the desire to implement more sustainable and innovative ways to do tourism in rural areas.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-04-24

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

0

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

0

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

None

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?

Other: Agriculture combined with Tourism

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Nyabihara Agro-homestay directly contributes to poverty alleviation by providing additional income sources for local farmers through tourism. By hosting tourists, farmers earn supplementary income that enhances their economic stability and improves their overall standard of living. Additionally, the project aims to reinvest a portion of its profits into the community, further supporting local development and poverty reduction initiatives.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

The homestay promotes sustainable agricultural practices that can help increase food security in the region. Tourists participating in farming activities will learn about and contribute to sustainable farming methods, which can lead to improved agricultural productivity and food availability. The focus on organic farming and locally sourced meals also supports healthier food systems.

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

3

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Nyabihara Agro-homestay plans to allocate 10% of its income to the Primary Education Modernization Fund in Nyabihara. This fund will support educational initiatives in Kyakagunga Primary School, including improving school infrastructure, providing learning materials, offering agricultural education and finance sustainable projects. This commitment ensures that children in the community receive quality education and are equipped with knowledge about sustainable farming practices.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

3

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

2

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

By integrating tourism with agriculture, the homestay creates new job opportunities in the local economy. This includes roles in hospitality, tour guiding, and farming activities. The project encourages decent work conditions and aims to provide fair wages, thus fostering economic growth in the rural community of Nyabihara.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

4

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Nyabihara Agro-homestay contributes to creating sustainable communities by promoting eco-friendly tourism and building resilient infrastructure. The project uses eco-friendly materials for accommodations, implements energy-saving measures, and supports organic farming practices. This approach helps preserve the rural character and natural environment of Nyabihara while fostering sustainable development.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

The homestay emphasizes the farm-to-table concept, ensuring that food consumed by tourists is locally sourced and sustainably produced. This reduces the carbon footprint associated with food transportation and supports responsible consumption. Additionally, by involving tourists in agricultural activities, the homestay educates them on sustainable production practices.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Nyabihara Agro-homestay incorporates eco-friendly practices, such as the use of photovoltaic stations for energy, promoting organic farming, and implementing waste reduction measures. These efforts contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change impacts. By educating both tourists and the local community on sustainable practices, the project fosters a culture of environmental stewardship.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

The focus on sustainable farming and organic agriculture helps protect and restore terrestrial ecosystems in Nyabihara. By avoiding harmful pesticides and chemicals, the project promotes biodiversity and soil health. Tourists' involvement in conservation activities further supports the preservation of local flora and fauna.

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

2

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

Nyabihara Agro-homestay aims to build strong partnerships with local authorities, educational institutions, tourism boards, and international travel agencies. These collaborations are essential for the project's success and sustainability. By working together with various stakeholders, the homestay can leverage resources, share knowledge, and implement best practices to achieve the SDGs.

05.01 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

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.

5

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.

5

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.

5

05.08 Justification

Nyabihara Agro-homestay represents a significant improvement, extension over traditional homestay services by integrating agricultural tourism, thereby offering a more immersive, educational, and culturally enriching experience for visitors. Enhanced Guest Experience: Traditional homestays primarily provide accommodation and basic interaction with host families. In contrast, Nyabihara Agro-homestay offers guests a unique opportunity to engage in daily agricultural activities. Educational Component: While traditional homestays may offer cultural exchange through conversation and observation, our agro-tourism model actively educates visitors about sustainable farming practices, local agricultural techniques, and the importance of environmental stewardship. Health and Wellness: The farm-to-table experience offered at Nyabihara Agro-homestay ensures that guests consume fresh, locally sourced, and organic meals. Economic and Social Impact. Sustainable Practices. Cultural Immersion.

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

There is a number of hotels, cottages, lodges and guest houses and homestays in Kibale Forest National Park. However, our business model is truly one-of-a- kind in Nyabihara and Kibale at large as it focuses on the crucial aspect of farm tourism. Through extensive research and analysis, we discovered that no other commercial ventures currently address this specific area. However, we anticipate the emergence of a few start-up competitors. Nonetheless, we are confident in our ability to overcome these challenges through various strategies, including expanding our market presence, fostering collaborations, and delivering exceptional quality services with our agro- tourism homestays. Our competitive advantage lies in providing a unique, highly personalized travel experience and an in-depth understanding of the local culture. With an emphasis on sustainable tourism and community engagement, we encourage visitors to connect with local communities and share economic benefits.

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