Kenya - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Oftake empowers Kenyan farmers through value addition training & processing centers to reduce post-harvest losses & promote sustainable agriculture.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Oftake tackles food insecurity and empowers Kenyan farmers by bridging the gap between farm and market. We train farmers in value addition techniques like drying, processing, and packaging to minimize post-harvest losses and increase profits. Our network of modern processing centers equipped with the latest technology allows farmers to transform excess produce into higher-value products, extending shelf life and marketability. We promote sustainable farming practices and encourage young people to enter agribusiness by removing common obstacles and creating a more profitable agricultural sector.

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

Oftake offers a multitude of benefits for Kenyan farmers, consumers, and the environment: • Increased Farmer Income: Reduced post-harvest losses and value addition techniques empower farmers to maximize profits and gain financial security. • Enhanced Food Security: Processing and storage solutions ensure food availability throughout the year, stabilizing prices and combating food shortages. • Sustainable Practices: We promote eco-friendly farming methods, reducing waste and minimizing the environmental impact of agriculture.

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

Oftake's impact extends across the agricultural value chain: • Smallholder Farmers: Our primary beneficiaries are Kenyan smallholder farmers, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to succeed in the competitive agricultural market. • Consumers: By reducing food spoilage and extending shelf life, Oftake ensures a year-round supply of safe, high-quality produce for Kenyan consumers. • Young Entrepreneurs: We encourage young people to explore agribusiness by providing training, resources, and a more profitable farming environment, fostering a new generation of agricultural leaders.

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

Oftake's impact extends across the agricultural value chain: • Smallholder Farmers: Our primary beneficiaries are Kenyan smallholder farmers, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to succeed in the competitive agricultural market. • Consumers: By reducing food spoilage and extending shelf life, Oftake ensures a year-round supply of safe, high-quality produce for Kenyan consumers. • Young Entrepreneurs: We encourage young people to explore agribusiness by providing training, resources, and a more profitable farming environment, fostering a new generation of agricultural leaders.

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?

1

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.)

Mercy Njeri: Co-founder, Oftake Expertise: Sustainable Agriculture & Hydroponics • Passionate farmer with 2+ years of experience specializing in hydroponic production of high-value horticultural crops. • Implements sustainable farming practices to minimize environmental impact and resource use. • Proven ability to cultivate healthy and high-yielding produce using controlled environments. Education & Qualifications: • Bachelor of Actuarial Science (Jomo Kenyatta University Value to Oftake Project: • Will lead training initiatives for small-scale farmers on value addition techniques for various crops, including hydroponics. • Develops sustainable practices and resource-efficient processes for produce handling and processing within Oftake centers. • Contributes her data analysis skills to optimize yields, minimize waste, and maximize profitability for farmers.

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

N/A

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

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

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

6

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

• Improved food security: Increased food availability and access to a wider variety of produce can contribute to better overall nutrition. • Reduced foodborne illness: Processing techniques like drying or cooling can minimize spoilage and the risk of foodborne illnesses associated with consuming perishable foods.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

• Training workshops: Oftake provides training programs for farmers, equipping them with valuable knowledge and skills in value addition techniques. • Knowledge sharing: Processing centers can serve as hubs for knowledge exchange among farmers, promoting best practices and continuous learning.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

3

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

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

2

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

5

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

• Modern processing facilities: Oftake establishes processing centers with modern technology (packaging, processing, cooling, drying) across Kenya, promoting innovation in the agricultural sector. • Improved infrastructure: Processing centers create new infrastructure in rural areas, potentially improving access to transportation and other essential services.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Training in sustainable practices and minimizing food waste promote resource conservation and responsible production methods.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Promoting sustainable farming techniques and reducing post-harvest losses contribute to mitigating climate change impacts on agriculture.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

• Indirect contribution through promoting sustainable practices that can minimize agricultural runoff and pollution impacting water bodies.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

• Sustainable practices: Training in soil conservation and efficient water use promotes practices that protect land health and biodiversity. • Reduced food waste: Minimizing food spoilage reduces the overall environmental footprint of agriculture, contributing to a more sustainable food system.

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

4

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Oftake fosters collaboration between farmers, young entrepreneurs, and technology providers to achieve shared goals of a more sustainable and profitable agricultural sector.

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

4

05.08 Justification

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

Informal value addition practices: Some farmers may engage in basic processing techniques like sun-drying, but these methods often lack efficiency and lead to inconsistent product quality.

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