Ghana - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Partnering with mango farmers during peak seasons, we seek to transform surplus mangoes into powdered forms & delectable fruit leather thus reducing waste & offering customers convenient and nutritious mango-based year-round mango products.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Our project is to setup a direct supply chain between the mango farmers and a processing facility established by us, all connected during the peak season. Through our partnership, we will be sourcing mangoes from local farmers to ensure high-quality fruit that is typically available in overabundant quantities. These mangoes will then be processed into powdered mango and edible mango fruit leather. The mango powder will be a versatile ingredient with applications in both food and beverages including smoothies, desserts as well as baked goods. This product will offer consumers a convenient way to enjoy the flavor and nutritional benefits of mangoes year-round. On the other hand, the mango fruit leather will provide a healthy and delicious snack option that is perfect for on-the-go consumption. Through this project, we aim to reduce post-harvest losses for mango farmers and also create economic opportunities for local communities and promote food sustainability.

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

The biggest issue we're tackling with our business idea is the high post-harvest losses that mango farmers face because fresh mangoes have a short shelf life, especially during the abundant season. Our plan is to source mangoes during this peak period and turn them into powdered forms and mango fruit leather. This way, we're aiming to provide a solution that reduces these losses and helps farmers preserve and make more money from their produce. Our business idea tackles the challenge of food wastage and the lack of value addition in the mango supply chain, ultimately benefiting both farmers and 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).

1.Longer shelf life: The products will last a lot longer than fresh mangoes. This will help in reducing food waste and spoilage, allowing consumers to enjoy mango products even when they are out of season. 2.Convenience: These products can be used with ease in a variety of recipes and culinary goods. They provide consumers a handy method to enjoy the flavor and health benefits of mangoes. 3.Value addition: This project adds value to the mango supply chain by transforming a perishable product into a stable and versatile form. This value-added product can command higher prices in the market, benefiting both farmers and consumers. 4.Sustainability: By reducing post-harvest losses and utilizing most parts of the mango fruit, this project promotes sustainability in the food industry by minimizing food waste and maximizing the utilization of resources. 5.Nutritional value: The powdered forms and fruit leather produced retains the nutritional content of fresh mangoes, including vitamins.

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

This project aims to serve several stakeholders in the mango supply chain. The key beneficiaries include: 1. Small-holder mango farmers facing challenges with post-harvest losses. 2. Consumers who enjoy mango products but are limited by the availability of fresh seasonal mangoes. 3. Food processors, manufacturers and retailers seeking fresh and sustainable products will benefit from the availability of powdered mango and fruit leather products. Overall, the project aims to create a win-win situation for mango farmers, consumers, the food industry and the environment by bridging the gap between surplus mango production and market demand through value-added processing and innovative product offerings.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-04-01

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

4

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

2

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

Josephine Toudeka: An entrepreneur and worker. Public speaking skills and persuasive. Abednego Afangya: Proactive, technological skills. Dennis Blemano: Cambridge and WASSCE tutor, hardworking, optimistic and innovative. Evelyn Forson: Nurse practitioner, initiator and motivator.

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

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Our mission contributes to SDG 1: No Poverty through supplying monetary opportunities for mango farmers and assisting to alleviate poverty in agricultural communities. By developing a reliable market for farmers and providing value-brought processing possibilities, the undertaking permits farmers to increase their earnings, reduce publish-harvest losses, and improve their livelihoods. This in flip facilitates to raise farmers out of poverty, create sustainable employment, and contribute to financial empowerment in the community. Through these initiatives, our project plays a role in achieving the goal of eradicating poverty and promoting sustainable development.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Our project contributes to SDG 2: Zero Hunger by addressing food security and reducing food waste. By sourcing mangoes from farmers during the peak season and processing them into powdered forms and fruit leather, our project helps to minimize post-harvest losses of mangoes, thereby ensuring that more food reaches consumers. This contributes to a more efficient and sustainable food system, reducing food waste and ensuring a steady supply of nutritious mango products year-round. Additionally, by providing value-added mango products, our project offers consumers a source of nutritious food that can contribute to a balanced diet, ultimately supporting efforts to achieve zero hunger and improve food security.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Our products retain the health benefits of fresh mangoes, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, providing consumers with a convenient and delicious way to incorporate these nutrients into their diet and promoting the consumption of nutritious mango products. The mango fruit leather also serves as a snack for those who just want to eat something sweet but still stay on the healthier side. Our project has the potential of reducing the intake of sugary products mainly toffees thus help consumers make better health choices.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

By sourcing mangoes directly from farmers, our project provides an opportunity to empower female farmers who are engaged in mango cultivation and harvesting. Gender disparities in agriculture often limit the access of women to resources, market opportunities, and decision-making power. Our project can help create a fair and inclusive market environment that enables female farmers to participate in the supply chain and benefit economically from their produce.

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

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 providing a reliable market for mango farmers and offering value-added processing opportunities, our project helps generate income for farmers, boosting local economies and livelihoods. Through capacity-building initiatives and partnerships with farmers, the project also enhances skills development and creates job opportunities within the community. By promoting sustainable practices and supporting economic growth in the agricultural sector, our project fosters decent work, entrepreneurship, and overall economic development, aligning with the goals of SDG 8.

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

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 project promotes sustainable practices throughout the mango supply chain. By reducing post-harvest losses and processing surplus mangoes into value-added products, our project minimizes food waste and maximizes resource efficiency. This supports responsible consumption by ensuring that valuable food resources are utilized effectively and not wasted. Additionally, by offering consumers innovative and nutritious powdered mango and fruit leather products, our project promotes sustainable and healthy eating choices. By integrating environmentally friendly practices, minimizing waste, and creating innovative food products, our project aligns with the goals of SDG 12 to promote responsible consumption and production patterns.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

2

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

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

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

By working directly with mango farmers, retailers, and consumers, our project creates a network of stakeholders who collaborate towards achieving common goals related to sustainable mango production, reducing food waste, and promoting innovative food products. These partnerships enable knowledge sharing, resource pooling, and collective action towards the shared objectives of economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, and 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.

2

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

4

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

2

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

4

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.

6

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

3

05.08 Justification

Our idea stands out for its creative solution to a common problem, its potential to create new market opportunities, and its contribution to sustainability in the food supply chain. We seek to add value to the product thus offering consumers unique and versatile mango products that can be used in various culinary applications. We also seek to addresses a common challenge faced by mango farmers – post-harvest losses due to the short shelf life of fresh mangoes. By processing the mangoes into stable forms, we would minimize waste and maximize the utilization of the fruit, which is both environmentally friendly, economically beneficial and sustainable. Again, we offer market diversification. These products open up new market opportunities for mango farmers and the food industry. These innovative products cater to consumer preferences for convenience, long shelf life, and unique food experiences, tapping into a segment of the market that may not be reached by traditional fruit sales.

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

Our main potential competitors could include other food processors or manufacturers that produce similar mango-based products such as dried mango slices, mango purees, or fruit bars. Additionally, companies that specialize in fruit processing, snacks, and natural food products may also pose competition. What sets our project apart from potential competitors are the specific products we are offering—powdered mango forms and mango fruit leather. These unique product offerings provide a distinct value proposition to consumers and differentiate our brand in the market. The focus on reducing post-harvest losses and promoting sustainability can also be a competitive advantage, appealing to consumers who prioritize supporting environmentally conscious and socially responsible businesses. Additionally, our project’s commitment to working directly with mango farmers, providing them with a reliable market, and offering value-added processing opportunities sets us apart by fostering partnerships.

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

Not yet