Tanzania - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

The Diamond Premium Rice project by Eco Rise Company Ltd is an initiative aimed at improving the rice supply chain from farmers to consumers,with the use of technology by focusing on fair trade, sustainability, enviromental friendly, and quality.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Eco Rise Company Ltd is an agribusiness dedicated to transforming the rice industry through its Diamond Premium Rice project. The project sources high-quality rice directly from farmers, ensuring fair prices to farmers and sustainable income. The rice is processed, packaged in eco-friendly materials, and distributed to various customers such as homes, hotels, supermarkets, restaurants, kyosk’s, local shops and schools. This initiative supports local farmers, creates jobs to local people and promotes community development. It emphasizes sustainable farming practices and reduces environmental impact as well as post harvest losses. Consumers benefit from high-quality, traceable rice, enhancing their trust in the product. Key milestones including established farmers partnerships and pilot testing. On going market expansion and distribution continues to drive brand awareness and recognition.

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

Eco Rise Company Ltd’s through Diamond Premium Rice project addresses the intertwined challenges of post-harvest losses and food security through a holistic and sustainable approach. By investing in modern storage and processing facilities, providing farmer education and support, and optimizing logistics and distribution, Eco Rise significantly reduces post-harvest losses. Simultaneously, the project enhances food security by increasing productivity, improving access to nutritious rice, and building community resilience. Through these efforts, Eco Rise not only will ensures a stable and sufficient food supply but also promotes economic and social development in the farming communities it serves.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

1.Stable Income: Farmers receive fair and stable prices for their rice, ensuring reliable income and financial stability. 2. Job Creation: The project creates jobs across various sectors, including farming, processing, packaging, marketing, and distribution. 3.Nutritional Benefits: By making high-quality rice more accessible, the project helps improve dietary nutrition for consumers

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

The Diamond Premium Rice project by Eco Rise Company Ltd brings multifaceted benefits to a diverse group of stakeholders. Local farmers gain financial stability and improved livelihoods, consumers access high-quality and affordable rice, and local communities experience economic and social development. Environmental stakeholders benefit from sustainable practices, while the government sees enhanced food security and economic growth. Lastly, Eco Rise strengthens its market position and demonstrates industry leadership through its commitment to innovation and sustainability. This holistic approach ensures that the project creates lasting positive impacts across the entire rice supply chain.

01.05 When was your company established?

2024-01-24

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

1

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Monica Plasido Kaseka Profile Chief Finance Officer, at Steps who gratuated at Dodoma University, ⁠with 7 years working experience in, different projects such as PEPFAR under USAID funded projects in Tanzania, ⁠ Global Fund projects, ⁠ Local grants projects,⁠ Income genarating activities for Social development. All projects are Community based projects.

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

https://www.instagram.com/eco_rise_company?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

b) Materials (agriculture, fishing, chemical products, construction materials, containers and packaging, metals and mining, paper and forest products)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

The Diamond Premium Rice project by Eco Rise Company Ltd significantly contributes to alleviating poverty, particularly among rural farming communities, though it may not completely eradicate poverty in all forms But solves dimensions of poverty by providing direct access to market, provision of employment opportunities to farming communities, community imvestment

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

The project does significantly contribute to zero hunger through the following mechanisms; 1. Increased food availability by using improved practices such as sustainable practices and improved inputs which results to higher yields. 2. Reducess post harvest losses by having Advanced processing plants and machinery ensure that rice is processed efficiently, reducing waste and maintaining high quality as well as Effective Handling and Packagingby having Proper handling techniques and eco-friendly, protective packaging help preserve rice quality during storage and transit. 3. Enhancing stability and resilience through Stable Food Supply which result to Reliable Production: By ensuring consistent and reliable rice production, the project will contributes to a stable food supply, reducing the risk of hunger due to supply fluctuations. Also Community Resilience through Improved economic stability for communities helps build resilience against economic shocks and food shortages.

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

My startup contributes to good health and well being through the; Improved Living Standards through market expansion and fairness of price results to having access to Healthcare and Education: With increased income, farmers can afford better healthcare and education for their families, breaking the cycle of poverty. As well as Housing and Nutrition: Higher earnings enable families to improve their living conditions and access nutritious food, enhancing overall well-being.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

My startup support and Empowering Women and Marginalized Groups through involvement of Women’s in various stages of the supply chain, from leadership stage , farming as most of the farming communities that women’s are involved will be given priority to distribution, the project promotes gender equality and economic empowerment of women and girls Support for Marginalized Groups: The project can provide targeted support to marginalized groups, ensuring they benefit equally and have opportunities for economic and social advancement.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

5

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

My startup contribute to clean water and sanitation through Sustainable Water Management in Agricultureby the use of Efficient Irrigation Practices: Drip Irrigation: Promoting the use of drip irrigation systems reduces water wastage by delivering water directly to the plant roots, ensuring optimal water 2. Reducing Water Pollution by Minimizing Chemical Usage through Organic Farming Practices: Encouraging the use of organic fertilizers and pesticides reduces the runoff of harmful chemicals into water bodies, protect the water from harmful chemicals.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

My startup significantly promotes decent work and economic growth through job creation, fair wages, safe working conditions, and capacity building. By fostering sustainable economic practices, strengthening local economies, and encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship, the project ensures long-term economic benefits for farmers, workers, and communities. These efforts align with the broader goals of economic development and poverty alleviation, contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

My startup plays a pivotal role in supporting industry development, fostering innovation, and developing essential infrastructure. By modernizing agricultural practices, promoting value addition, encouraging the adoption of advanced technologies, and building robust infrastructure, the project drives economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development. These efforts not only enhance the rice industry but also contribute to the broader goals of improving livelihoods, fostering community development, and ensuring environmental sustainability.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

My startup contributes to reduced inequality by ensuring fair wages and ethical trade practices for local farmers, providing equal opportunities for women and marginalized groups to participate in all aspects of the project, and offering training and resources that empower these communities economically and socially. By fostering inclusive decision-making and promoting social equity, we help elevate the socio-economic status of underrepresented groups, bridging income gaps and enhancing access to opportunities and resources, thereby fostering a more equitable society.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

My startup contributes to sustainable cities and communities by promoting local economic development through job creation and fair wages for farmers, enhancing food security with sustainable farming practices, and supporting local businesses. By training farmers in organic and efficient farming techniques, we increase rice yields and ensure environmental stewardship. Our efforts also include building strong community institutions through cooperative development and inclusive decision-making, improving infrastructure for storage, processing, and transportation, and promoting social equity by empowering women and marginalized groups. Through these comprehensive initiatives, we foster resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities.

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

My startup promotes responsible consumption and production through sustainable farming practices, reducing post-harvest losses, eco-friendly packaging, local consumption support, consumer education, sustainable business practices, and embracing a circular economy. These efforts not only ensure the environmental and social sustainability of rice production but also enhance economic viability and community well-being. By fostering responsible consumption and production, the project contributes significantly to the broader goals of sustainability and environmental stewardship.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

My startup takes significant steps to address climate change and promote climate action. By integrating sustainable practices across the supply chain, from farming to distribution, the project aims to reduce its carbon footprint and enhance resilience against climate impacts.

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

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

My startup supports the “Life on Land” goal through sustainable land management, enhancing soil health, conserving biodiversity, combating land degradation, supporting local communities, mitigating climate change, and preserving water resources. By integrating these practices, the project not only ensures the sustainability and productivity of rice production but also contributes to the broader goals of environmental conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable development. These efforts are crucial for protecting and restoring ecosystems, ensuring the well-being of local communities, and fostering a healthy and sustainable environment.

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

6

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

My startup supports peace, justice, and strong institutions through fair trade practices through fair pricing to farmers, community governance through empowering local leaders , transparency, access to justiceby providing legal support to farmers , capacity building, social inclusion, and sustainable development. By integrating these elements, the project not only enhances the economic viability and sustainability of rice production but also contributes to the broader goals of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, ensuring justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions. These efforts are essential for fostering long-term peace, stability, and prosperity in the communities involved in the project.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

My startup contribute to Partnerships for the Goals through strategic collaborations with farmers, government agencies, NGOs, research institutions, the private sector, and international organizations. These partnerships enhance the project’s impact by mobilizing resources, sharing knowledge, transferring technology, and building capacity. By fostering inclusive and effective multi-stakeholder partnerships, the project not only advances sustainable rice production but also contributes to the broader objectives of sustainable development, peace, and prosperity for all involved.

06.01 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

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

06.08 Justification for my startup

My project is unique and innovative because it integrates sustainable farming practices with advanced agricultural technologies, ensuring high productivity and environmental stewardship. By prioritizing fair trade principles, we guarantee fair compensation for farmers and empower local communities through capacity-building initiatives. Our comprehensive approach includes leveraging modern techniques for efficient production, packaging, and distribution, creating strong market linkages, and promoting organic and climate-resilient rice varieties. This holistic strategy not only improves economic outcomes but also addresses social and environmental challenges, setting our project apart from traditional agricultural initiatives.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

My main compititers are Alaska, Onja and Korie The

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

Yes. Am supporting women through legal actions in different aspects.