Kenya - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Lishe delivers fresh, affordable groceries from local farmers directly to your doorstep, ensuring convenience, reducing food waste, and supporting sustainable farming practices in Kenya. Enjoy weekly deliveries of farm-fresh produce, meat, and seafood.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Lishe is a pioneering grocery delivery service in Kenya, connecting consumers directly with local farmers to provide fresh, affordable produce, meat, and seafood. Founded in November 2022 by Dennis Guyumba, Lishe eliminates the need for middlemen, reducing costs and ensuring the freshest products reach your doorstep. Our app offers a convenient solution for busy urban households, health-conscious individuals, and businesses, allowing them to place a single weekly order for all their grocery needs. Lishe also supports local farmers by providing them with a reliable market, access to subsidized loans, and reducing food wastage of up to 5.2 tonnes wasted annually in Kenya. Our mission is to make healthy eating accessible while fostering sustainable farming practices and reducing environmental impact. With a strong emphasis on community and sustainability, we aims to become Kenya’s leading online marketplace for fresh groceries, enhancing food security, nutrition, and climate resilience.

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

The main problem Lishe aims to solve is the inefficiency and high costs associated with the traditional grocery supply chain in Kenya. Consumers face inflated prices due to multiple middlemen, limited access to fresh, farm-to-table produce, and the inconvenience of frequent shopping trips. Additionally, farmers struggle with inconsistent market access, low financial support, and substantial food wastage, as they cannot directly reach consumers. Kenya lacks a dedicated online marketplace and delivery service for fresh groceries, resulting in further complications for both consumers and farmers. This disconnect leads to higher grocery costs, decreased produce quality, and significant environmental impact from food wastage. Lishe addresses these issues by providing an affordable, convenient solution where consumers can order fresh groceries through our app, receiving weekly deliveries directly from local farmers. This model eliminates middlemen, reduces costs, ensures fresher produce.

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

Freshness and Quality: Direct Farm-to-Doorstep Delivery: Lishe connects consumers directly with local farmers, ensuring that produce, meat, and seafood are fresh and high-quality. This direct link eliminates the delays and handling associated with traditional supply chains, resulting in fresher, more nutritious products. Cost Savings: Affordable Pricing: By cutting out middlemen, Lishe reduces the costs associated with grocery shopping. Consumers benefit from lower prices compared to traditional supermarkets, making healthy eating more accessible and affordable. Convenience: Weekly Deliveries: With Lishe, consumers can place a single order for all their weekly grocery needs and have it delivered to their doorstep. This saves time and effort, particularly for busy urban households, working professionals, and elderly individuals who find frequent shopping trips challenging. Support for Local Farmers: Direct Market Access and Financial Aid to farmers.

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

Urban Households: Busy Families: Households with busy schedules that find it challenging to frequently shop for fresh groceries. Lishe offers the convenience of weekly deliveries, ensuring they have access to fresh produce without the hassle of regular trips to the market. Local Farmers: Farmers who benefit from direct market access, reducing their reliance on middlemen, and gaining financial support through subsidized loans. This helps stabilize their income, reduce food wastage, and invest in sustainable farming practices. Food Service Businesses: Restaurants, cafes, and small retailers looking for a consistent and reliable supply of high-quality, fresh produce to maintain the quality of their offerings.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-10-04

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.)

1.) Dennis Njagi (COO)- Has over 10 years experience in HR, Finance in the United Nations. He is skilled in handling employees and operations. 2.) Jedidah Wairimu - Has vast experience in the startup space having scaled 2 startups in the past.

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

https://mylishe.co.ke/ , https://www.linkedin.com/company/lishe-green-limited/

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

d) Primary commodities (food, drink, household and personal products)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Empowering Local Farmers: Direct Market Access: We connect local farmers directly with consumers, eliminating middlemen who typically take a significant share of the profits. This direct access allows farmers to earn a fair price for their produce, increasing their income and reducing poverty levels. Subsidized Loans: By providing farmers with access to subsidized loans, Lishe enables them to invest in better farming practices, equipment, and resources, thereby increasing their productivity and income potential. This financial support helps farmers break the cycle of poverty. Creating Job Opportunities: Employment: Lishe’s operations create jobs in various sectors, including logistics, delivery services, and customer support. These job opportunities provide stable income for individuals and contribute to poverty reduction in urban and rural communities. Reducing Food Wastage: Efficient Supply Chain: We reduce food wastage by ensuring that produce is quickly delivered saving more

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Enhancing Agricultural Productivity: Training and Support: Lishe provides farmers with training on sustainable farming techniques, improving their productivity and resilience to climate change. This leads to higher yields and a more abundant food supply. Innovation and Technology: Leveraging technology, We help farmers optimize their production processes, ensuring a consistent supply of fresh produce to meet consumer demand. Local Food Systems: By building and supporting local food systems, Lishe fosters community resilience and ensures that food is available where it is needed most. Partnerships and Collaborations: Lishe collaborates with local governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to enhance food security programs and initiatives, ensuring a broader impact on reducing hunger.

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

Access to Nutritious Food: By providing urban residents with easier access to fresh, high-quality produce, Lishe supports the goal in access to safe and nutritious food. Promoting Healthy Eating: Lishe encourages healthier eating habits by offering fresh produce that is often more nutritious compared to processed foods.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Educational Programs on Nutrition and Food Awareness: Lishe can develop educational initiatives aimed at improving knowledge about nutrition, sustainable food choices, and the benefits of consuming fresh produce. Support for Vocational Education: Lishe's support for local farmers and sustainable agriculture practices can also align with vocational education and training programs. By promoting sustainable farming techniques and connecting farmers with urban markets, Lishe contributes to building skills and capacities that are essential for sustainable livelihoods in the agricultural sector.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Empowering Women in Agriculture: Lishe can support and empower women who are involved in agriculture, whether as farmers, suppliers, or entrepreneurs. This can be achieved by providing them with access to markets, training programs on sustainable farming practices, and fair pricing for their produce. By enhancing the economic participation of women in agriculture, Lishe contributes to reducing gender inequalities in rural areas. Promoting Women's Leadership: Lishe can promote women's leadership roles within its organization and across its network of suppliers and partners. This includes ensuring women have equal opportunities for decision-making and representation in the agricultural and food sectors. Supporting Women-Owned Businesses: Lishe can prioritize sourcing produce from women-owned farms or cooperatives. By doing so, Lishe supports women's economic empowerment and helps create more inclusive market opportunities for women in agriculture.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

6

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

Water-Efficient Agriculture: Lishe can promote water-efficient agricultural practices among its partner farmers. This includes encouraging techniques such as drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and efficient water management practices on farms. By reducing water use in agriculture, Lishe contributes to conserving water resources and ensuring sustainable water availability for other purposes. Protecting Water Sources: Lishe can implement practices that protect water sources from contamination, such as promoting organic farming methods that minimize the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides. This helps maintain water quality and ensures safe drinking water for communities. Promoting Water Conservation: Lishe can educate consumers about the importance of water conservation in food production and consumption. This can include raising awareness about the water footprint of different foods and encouraging sustainable consumption patterns that reduce water use.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Energy-Efficient Distribution and Storage: Lishe can optimize its distribution logistics to reduce energy consumption. This includes using energy-efficient vehicles, optimizing delivery routes, and implementing cold storage solutions that minimize energy use while maintaining food quality. Supporting Renewable Energy Sources: Lishe can prioritize suppliers and partners who use renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, in their agricultural practices. By supporting farms and facilities that are powered by clean energy, Lishe contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable energy practices. Promoting Energy Efficiency in Agriculture: Lishe can educate farmers on energy-efficient agricultural practices, such as efficient irrigation systems, use of renewable energy for farm operations, and adoption of energy-saving technologies in food production.

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

Supporting Local Farmers and Producers: By sourcing produce from local farmers and producers, Lishe supports rural economies and creates economic opportunities. Fair Trade Practices: Lishe can implement fair trade practices in its supply chain, ensuring that farmers and producers receive fair prices for their goods. Fair trade promotes decent work by improving working conditions, ensuring fair wages, and supporting community development initiatives. Skill Development and Training: Lishe can invest in skill development and training programs for farmers and suppliers. This can include training on sustainable farming practices, quality standards, food safety regulations, and business management skills. By enhancing the capacities of its partners, Lishe contributes to creating more resilient and productive agricultural communities.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Digital Infrastructure: Lishe's online platform and mobile app enhance digital infrastructure by providing a seamless interface for consumers to purchase fresh produce, meat, and seafood. This digital marketplace connects buyers directly with local farmers and suppliers, improving market access and efficiency. Supply Chain Innovation: By leveraging technology to streamline the supply chain, Lishe optimizes the process of getting fresh products from farms to consumers. Innovations in logistics, such as real-time tracking, efficient route planning, and demand forecasting, reduce waste and enhance supply chain efficiency. Supporting Technological Adoption in Agriculture: Lishe can introduce farmers and suppliers to new technologies that improve productivity and sustainability. This includes precision agriculture tools, data analytics for better crop management, and IoT devices for monitoring environmental conditions. E-commerce Development:

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Inclusive Economic Opportunities: By providing a platform for local farmers, small-scale producers, and marginalized communities to sell their products, Lishe helps to create more inclusive economic opportunities. This can help reduce income inequalities by supporting fair trade practices and ensuring that small producers receive fair compensation for their goods. Access to Markets: Lishe's online marketplace enables small and marginalized producers to access broader markets that they might not have reached otherwise. This access can help level the playing field and reduce economic disparities between large agribusinesses and small farmers. Affordable Pricing for Consumers: By streamlining the supply chain and reducing intermediaries, Lishe can offer fresh produce, meat, and seafood at more affordable prices. This improves access to high-quality food for low-income consumers, contributing to reduced inequalities in food security and nutrition.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Promoting Local Food Systems: By sourcing and distributing fresh produce, meat, and seafood from local farmers and producers, Lishe supports local food systems. This reduces the need for long-distance transportation, thereby lowering carbon emissions and promoting more sustainable urban food networks. Efficient Logistics and Transportation: By optimizing logistics and transportation for food delivery, Lishe can minimize traffic congestion and reduce pollution in cities. This contributes to creating more sustainable and livable urban environments.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Sustainable Sourcing: Lishe can prioritize sourcing products from farmers and producers who practice sustainable agriculture. This includes organic farming, reduced pesticide use, and other environmentally friendly practices. By supporting these suppliers, Lishe promotes sustainable production methods. Minimizing Food Waste: Lishe can implement measures to reduce food waste throughout its supply chain. This includes optimizing inventory management, offering products with shorter shelf lives at a discount, and donating surplus food to local charities and food banks. Consumer Education: Lishe can educate consumers about the benefits of responsible consumption. This includes promoting awareness about the environmental impact of food choices, the importance of reducing food waste, and the benefits of choosing sustainably produced goods.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Supporting Sustainable Agriculture: Lishe can prioritize sourcing produce from farmers who use climate-smart agriculture practices. These practices include crop rotation, agroforestry, conservation tillage, and organic farming, which help sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing Food Waste: Implementing measures to minimize food waste throughout the supply chain can significantly reduce emissions associated with waste decomposition. Lishe can achieve this through better inventory management, promoting imperfect produce, and collaborating with food banks to donate surplus food. Sustainable Packaging: Using eco-friendly packaging materials, such as biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable options, can reduce the environmental impact of packaging waste. Lishe can also encourage customers to return packaging for reuse or recycling.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Sustainable Seafood Sourcing: Lishe can prioritize sourcing seafood from fisheries and aquaculture operations that adhere to sustainable practices. This includes choosing suppliers that are certified by organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), which ensure that seafood is harvested in ways that minimize environmental impact and support fish population health. Promoting Sustainable Aquaculture: Lishe can support and promote aquaculture practices that reduce environmental impacts, such as integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, recirculating aquaculture systems, and other innovations that minimize waste and avoid overuse of antibiotics and chemicals. Reducing Plastic Use: By minimizing the use of single-use plastics in packaging and opting for eco-friendly alternatives, Lishe can reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in oceans. This helps protect marine life from plastic pollution.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Supporting Biodiversity: By supporting and promoting agricultural practices that preserve natural habitats and protect wildlife, Lishe can help maintain and enhance biodiversity. This includes avoiding products that contribute to deforestation and promoting the use of native plant species in farming. Reducing Deforestation: Lishe can ensure that none of its products contribute to deforestation by sourcing from suppliers committed to no-deforestation policies. This includes avoiding products linked to deforestation, such as palm oil, soy, and cattle raised in deforested areas. Promoting Agroforestry: Agroforestry integrates trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes, which can improve soil quality, enhance biodiversity, and sequester carbon. Lishe can support farmers who practice agroforestry by offering premium prices or technical support.

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

Ethical Sourcing and Fair Trade: Lishe can prioritize sourcing from suppliers that follow ethical labor practices and fair trade principles. This ensures that workers are treated fairly, paid adequately, and work under safe conditions, contributing to social justice and reducing exploitation. Transparency and Accountability: By maintaining transparency in its operations and supply chains, Lishe can foster trust and accountability. This includes clear communication about sourcing practices, labor conditions, and environmental impacts, ensuring that all stakeholders are informed and can hold the company accountable. Anti-Corruption Policies: Implementing strict anti-corruption policies and practices within its operations and supply chains helps Lishe promote ethical behavior and integrity. This can include regular audits, whistleblower protections, and clear reporting mechanisms for unethical behavior.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Collaborating with NGOs and Non-Profits: Partnering with non-governmental organizations and non-profits that focus on sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmental conservation can help Lishe enhance its sustainability efforts. These organizations can provide expertise, resources, and networks that complement Lishe's initiatives. Public-Private Partnerships: Engaging in public-private partnerships with local, regional, and national governments can help Lishe access funding, technical support, and policy backing for its sustainability projects. These partnerships can focus on areas such as sustainable farming practices, renewable energy adoption, and community development. Academic and Research Institutions: Collaborating with universities and research institutions can help Lishe stay at the forefront of agricultural innovation and sustainability. These partnerships can involve research on sustainable farming techniques, climate-resilient crops, and efficient supply chain

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

6

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

4

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.

6

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.

6

05.08 Justification

1.) There are a number of competitors that are in the same business. 2.) Lishe is similar to other online market places its the business model that sets us apart. 3.) It is not new technology but it has its competitive advantages. 4.) Lishe is an improvement in that we have done extensive research on the local market and designed the product to the local needs. 5.) Yes an extension 6.)The need and demand have not been satisfied since the market is huge and its all about how Lishe penetrates the market. 7.)Yes new and improved version.

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

My competition in Kenya are Glovo, Quick cart, Kapu, and Tawi. Please see below Lishe's competitive advantage User-Friendly Platform: A well-designed website and mobile app that offer ease of navigation and ordering. Personalized Service: Offering personalized recommendations and flexible delivery options to enhance customer satisfaction. Local Community Initiatives: Actively participating in and supporting local community projects, such as urban farming and community gardens. Customer Feedback Integration: Listening to customer feedback and continuously improving services based on customer needs and preferences. Technology Integration: Utilizing technology for efficient logistics, real-time tracking, and transparent supply chain management. Transparency in Sourcing: Providing transparency in sourcing practices, allowing customers to trace the origin of their products. Competitive Pricing and Promotions.

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

Yes, we do promote the 2/3 gender rule as stipulated in the Kenya constitution.