Kenya - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Eco design is a sustainable use of water hyacinth to make handcrafts. Furniture, baskets, briquettes and bags can be made out of dried and woven water hyacinth. The project utilizes the readily available raw materials from our lakes.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

The project utilizes water hyacinth in lake Victoria to make surable consumer goods. Thi is by harvesting, drying and weaving the stem of water hyacinth. Treatment and coloring can be done to increase the flavor and ctrate different varieties. Prototypes of furniture,( the primary project) are woven into desired designs and then sold to customers.These products are eco friendly as they are biodegradable and the means of making them is not harmful to the environment. The project is consistent with several sustainable goals like eradication of poverty by generating income. This project is scalable as it can be replicated regionally and globally. Water hyacinth is an aquatic plant that has a high regeneration rate and so there is no risk of depletion or extinction. By reducing its spread on water bodies, balance in the ecosystem will be restored.

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

The problem of water hyacinth is a global problem that has been witnessed in many fresh water bodies. Unlike in some south american lakes, lake victoria does not have weevils and moths that can feed on the plant. The uncontrollabled growth of water hyacinth is therefore a problem to bkth ecosystem and peiple who draw their livelihood from the lake. Hyacinth makes lakes practically unnavigable and this means fishing cannot take place.It also competes with fish to access dissolved oxygen in water. The lake also reduces in size and volume due to sedimentation caused by hyacinth. The project therefore seeks to use this threat to water bodies by turning it to opportunity and at the same time preserve life in water.

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

The main benefit of furniture made from hyacinth is that they are eco friendly. It contributes to the preservation of our environment. They are also comfortable, unique and elegant.

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

Beneficiaries of this project are numerous One, the community benefits as labor is sourced from tbe community.This gives a chance to wimen and youth to earn a decent wage. Unemployed youths skilled in crafts and carpentry will benefit immensely. Consumers, will be a satisfied lot as tbey enjoy the new elegant and unique and affordable furniture.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-01-01

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.)

Reuben Chumba He is a skilled carpenter with years of practical experience. He holds a certificate from Diguna Polytechnic. He will be incharge of making prototypes. Sharon Kiget She holds a degree in Commerce and finance. She is experienced with accounting matters. As a partner, she will be in charge of finance planning and accountability.

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?

e) Secondary commodities (cars and parts, consumer durables and apparel, retail)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

The project creates new jobs for people with different skills and abilities. It is even better considering that skills needed are easily transferable.By earning decent living wages, their quality of life is improved, fulfilling this goal.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

4

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

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

2

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

3

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

This project is highly dependent on women. We will rely on them to weave our products which is a core function and thus empowering women and girls who do not have advanced skills.

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

The project provides sustainable economic gains. Workers will work in humane and friendly environment and will be compensated fairly for their labors.

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

4

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

3

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

4

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

4

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

3

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

4

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

7 - Strongly Agree

05.08 Justification

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

The main competition is from carpenters who make regular furniture. However, our product is distinguished for its uniqueness. Consumers are thirsty for a different style.Once our product hits the market, the market will be shared equally.

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

N/A