South Africa - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Charcool Climate provides sustainable, electricity-free cooling solutions for informal traders and small-scale farmers in South Africa. Our charcoal chambers extend the shelf life of perishable goods, reduce food waste, and increase traders' income.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Charcool Climate, established in March 2024, aims to address the financial losses informal traders and small-scale farmers face due to produce spoilage from the intense heat of Mbombela. Inspired by extensive needs analysis from 7 community outreach programmes, we designed a zero-cooling charcoal chamber, a technology used by small-scale farmers in Kenya. This sustainable, electricity-free solution extends the shelf life of perishable goods by maintaining temperatures 10-15 degrees Celsius lower than the outside temperature. The chamber uses wet charcoal and water to create the cooling effect, making it an affordable alternative to refrigerators. We have engaged extensively with informal traders to ensure our design meets their needs, and our initial testing has shown promising results. We are now refining our designs for market readiness and have registered our enterprise with the CIPC.

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

Charcool Climate is addressing the significant financial losses informal traders and small-scale farmers face due to the spoilage of perishable produce caused by the intense heat in Mbombela. Without access to affordable and sustainable cooling solutions, these vendors and farmers are unable to keep their goods fresh, resulting in reduced revenues and increased food waste. Traditional methods like keeping produce in water overnight are unsustainable and often damage the goods. Our solution, the zero-cooling charcoal chamber, provides a cost-effective, electricity-free method to extend the shelf life of produce, thereby enhancing the profitability of these vendors and farmers and reducing overall food waste. This innovative approach not only supports the economic stability of informal traders but also contributes to food security and environmental sustainability.

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

Cost-Effective Cooling: Unlike conventional refrigeration systems, our charcoal chambers do not require electricity, making them an affordable solution for informal traders and small-scale farmers. This is especially crucial in areas affected by frequent power outages or where electricity is costly. Prolonged Freshness and Reduced Waste: By maintaining a temperature 10-15 degrees Celsius lower than the outside temperature, the charcoal chamber extends the shelf life of perishable goods. This reduction in spoilage translates directly into lower financial losses for vendors and farmers and contributes to decreased food waste. Sustainability and Simplicity: The technology is based on simple, proven principles that require minimal maintenance and no advanced technical knowledge. The key components—wet charcoal and water—are readily available and easy to manage, making the system highly sustainable and user-friendly for our target market.

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

Our project is aimed at serving informal traders and small-scale farmers in South Africa, particularly those operating in urban and peri-urban areas like Mbombela. These individuals often face significant financial losses due to the spoilage of perishable goods caused by high temperatures and the lack of affordable, reliable refrigeration solutions. Our primary beneficiaries are street vendors who sell fresh produce such as tomatoes, green peppers, cabbages, bananas, apples, peas, grapes, potatoes, and spinach. Additionally, small-scale farmers without access to electricity or who are affected by frequent power outages also stand to benefit from our zero-cooling charcoal chambers. By extending the shelf life of their produce, we aim to improve their income stability, reduce food waste, and support their overall economic resilience. Through our community outreach and engagement, we ensure that our product meets their specific needs and enhances their livelihoods.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-03-01

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.)

Benneth Makgate is co-founder and Operations manager of the enterprise, He is a third-year Bachelor of Administration Student at the University of Mpumalanga. He owns another printing and photocopying business. He has a basic understanding of business operations. Aphiwe Mhlongo is the co-founder and CEO of the enterprise. She is also an Honours in Geography student at the University of Mpumalanga.

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

https://www.instagram.com/charcool_climate?igsh=MWI50Hc5eDM1aDhveg==

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

Our project directly addresses SDG Goal 1: No Poverty by empowering informal traders and small-scale farmers with a sustainable, low-cost solution to extend the shelf life of their perishable goods. The zero-cooling charcoal chamber helps reduce financial losses caused by spoilage, thereby stabilizing and potentially increasing the income of these vulnerable groups. By enhancing their ability to preserve and sell fresh produce for longer periods, we improve their economic resilience and livelihood opportunities. Additionally, the project creates employment opportunities within the community by hiring individuals to construct and maintain the chambers, providing them with steady income and work experience. The reduced food waste also means that traders can sell more of their stock, leading to better financial outcomes and reducing the economic strain caused by unsold spoiled goods.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Our project aligns with SDG Goal 2: Zero Hunger by improving food security and reducing food waste for informal traders and small-scale farmers. The zero-cooling charcoal chamber preserves perishable goods like fruits and vegetables, ensuring they remain fresh for longer periods without the need for electricity. This technology allows traders and farmers to maintain a steady supply of fresh produce, contributing to consistent food availability in local markets. By reducing spoilage, our project minimizes food loss, which is crucial in a country like South Africa where many face food insecurity. Ensuring that more food reaches consumers in good condition helps stabilize food prices and makes fresh produce more accessible to low-income households. Additionally, the chambers support the livelihoods of traders and farmers by increasing their income stability, allowing them to invest in their agricultural practices and improve crop yields.

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Our project contributes to SDG Goal 5: Gender Equality by empowering women informal traders through economic opportunities and enhanced livelihoods. In many communities we engage with, a significant portion of informal traders are women who face numerous socio-economic challenges. By providing them with access to the zero-cooling charcoal chambers, we enable these women to preserve and sell perishable goods more effectively, thereby increasing their income and economic independence. Through our engagements, we aim to reduce gender disparities in economic opportunities by supporting women entrepreneurs in the informal sector. This includes providing training on business management, financial literacy, and sustainable agricultural practices. By equipping women with the tools and knowledge to succeed in their businesses, we help enhance their economic aspirations and strengthen their role in local economies.

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

5

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Our project aligns with SDG Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy by promoting the use of sustainable, renewable energy solutions among informal traders and small-scale farmers. The zero-cooling charcoal chambers we provide operate without electricity, relying instead on charcoal and water to maintain low temperatures suitable for preserving perishable goods. This innovative approach reduces reliance on traditional refrigeration methods that are often unavailable or unreliable in many rural and informal settings. By introducing these energy-efficient chambers, we mitigate the environmental impact associated with conventional refrigeration technologies, such as greenhouse gas emissions and high energy consumption. This contributes to cleaner and more sustainable energy practices, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

By offering affordable and accessible cooling technology, we enable informal traders to preserve their perishable goods effectively, reducing post-harvest losses and improving their economic outcomes. This supports the growth of local economies by ensuring that more produce reaches markets in optimal condition, thereby increasing income generation opportunities and fostering economic stability. Moreover, our initiative creates employment opportunities within the community. We have employed three students to oversee operations, including the construction and distribution of the charcoal chambers. This not only provides them with valuable work experience but also contributes to local capacity-building and skills development.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

5

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Firstly, our zero-cooling charcoal chambers represent an innovative approach to addressing the infrastructure challenges faced by informal traders and small-scale farmers. These chambers provide a cost-effective and energy-efficient alternative to traditional refrigeration methods, which are often inaccessible due to cost or lack of reliable electricity infrastructure in remote areas. By utilizing locally available materials like charcoal and water, our solution leverages existing resources to improve infrastructure resilience and sustainability. Furthermore, our initiative contributes to building resilient infrastructure by improving the storage and preservation capabilities of informal traders and small-scale farmers. This helps reduce food losses and enhances food security, particularly in regions prone to environmental challenges like heat waves and power outages.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

our project aims to reduce inequalities by providing access to affordable and effective cooling solutions to informal traders and small-scale farmers who often lack access to traditional refrigeration methods due to economic constraints or infrastructural limitations. By introducing the zero-cooling charcoal chambers, we empower these marginalized groups to preserve their perishable goods effectively, thereby reducing income disparities caused by spoilage and enhancing their economic opportunities. Secondly, our initiative promotes gender equality by targeting a significant number of female informal traders who are typically underrepresented in economic activities and face additional challenges in accessing resources and markets. By equipping women with tools and technologies that improve their business resilience and productivity, we empower them to participate more actively in local economies and decision-making processes.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

4

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Firstly, we advocate for responsible consumption by introducing zero-cooling charcoal chambers that help minimize food spoilage and waste. By extending the shelf life of perishable goods without relying on electricity or harmful chemicals, our solution encourages efficient resource use and supports sustainable consumption patterns. Secondly, our initiative promotes sustainable production by encouraging local production of charcoal chambers using locally sourced materials and labor. This approach reduces the environmental footprint associated with long-distance manufacturing and transportation, contributing to sustainable economic growth within communities.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Firstly, our zero-cooling charcoal chambers provide a climate-friendly alternative to traditional refrigeration methods. By utilizing charcoal, a renewable and locally available resource, our chambers offer an energy-efficient way to preserve perishable goods without relying on electricity. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with conventional refrigeration technologies, thereby mitigating our carbon footprint. Secondly, our project promotes climate resilience among informal traders and small-scale farmers who are vulnerable to climate impacts such as heatwaves and power outages. By enhancing food security through improved storage solutions, we help communities adapt to climate variability and reduce their reliance on unstable food supply chains.

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

2

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

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

5

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

Firstly, we foster peace and stability by empowering informal traders, many of whom are marginalized and face socio-economic challenges. By providing them with access to reliable and affordable food preservation solutions, we contribute to economic stability and reduce potential conflicts over resources. Secondly, our project supports the development of strong and accountable institutions through partnerships with local governments and regulatory bodies. By adhering to legal and regulatory frameworks, we promote good governance practices and strengthen institutional capacity to support small-scale entrepreneurs and informal traders.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Firstly, we collaborate with local communities, informal traders, and small-scale farmers to co-create solutions that address food preservation challenges. By engaging stakeholders in the design and implementation of our project, we ensure relevance and effectiveness in meeting their needs. Secondly, we foster partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and academic institutions to leverage their expertise, resources, and networks. These partnerships enable us to scale our impact, access funding opportunities, and advocate for supportive policies that promote sustainable development.

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.

5

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

4

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

5

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.

6

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

6

05.08 Justification

The product is commonly used in Kenya but rarely in South Africa. We are working to improve the Kenyan version of the structure by making it user-friendly and mobile. This is based on the feedback we got from our needs analysis. Taking into consideration that the alternative to our product are expensive refrigerators and keeping produce in water over night which is unsustainable, it can be concluded that this innovation is the best option for informal traders and small scale farmers in rural areas..

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

We do not have a lot of companies that we can identify as competitors where our target market is concerned. This solution we coming up with is almost unique in the case of South Africa. Nonetheless, our enterprise is investing heavily in the satisfaction of our potential clients in the sense that we are building very strong connections with them through our community outreach programmes that keep them and us constantly in conversations on our to make our product better for them. This is the advantage we have over any competition. We have a professional staff that is trained weekly on their responsibilities and is engaged in exceptional teamwork.

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

Not yet.