Kenya - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Our project provides solar & wind-powered portable ice block makers & cold storage units to rural fisherfolk communities in Kenya, enhancing fish preservation, transportation, creating jobs, empowering youth & women, & promoting sustainable, eco practices

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Our project aims to transform fish preservation and transportation for rural fisherfolk communities in Kenya by developing portable ice block makers and cold storage units powered by solar energy during the day and wind energy at night. This dual-power system ensures continuous, eco-friendly operation, reducing fish spoilage and enhancing product quality. By focusing on local manufacturing, we create jobs and provide training, particularly targeting youth and women. Our solution includes flexible leasing options and partnerships with micro-finance institutions to ensure affordability and financial sustainability. This initiative supports several SDGs, including poverty reduction, clean energy access, responsible consumption, climate action, and sustainable marine life practices. Our project empowers communities, promotes gender equality, and fosters economic growth while significantly reducing the environmental impact of fish preservation.

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

The main problem we aim to solve is the significant post-harvest fish loss in rural fisherfolk communities in Kenya, primarily due to inadequate preservation and transportation methods. Fish spoilage results in substantial economic losses, reduced income for fisherfolk, and food insecurity. The lack of reliable, affordable, and sustainable refrigeration solutions exacerbates this issue, especially in off-grid rural areas. Additionally, existing preservation methods often rely on environmentally harmful practices like diesel-powered refrigeration, contributing to carbon emissions and environmental degradation. Our project addresses these challenges by providing solar and wind-powered portable ice block makers and cold storage units, ensuring continuous and eco-friendly fish preservation. This solution not only enhances fish quality and market value but also creates job opportunities, empowers local communities, and promotes sustainable fishing practices.

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

Enhanced Fish Preservation: Our solar and wind-powered portable ice block makers and cold storage units significantly reduce fish spoilage, ensuring higher quality and extended shelf life. This leads to better market prices and increased income for fisherfolk. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable: Utilizing renewable solar and wind energy, our solution minimizes reliance on fossil fuels, reduces carbon emissions, and promotes environmental sustainability. This dual-power system ensures continuous operation, even in off-grid rural areas. Economic Empowerment and Job Creation: By focusing on local manufacturing, distribution, and maintenance, our project creates job opportunities, particularly for youth and women. Training programs and entrepreneurial support empower communities, fostering economic growth and self-sufficiency. Additionally, flexible leasing and micro-financing options make the technology accessible and financially sustainable for rural fisherfolk.

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

Our project primarily targets rural fisherfolk communities in Kenya, particularly focusing on small-scale fishers who face significant post-harvest losses due to inadequate preservation and transportation methods. The direct beneficiaries include: Fisherfolk: Enhancing their ability to preserve and transport fish effectively, leading to reduced spoilage, higher income, and improved livelihoods. Youth and Women: Providing training, job opportunities, and entrepreneurial support to empower these groups, promoting gender equality and economic inclusion. Local Communities: Creating employment in local manufacturing, distribution, and maintenance sectors, fostering economic development and self-sufficiency. Consumers: Ensuring a more reliable supply of fresh fish, contributing to food security and better nutrition. Environmental Stakeholders: Promoting sustainable fishing practices and reducing environmental impact through the use of renewable energy sources.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2029-01-01

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

5

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.)

Evans Mikera - Renewable Energy Expert (GIZ): With 3 years of experience in designing and implementing renewable energy solutions. Geoffrey Alila (Male) - Local Fisherfolk Coop Leader: Alila has extensive experience in the fishing industry & leads a coop of small-scale fishers. His deep understanding of the challenges faced by fisherfolk ensures our solutions are practical & meet community needs. Faith Efedha (Female) - Micro-Finance Specialist: has over 8 years of experience in providing financial services to underserved communities. Her expertise in micro-loans and leasing options will make our technology accessible and affordable for fisherfolk. Millicent K’odande (Male) - NGO Community Development Officer: She will assist in training programs, focusing on youth and women empowerment and promoting sustainable practices. John Njoroge (Male) - Technology Provider: Njoroge brings over 12 years of experience in refrigeration and cold storage technology.

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

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ky.duka&hl=en_NZ

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

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

The project provides affordable cooling solutions. By providing affordable and sustainable cooling solutions, the project boosts the income of fisherfolk, reducing poverty by enhancing their ability to store and sell fresh fish when markets are more viable, and reduces perishability loses.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Improved storage extends the shelf life of fish, enhancing food security and reducing waste. The project directly provides a solution to extend the shelf life of fish, enhancing food security and reducing waste, thereby contributing to the availability of nutritious food.

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

5

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Ensuring fresh fish availability improves nutrition and health, reducing malnutrition and foodborne illnesses in communities.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Training programs on the technology and business management empower community members with valuable skills promoting lifelong learning and education.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

The project's focused training and mentorship for women promote female entrepreneurship and economic participation bridging gender gaps in the industry.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

5

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

Utilizing solar and wind power reduces reliance on fossil fuels, decreasing water pollution and promoting cleaner water sources.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

5

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

The project utilizes renewable energy for cooling solutions, supporting sustainable and affordable energy use in communities.

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 enhancing the fishery value chain, the project creates jobs and stimulates local economies, fostering economic growth and decent work conditions.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Introducing renewable-powered technologies strengthens local industry infrastructure, promoting sustainable industrialization and innovation.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Inclusive training and economic opportunities reduce gender and economic disparities, fostering a more equitable society.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Promoting sustainable practices and renewable technologies fosters resilient and sustainable communities.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Extending the shelf life of fish reduces waste, promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Utilizing renewable energy mitigates climate change impacts by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, supporting climate action efforts.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

6

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Sustainable practices help preserve marine ecosystems by reducing overfishing and waste, protecting aquatic life.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Decreasing pollution from fossil fuels supports healthier terrestrial ecosystems, contributing to land conservation.

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

5

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

Empowering communities economically and promoting inclusive growth contributes to social stability and stronger institutions

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Collaboration with local cooperatives and women's groups fosters partnerships for sustainable development, enhancing community resilience and collective action.

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.

6

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

5

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.

3

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

The project idea is innovative primarily because it addresses a niche within the market that is currently underserved. By leveraging advanced technologies and unique features, it not only improves upon existing solutions but also introduces novel functionalities that cater specifically to the identified customer needs. This approach ensures that the project stands out in terms of both technological innovation and market relevance.

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

The main potential competitors include established players offering similar solutions in the market. However, what sets our project apart is its emphasis on integrating cutting-edge technology that enhances user experience and functionality beyond what competitors currently offer. Our solution is designed to be more user-friendly, cost-effective, and adaptable to evolving customer needs, which gives us a competitive edge in the market.

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

The project introduces solar and wind-powered ice block makers and portable reefers to fisherfolk communities, actively promoting female entrepreneurship through tailored training in technology operation, maintenance, and entrepreneurial skills. It enhances financial literacy and business management for women, empowering effective business ownership. Robust support networks and mentorship by experienced female leaders foster leadership among aspiring entrepreneurs. Collaboration with local women's groups involves them in technology distribution and maintenance, advancing economic opportunities, gender equality, and community empowerment. This approach ensures equitable access to resources, fostering sustainable growth and social empowerment.