Uganda - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

FreshGuard: Solar-powered cold storage kiosks reduce post-harvest losses, increasing food security and incomes for Ugandan market vendors.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

FreshGuard is a sustainable project that establishes solar-powered cold storage kiosks in Ugandan market centers, addressing post-harvest losses and food insecurity. The kiosks, designed for local vendors, utilize efficient refrigeration technology and monitoring systems to maintain optimal storage conditions. A rental system, subscription model, and pay-as-you-store options cater to diverse user needs. Partnerships with local governments, NGOs, and agricultural cooperatives ensure community engagement, training, and support. By reducing spoilage and increasing incomes, FreshGuard contributes to food security, economic stability, and sustainable development in Uganda.

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

The main problem FreshGuard aims to solve is post-harvest loss and food insecurity in Uganda, where up to 40% of perishable produce spoils due to lack of reliable cold storage, resulting in economic losses for vendors and reduced food availability for consumers.

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

FreshGuard's solar-powered cold storage kiosks offer: 1. Reduced post-harvest losses: Fresh produce stays fresh for longer, minimizing spoilage and increasing vendors' incomes. 2. Increased food availability: More fresh produce reaches consumers, improving food security and nutrition. 3. Economic empowerment: Vendors can store and sell more produce, boosting their businesses and livelihoods. Additional benefits include: improved food safety, reduced waste, and enhanced market competitiveness.

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

FreshGuard's targeted beneficiaries are small-scale farmers, market vendors, and traders in Uganda, particularly women and youth, who lack access to reliable cold storage solutions. Our project aims to serve: - Fresh produce vendors in urban and rural markets - Small-scale farmers and farmer cooperatives - Market associations and trader groups - Local communities seeking improved food security and nutrition By serving these beneficiaries, FreshGuard aims to enhance their livelihoods, increase food availability, and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-12-08

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

2

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 three founders: - Nansubuga Famidah: Social worker, agriculturalist, and farmer with 4+ years of experience in women's empowerment, value chain development, and market linkages. - Mwende Nasibbu Isma: IT specialist, air conditioning and refrigeration expert, farmer, and welder with 3+ years of experience in IT, 4+ years in HVAC, and 3+ years in farming. - Namubiru Shadia: Market vendor, social worker, and farmer with 4+ years of experience in market vending, 3+ years in social work, and 2+ years in farming. Together, they bring a diverse range of skills and experience in social work, agriculture, IT, market development, and technical expertise to FreshGuard.

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?

a) Energy (equipment, services, sustainable energy and fuel)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

FreshGuard contributes to the No Poverty goal (SDG 1) by: - Providing solar-powered cold storage solutions for small-scale farmers and market vendors, reducing post-harvest losses and increasing incomes. - Enhancing market competitiveness and access for rural farmers, especially women, to sell their produce at fair prices. - Creating jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities in the agricultural value chain, promoting economic growth and stability. - Improving food security and availability, reducing the burden of food expenses on low-income households. - Empowering women farmers and vendors, promoting gender equality and economic empowerment. By addressing poverty-related challenges in agriculture and market development, FreshGuard contributes to sustainable poverty reduction and economic growth in Uganda.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

FreshGuard contributes to Zero Hunger (SDG 2) by: - Reducing post-harvest losses, increasing the availability of fresh produce for consumption. - Enhancing food security and access, especially for vulnerable populations. - Improving the quality and safety of produce, reducing food waste and spoilage. - Supporting sustainable agricultural practices, promoting climate-resilient farming. - Increasing incomes for small-scale farmers and vendors, enabling them to afford nutritious food. - Promoting access to nutritious food, especially for women and children, addressing malnutrition and stunting. By addressing food security and sustainability challenges, FreshGuard contributes to ending hunger, achieving food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture in Uganda.

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

6

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

FreshGuard contributes to Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) by: - Providing access to fresh, nutritious produce, improving dietary health and well-being. - Reducing foodborne illnesses and spoilage, ensuring safe consumption. - Supporting sustainable agriculture, promoting eco-friendly practices and reducing environmental health risks. - Enhancing food security, reducing stress and anxiety related to food access. - Improving incomes for farmers and vendors, enabling them to afford healthcare services. - Promoting healthy eating habits, educating communities on nutritional benefits of fresh produce. By addressing food security, safety, and sustainability, FreshGuard contributes to physical and mental well-being, reducing health risks and promoting healthy lives in Uganda.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

FreshGuard contributes to the Quality Education goal (SDG 4) indirectly, by: 1. Improving incomes for farmers and vendors, enabling them to afford education for their children. 2. Promoting sustainable agriculture practices, which can be integrated into educational curricula, enhancing learning experiences. 3. Supporting community development, which can lead to improved access to quality education. 4. Empowering women farmers and vendors, who can then invest in their children's education. While FreshGuard's primary focus is not on education, its impact on the community and economy can have a positive ripple effect on access to quality education.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

FreshGuard contributes to Gender Equality (SDG 5) by: - Empowering women farmers and vendors, providing access to solar-powered cold storage and market opportunities. - Promoting economic independence and income security for women, reducing gender-based financial disparities. - Supporting women's leadership and decision-making roles in agriculture and market development. - Addressing gender-specific challenges in agriculture, such as limited access to resources and credit. - Creating a gender-inclusive work environment, promoting equal opportunities and addressing gender-based discrimination. - Encouraging male engagement in gender equality efforts, fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect. By addressing these gender-focused areas, FreshGuard contributes to promoting gender equality, empowering women, and challenging gender stereotypes in Uganda.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

2

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

6

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

FreshGuard contributes to Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7) by: - Utilizing solar power for cold storage, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change. - Increasing access to clean energy for rural communities, promoting energy inclusion. - Supporting energy efficiency and sustainable agriculture practices. - Reducing energy costs for farmers and vendors, enhancing economic viability. - Promoting decentralized, community-based energy solutions. - Encouraging scaling up of solar energy adoption in agriculture and market development. By harnessing solar power, FreshGuard demonstrates a commitment to clean energy, energy access, and sustainable development, aligning with SDG 7's targets.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

FreshGuard contributes to Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) by: - Creating jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities in agriculture and market development. - Enhancing income security and stability for farmers and vendors. - Promoting sustainable agriculture practices, improving working conditions. - Supporting market access and competitiveness, increasing economic opportunities. - Encouraging entrepreneurship, innovation, and private sector development. - Fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth, reducing poverty and inequality. By addressing these key areas, FreshGuard contributes to decent work, economic growth, and sustainable development.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

FreshGuard contributes to Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9) by: - Developing and implementing innovative solar-powered cold storage solutions. - Enhancing agricultural productivity and efficiency through technology adoption. - Upgrading infrastructure in rural areas, improving market access and connectivity. - Promoting sustainable and resilient infrastructure development. - Encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture and energy sectors. - Fostering industrialization and economic growth, driving progress towards SDG 9. By addressing these key areas, FreshGuard contributes to the development of sustainable and innovative infrastructure, promoting industrialization and economic growth in Uganda.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

FreshGuard contributes to Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10) by: - Empowering women farmers and vendors, promoting gender equality and economic empowerment. - Supporting small-scale farmers, reducing inequalities in access to markets, resources, and technology. - Enhancing economic opportunities for marginalized groups, reducing income disparities and social exclusion. - Promoting inclusive and equitable access to clean energy, agricultural technology, and market development. - Addressing social, economic, and environmental inequalities in rural communities, fostering a more just and equitable society.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

FreshGuard contributes to Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) by: - Promoting sustainable agriculture practices, reducing environmental impact. - Supporting market development, enhancing access to fresh produce, and improving urban food systems. - Enhancing rural-urban linkages, fostering inclusive and resilient community development. - Encouraging sustainable energy use, reducing carbon footprint, and mitigating climate change. - Fostering community engagement, social inclusion, and economic opportunities for all. - Developing sustainable and resilient agricultural value chains, ensuring food security and sustainability.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

FreshGuard contributes to Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) by: - Reducing food waste through efficient cold storage and market access. - Promoting sustainable agriculture practices, reducing environmental impact. - Encouraging responsible consumption patterns, reducing food loss and waste. - Implementing energy-efficient solar-powered cold storage solutions. - Fostering sustainable and resilient agricultural value chains. - Supporting sustainable production and consumption practices among farmers, vendors, and consumers.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

FreshGuard contributes to Climate Action (SDG 13) by: - Promoting sustainable agriculture practices, reducing GHG emissions and soil degradation. - Implementing solar-powered cold storage, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and energy consumption. - Reducing food waste, decreasing methane emissions from decomposition and landfill contributions. - Supporting climate-resilient agriculture, enhancing adaptive capacity and resilience. - Encouraging low-emission transportation and logistics practices, reducing carbon footprint. - Fostering climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, ensuring a sustainable future.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

2

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

FreshGuard contributes to Life on Land (SDG 15) by: - Promoting sustainable agriculture practices, reducing soil degradation and biodiversity loss. - Supporting sustainable land management, ecosystem services, and forest conservation. - Reducing food waste, promoting efficient resource use, and minimizing pollution. - Enhancing rural livelihoods, community development, and social inclusivity. - Fostering sustainable and resilient agricultural value chains, ensuring sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. - Protecting and restoring natural habitats, promoting ecosystem services and biodiversity conservation. By addressing these key areas, FreshGuard contributes to the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

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

6

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

FreshGuard contributes to Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16) by: - Promoting social justice through inclusive market access and economic opportunities for marginalized groups. - Supporting legal and policy frameworks for sustainable agriculture, trade, and environmental protection. - Enhancing transparency and accountability in agricultural value chains, reducing corruption and illicit activities. - Fostering community engagement, social cohesion, and conflict resolution, promoting peaceful societies. - Strengthening institutional capacities for sustainable development, governance, and access to justice. - Ensuring equitable and fair distribution of resources, promoting human rights and social equality.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

FreshGuard contributes to Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) by: - Fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships among farmers, vendors, consumers, governments, NGOs, and private sector entities. - Promoting international cooperation and knowledge sharing for sustainable agriculture and food systems. - Enhancing capacity building and technology transfer for sustainable development. - Encouraging stakeholder engagement and collaborative action for sustainable development. - Mobilizing resources and expertise for sustainable agriculture and market development. - Supporting South-South cooperation and triangular cooperation for sustainable development. By fostering collaborative action and partnerships, FreshGuard contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

3

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

2

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.08 Justification

FreshGuard converges sustainable agriculture, market development, and technology to reduce food waste and enhance logistics. It prioritizes social and environmental responsibility, engaging local communities and respecting regional values. By addressing multiple SDGs, FreshGuard offers a comprehensive solution, making it a unique and innovative project that revolutionizes the agricultural industry and improves lives. Its integrated approach sets it apart, ensuring a stable income for farmers, fresh produce for consumers, and a sustainable future.

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

Potential competitors include: - Traditional agricultural marketplaces - Digital platforms for farmers and vendors - Sustainable agriculture initiatives FreshGuard stands out with its: - Integrated approach combining sustainable agriculture, market development, and technology - Real-time monitoring and logistics management reducing food waste and enhancing efficiency - Community-centric approach respecting regional values and culture - Triple bottom line prioritizing social, environmental, and economic sustainability - Multi-SDG impact addressing Zero Hunger, Responsible Consumption, and Climate Action FreshGuard's holistic and innovative approach sets it apart from competitors, offering a unique solution for sustainable agriculture and market development.

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

Am indeed auctioning actions within the community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs. Am using my platform to empower women in business, challenging gender stereotypes and fostering a culture of support and inclusivity. By auctioning actions, Am raising funds and resources for female-led initiatives, providing mentorship and training opportunities, and celebrating women's achievements in entrepreneurship. My efforts are inspiring a new generation of female leaders and change-makers, driving positive impact and growth in the community.