Kenya - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

The mission is to combat water scarcity in a village by building an affordable dam for irrigation, cultivating crops, and promoting local economic growth. I aim to transform the village into a thriving agricultural hub, fostering sustainable

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

I aim to combat water scarcity in a village and boost agricultural growth by constructing an affordable and efficient dam. It will provide irrigation, improve food security, and generate surplus crops for economic development. The dam will also ensure a reliable water supply for domestic and livestock needs, improving living conditions and income opportunities. I'll establish a maintenance system, train locals, and promote sustainability. Educational programs on water usage and farming techniques will maximize benefits. This integrated approach will break the cycle of water scarcity, reduce poverty, and create employment. I'm looking to partner with locals, government agencies, and other well-wishers to create opportunities and a lasting impact on the village's development.

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

The village faces several challenges due to water scarcity caused by two unpredictable rain seasons (November-December and April-May) and harsh climatic change. This has resulted in limited agricultural productivity, contributing to a high poverty level, hunger, increasing school dropouts, and a high unemployment rate. The lack of consistent water supply also results in unreliable piped water, further affecting the community’s livelihoods. Additionally, the underutilization of vast fertile land exacerbates the problem, as it hinders agricultural growth and perpetuates the cycle of poverty. This situation has led to high rates of school dropouts and rural-urban migration in search of better opportunities. Addressing these issues through the construction of an affordable and efficient dam will mitigate water scarcity, boost agricultural output, reduce poverty, and provide employment opportunities, thereby creating a sustainable and prosperous future for the village.

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

As the passionate owner of this startup, I am driven by the urgency to combat water scarcity. My focus on an affordable and efficient dam is rooted in my engineering expertise and commitment to sustainable development. By ensuring accessible water resources, we aim to alleviate the impact of unreliable rainfall on agriculture. Our innovative dam solution empowers farmers with consistent water access for enhanced crop yields and food security. Additionally, we prioritize employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women, contributing to economic growth and social empowerment. The dam attracts investments, fostering community development and improved amenities. Our sustainable resource utilization optimizes water distribution, ensuring equitable access for farmers, and households. Through this venture, I strive to create a resilient future, where water security and community prosperity go hand in hand.

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

This project is aimed at serving primarily the local farmers who face the challenges of water scarcity. They are the targeted beneficiaries of my affordable and efficient dam solution. By providing consistent access to water, I aim to enhance their crop yields, improve food security, and safeguard their livelihoods. The project also targets youth and women by creating employment opportunities, fostering skill development, and promoting gender equality. Furthermore, the local community as a whole benefits from infrastructure development, improved basic amenities, and enhanced healthcare and education facilities, stimulated by investments attracted through the project. My goal is to empower these stakeholders, promote sustainable agriculture, and create a positive impact on their lives and the overall socio-economic fabric of the region.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2020-01-01

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

12

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

4

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

Antony Mbithi: Finance student and entrepreneur Kelvin Kariuki: Agribusiness advisor Jackline Syombua: Hospitality Jane Kilonzo: Procurement Martin Munyasya: Accountant Mary Mwende: Education and Mobilization David Mbugua : Auditor Daniel Mwendwa: IT specialist Felix Nthenge: Civil engineer Stanley Musau: Surveyor Denis Alwanga: Agriculture expert Edith Martin: Human Resource Management

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

https://mbithi203006.wixsite.com/aquahavestsolution-1

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

This startup contributes to the United Nations' goal of eradicating poverty by implementing innovative strategies that promote sustainable agriculture and community development. My affordable dam solution addresses water scarcity in an agricultural community, improving crop yields and food security. Empowering youth and women, will reduce economic inequality and foster inclusive economic growth. The startup attracts investments, fostering community development, job creation, and improved amenities. Through sustainable resource management, will distribute water equitably, optimize usage, and conserve natural resources. My focus on long-term poverty reduction and sustainable agricultural practices creates a resilient future. Overall, by providing affordable solutions, improving livelihoods, and fostering inclusive growth, the startup actively contributes to eliminating poverty.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

The project address challenges of food security and hunger by implementing sustainable agricultural practices and providing affordable dam solutions, enabling farmers to access consistent water resources for increased food production. Efficient agricultural practices are sustained through optimized usage and minimized waste. The startup promotes community development and empowerment, particularly for youth and women, by providing employment opportunities and supporting skill development to enhance livelihoods and economic stability. Its efforts in attracting investments contribute to community development, creating job opportunities, enhanced infrastructure, improved healthcare facilities, and better access to education indirectly addressing the underlying causes of hunger and poverty. The startup's innovative strategies actively support the goal of zero hunger by creating sustainable food production solutions that foster resilience and long-term food stability.

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

My efforts to enhance agricultural practices and improve food security directly contribute to good health and well-being. By enabling farmers to improve crop yields through consistent access to water resources, I ensure a stable supply of nutritious food for the community as the area is known for quality and chemical-free products when rainfall is adequate though once in a while. This supports better nutrition, reduces malnutrition, and enhances overall health. Additionally, my project creates employment opportunities and stimulates economic growth, improving the socio-economic conditions of the community and contributing to better overall well-being.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

My project contributes to quality education in the community by providing training and capacity-building activities. I equip farmers with knowledge of sustainable agricultural practices and water resource management, improving their overall productivity and economic stability. Additionally, by focusing on gender equality and women’s empowerment, I support inclusive and equitable access to education opportunities. By creating job opportunities in the area will encourage youth to value education as the project promises jobs. The project will attract many investors thus improving social amenities like school buildings and education promotion.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

My project actively promotes gender equality by empowering women and youth in the village. I prioritize their involvement in decision-making processes and provide training and capacity-building activities to enhance their skills and knowledge in agriculture and water management. By creating employment opportunities for women and youth, and promoting their economic participation, I contribute to closing the gender gap in our community as they are still marginalized. The main target beneficiaries of this project will be women in the rural area as it will support local farming for establishment and after one year we'll convert it to commercial farming with about 80% being women and youth.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

6

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

Through my dam solution, I address water scarcity and improve access to clean water for agricultural and crop production. This ensures consistent and reliable water resources for irrigation, promoting sustainable agricultural practices. By reducing water wastage and optimizing water usage, I contribute to the conservation of water resources and the provision of clean water for both agricultural and domestic purposes. The project will ensure that minimal usage of chemicals in farms to ensure water is free from contamination.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

My dam solution utilizes innovative energy-efficient technologies to improve water management practices, reducing energy consumption and costs. By optimizing water usage and reducing wastage, we ensure reliable and consistent access to water resources for agricultural communities at an affordable cost. I have a group local experts that is trying to develop an Energy-free water pumping system using pressure principles and solar energy as area face high sunlight presence throughout to cut off the cost production. Improvements will be made later with help of expertise to develop hydropower using the same principles.

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

My project plays a vital role in fostering decent work and economic growth within the community of very potentially hardworking women and youth. By implementing sustainable agricultural practices and providing training on modern farming techniques, we enhance productivity and create employment opportunities. I also strive for gender equality, ensuring that women are actively involved in decision-making processes and have equal access to resources and opportunities. By promoting fair income distribution and improving livelihoods, my project aligns with the UN’s goal of promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

My project embraces industry innovation and infrastructure development to support sustainable agriculture and water management. I leverage cutting-edge technologies, such as precision agriculture, remote sensing, and digital monitoring systems, to optimize resource usage and improve agricultural productivity. Additionally, we invest in the development of essential infrastructure, such as efficient irrigation networks and water storage facilities, ensuring the long-term sustainability of agricultural practices. These efforts align with the UN’s goal of building resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

My project is dedicated to reducing inequality within our community where women and youth are marginalized. I prioritize marginalized groups, especially women, by equipping them with essential skills, knowledge, and resources. By empowering women in agriculture and ensuring their equal participation, I address the gender gap and promote inclusivity. Through my initiatives, I aim to reduce disparities in access to land, resources, and opportunities, contributing to the UN’s goal of reducing inequality within and among countries

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

MY project actively contributes to the development of sustainable cities and communities. By promoting sustainable agriculture practices, efficient water management, and environmental conservation, I create a more harmonious and sustainable living environment. I support the establishment of inclusive communities that prioritize social, economic, and environmental well-being. My efforts will attract different investors with different projects and services which will create more jobs, promoting infrastructure development and general community development. These efforts align with the UN’s goal of building sustainable cities and communities that are safe, resilient, and inclusive for all.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

My project focuses on promoting sustainable practices and responsible consumption. By providing insights and tools for efficient resource management, I aim to reduce waste, improve supply chain transparency, and encourage environmentally friendly production methods. This will contribute to achieving the UN's goal of sustainable consumption and production patterns, fostering a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Given the area's deforestation and harsh climate change hazards, my project places a strong emphasis on climate action. Through reforestation initiatives, advanced monitoring systems, and education on sustainable land management, I aim to restore the ecosystem, mitigate climate change impacts, and enhance carbon sequestration. By addressing deforestation and promoting sustainable practices, I actively contribute to the UN's climate action goals

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Our community like fish products as we dependent on a nearby dam which dried up in October 2021 due to lack of protection and conservation. Our project recognizes the importance of marine ecosystems and actively supports the protection and restoration of life below water. By implementing sustainable potential for fishing practices, promoting marine biodiversity conservation, and raising awareness about the significance of marine health, we contribute to the UN's goal of conserving and sustainably using marine resources for present and future generations.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Through my efforts, I aim to protect, restore, and sustainably manage terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity. By supporting reforestation, conservation initiatives, and promoting sustainable land use practices, I actively contribute to the preservation of life on land. My project aligns with the UN's goal of halting biodiversity loss and restoring ecosystems to promote a balanced and thriving environment.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

My project recognizes the importance of peace, justice, and strong institutions for sustainable development. By fostering transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in our operations, I contribute to building peaceful, just, and inclusive societies. Through partnerships with relevant stakeholders, I'll facilitate dialogue, cooperation, and knowledge sharing, promoting the UN's goal of creating strong institutions that uphold peace, justice, and sustainable development that will encourage youth to stop crime, migration to towns and encourage them to join my project to generate income for better living.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Collaboration and partnerships are at the core of my project. I actively seek strategic alliances with governments, NGOs, local communities, and businesses like recent castol oil Investor who is trying to introduce the business in the area to drive sustainable development. By fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships, sharing knowledge, and promoting inclusive decision-making processes, I contribute to the UN's goal of fostering global partnership for sustainable development and achieving collective impact as many opportunities will be created.

05.01 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

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

2

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

05.08 Justification

The startup focuses on growing multiple crops to offer a diverse range of products that caters to different customer demands, along with providing services such as agricultural training, crop consultation and post-harvest support. Utilizing its innovative approach to water scarcity by constructing a cost-effective dam on a seasonal river, the startup would be able to compete with traditional irrigation systems and attract interest from customers looking for new solutions. The startup aims to increase crop yield, serving a larger customer base and to reach more by establishing a strong distribution network and marketing initiatives to establish itself as a reliable provider of high-quality agricultural products and services.

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

Having studied the area for more than 10 year, the potential competitors are minimal because the local farmers are looking for the opportunity for water security, market for the products is ready as traders travel for long distances to serve the nearby markets and products are sold at extremely high prices hence creating a massive market gap and great opportunity for my project. The existing markets are opportunities to my project.

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

Yes The startup will promote the role of female entrepreneurs in my community by providing skills, training and education programs to help women diversify their income sources through agriculture, establishing microfinance programs tailored to support female entrepreneurs and their projects, hosting networking events to facilitate connections and collaborations, setting up mentorship and coaching programs for guidance, promoting women’s participation in decision-making processes, and collaborating with women-led organizations. By implementing these initiatives, the startup will empower women to overcome the challenges poverty, hunger, unemployment harsh climate conditions, and contribute to the socioeconomic growth of the community.