Namibia - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

With the aim to revolutionize local agriculture by initiating and managing an orchard featuring a diverse array of fruit trees in Okatana, north of Oshakati through innovative approaches to contribute significantly to agricultural development in Namibia.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Pomwenyo was formally registered in July 2021, marking the beginning of its development phase in April 2022. This phase included essential activities such as fencing the area to prevent livestock intrusion, constructing rainwater harvesting infrastructure with storage tanks, installing a supplementary tap water pipeline, and providing accommodation for employees. Funding for these initiatives has primarily come from personal savings. However, due to financial constraints, progress has been slower than anticipated. As a result, there is a need for support to meet basic requirements for vegetable production, which will generate income to sustain operations for essential expenses such as employee wages and supplementary piped water usage post-rainwater depletion, and eventually fund the orchard project. Established trees will be used to produce more seedlings through propagation from cuttings therefore leading to the establishment of a nursery. This will allow for selling of seedlings as

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

As the Government strives to pin down food security for the public, agricultural emancipation is long overdue. It is on this background that Pomwenyo was established. Traditionally, local farmers have focused on staple crops like maize, mahangu, and sorghum, neglecting the production of fruits crucial for enhancing food security and facilitating exports. With a primary goal of achieving food security, this start up aims to revolutionize local agriculture by initiating and managing an orchard featuring a diverse array of fruit trees. The orchard will primarily utilize harvested rainwater for irrigation, reflecting a commitment to environmental sustainability. The long-term vision includes cultivating high-quality fruit trees and supplying fruit tree seedlings to local farmers as well as keeping youth productive by training them to have backyard gardens and a source of income for themselves.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

1. Food Security and Nutrition: The primary advantage is enhancing food security by diversifying local food sources. This helps improve dietary diversity and nutrition among community members. 2. Employment Opportunities: Establishing and maintaining this start up requires labor, offering employment opportunities within the community. This can reduce unemployment rates and improve the economic well-being of villagers. Training will be provided to schools and communities that wish to establish community orchards or their own orchards. Participants will be given a starter pack and continued support from Pomwenyo throughout their journey. Best practices and lessons learned will be recommended to potential farmers with interest in edible landscape development. 3. Resilience to Climate Variability: Diversifying agricultural activities with this start up can increase resilience to climate change and variability.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

The primary beneficiaries are the villagers themselves (local communities). The start-up will provide direct access to fresh and nutritious food, enhancing food security and improving dietary diversity. To provide educational opportunities for youth to learn about agriculture, sustainable farming practices, and environmental stewardship. They can gain practical skills and knowledge that may inspire future careers in agriculture or related fields. Access to locally grown fruits and vegetables is crucial for the elderly and vulnerable populations, including children and individuals with health challenges. These groups benefit from improved nutrition and health outcomes. Environmental Conservation: The start-up will promote sustainable land use practices, biodiversity conservation, and water resource management. This benefits the broader ecosystem and contributes to climate resilience within the village.

01.05 When was your company established?

2021-07-01

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

1

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

2

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

One owner has a M.Sc. in Water Resources Management. This owner has specialized knowledge in water management, hydrology, and sustainable use of water resources. She understands the complexities of water availability, irrigation techniques, and water quality management. Her role will include overseeing the orchard's irrigation systems, ensuring efficient water use, and implementing rainwater harvesting practices. The other owner has a B.Sc. in Biochemistry. This owner brings a background in biochemistry, which is crucial for understanding plant biology, nutrient uptake, soil health, and biochemical processes within plants. She would be involved in soil analysis, fertilizer management, pest and disease control using organic methods, and ensuring the nutritional needs of fruit trees are met. Together, the owners would collaborate to ensure holistic management of the project.

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

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

l) Farming

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Involving the community in caring for the orchard guarantees long-term care for the site and creates good stewardship. Pomwenyo seeks to train and employ community members to care for the edible landscape. A special focus will be given to women and youth in the community. This will in return improve households' income generation.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

The availability and affordability of fruit trees will also increase nutrition in communities and reduce under-nourishment.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

Access to fresh fruits and vegetables promotes better health outcomes among villagers, reducing the prevalence of diet-related diseases. Improved nutrition enhances overall well-being and productivity.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

By providing a practical learning environment for teaching agricultural skills, sustainable farming practices, and horticultural techniques to community members, including youth and adults. By fostering inclusive and lifelong learning opportunities, this project not only enhances educational outcomes but also promotes community development, empowers individuals, and strengthens social cohesion. Hosting workshops, field days, and demonstrations on orchard management, fruit cultivation, and value-added processing would also encourage continuous learning and skill development among participants. Collaborating with local schools to integrate orchard-related topics into the curriculum enhances educational outcomes and fostering an appreciation for sustainable food production and environmental stewardship. Promotion of Environmental Awareness providing opportunities to discuss climate change impacts on agriculture and explore adaptive strategies and fostering resilience.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Involving the community in caring for the orchard guarantees long-term care for the site and creates good stewardship. Pomwenyo seeks to train and employ community members to care for the edible landscape. A special focus will be given to women and youth in the community. This will in return improve households' income generation. Value edition will be encouraged through establishment of formal/informal markets for communities to purchase fruits from Pomwenyo’s edible landscape and resell to communities.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

Rainwater Harvesting: By implementing rainwater harvesting systems for irrigation, our project reduces reliance on groundwater and surface water sources. This practice preserves local water resources and ensures more reliable access to clean water for drinking and sanitation purposes in the community. Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Implementing organic farming methods in your orchard and vegetable garden reduces the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides that can contaminate water sources. This promotes agricultural practices that are environmentally friendly and contribute to cleaner water quality. Having toilets for sanitation purposes prevents open defecation and therefore plays a critical role in safeguarding groundwater quality, preventing waterborne diseases, promoting hygiene, and advancing sustainable development objectives related to clean water and sanitation. Improving overall water quality and supporting healthy and resilient communities is essential to our project

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

Renewable Energy Integration: Implementing renewable energy sources such as solar panels within the orchard can generate clean energy to power irrigation systems, machinery, and facilities. This reduces reliance on fossil fuels, lowers energy costs over time, and promotes sustainability. Energy Efficiency Measures: Incorporating energy-efficient technologies and practices in orchard operations, such as efficient irrigation systems (e.g., drip irrigation), energy-saving lighting, and equipment, helps minimize energy consumption. This improves energy affordability and reduces operational costs. Community Energy Projects: Engaging with local communities to develop community-based energy projects, such as shared solar microgrids or cooperative energy initiatives, can provide affordable and sustainable energy solutions for both the orchard and surrounding households.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

This project requires a range of skills and labor, creating employment opportunities within the community. This includes roles in planting, pruning, harvesting, irrigation management, pest control, and post-harvest handling. The diversity of tasks supports full and productive employment for both skilled and unskilled workers. It will contribute to the development of agricultural value chains, involving activities such as packaging, transportation, marketing, and sales of fruits. This fosters entrepreneurship and opportunities for small-scale businesses and cooperatives to participate in the market economy, generating income and economic growth. It will offer opportunities for skills development and capacity building among community members. Training programs in agriculture, horticulture, pest management, irrigation techniques, and sustainable farming practices improve agricultural productivity and promote lifelong learning and supporting resilient agricultural systems in turn.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

This project requires efficient water management infrastructure such as irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting facilities, and water storage tanks. Implementing these systems builds resilient water infrastructure that supports agricultural productivity even during droughts or water scarcity. By promoting inclusive industrialization involving building local capacity in agro-industrial technologies, food safety standards, and product certification. This empowers farmers and entrepreneurs to participate in value chains and access higher-value markets. We will adopt climate-resilient crop varieties, water-efficient irrigation technologies, and drought-tolerant species that build resilience to climate change impacts, ensuring sustainable production and livelihoods. This contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and promotes inclusive economic growth that benefits the entire community.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Establishing this project successfully will create jobs for local residents, including both skilled and unskilled workers. This reduces unemployment rates within the village and provides income-generating opportunities, particularly for marginalized groups such as youth and women. Empowering them by providing employment opportunities, skills development and leadership roles promotes gender equality and social inclusivi It will involve training programs in agricultural practices, irrigation management, and business skills even in the local language. These programs empower farmers and workers with knowledge and skills, enhancing their capacity to participate effectively in the agricultural value chain and access higher-value markets. Through collective participation in agricultural activities, knowledge sharing, and cooperative initiatives we can foster community cohesion. This strengthens social networks and solidarity, reducing social inequalities and promoting inclusive development.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

This project will serve as green space within or near urban areas, contributing to urban biodiversity, improving air quality, and mitigating urban heat island effects. Trees will absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in urban surroundings. The rainwater harvesting systems implementation for irrigation, will reduce pressure on municipal water supplies and enhance water resilience in urban settings. The vegetation will help absorb and slow down rainwater runoff, reducing the risk of urban flooding and improving stormwater management (flood mitigation). It will contribute to local food production, improving food security by providing fresh fruits and promoting dietary diversity. Residents will have access to nutritious food options, reducing reliance on processed foods and enhancing public health outcomes. It will also provide opportunities in urban residents to engage in agricultural activities.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

This project adopts organic farming methods which reduces reliance on synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, promoting soil health and biodiversity. Utilizing compost from orchard waste and cover cropping enhances nutrient cycling and supports sustainable soil management. Implementing efficient irrigation systems such as drip irrigation and utilizing rainwater harvesting techniques reduce water consumption and minimize water waste in orchard operations. We will integrate renewable energy sources, such as solar power for irrigation pumps and farm operations, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Utilizing project waste, such as pruning residues and fruit peels, for composting or biomass energy production promotes resource recovery and reduces organic waste sent to landfills. Educating consumers and community members about sustainable agriculture practices, local food systems, and the benefits of supporting circular economy will also be part.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Planting and maintaining trees will help sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, mitigating greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Trees act as carbon sinks, storing carbon in their biomass and in the soil. Choosing resilient crop varieties that are adapted to local climate conditions and less vulnerable to extreme weather events helps ensure stable yields despite climate variability. Implementing efficient irrigation systems and practices (e.g., drip irrigation, mulching) conserves water resources and enhances crop resilience during droughts and water scarcity. . Installing rainwater harvesting systems for irrigation reduces reliance on groundwater and surface water sources, which may be vulnerable to climate variability. Adopting energy-efficient technologies and practices in orchard management and processing operations minimizes energy consumption and associated carbon emissions.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

This project will be adopting erosion control measures such as contour ploughing, terracing, and cover cropping prevents soil erosion and maintains soil fertility. This protects terrestrial ecosystems from degradation and enhances agricultural productivity. It will also adopt sustainable land management practices such as reforestation, afforestation, and rehabilitation of degraded lands helps combat desertification and soil degradation. Educating farmers, workers, and local communities about the importance of biodiversity conservation, sustainable land use practices, and ecosystem management fosters stewardship and collective action.

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

6

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

Pomwenyo will create employment opportunities, particularly for marginalized groups such as youth and women, reducing economic inequalities and promoting social inclusion. Selling the produce and value-added products will provide a stable source of income for local farmers and entrepreneurs, supporting livelihoods and economic empowerment. By building resilience to climate change impacts through adaptive practices like drought-resistant crop varieties and sustainable water management contribute to long-term sustainability and stability in the community. By collaborating with government agencies, civil society organizations, and private sector partners fosters partnerships that support community development initiatives, enhance service delivery, and promote inclusive development.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Adopting digital technologies, such as mobile apps for crop monitoring, weather forecasting, and market information, would improve efficiency, transparency, and decision-making in the management of the project. Joining global and regional networks, platforms, and alliances focused on sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and rural development facilitates knowledge exchange, fosters collaboration, and promotes best practices. Leveraging partnerships with countries facing similar challenges in agriculture and rural development promotes shared learning, technology transfer, and mutual support in achieving sustainable development goals. It will also contribute to strengthening the means of implementation for sustainable development and revitalizes the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development by fostering inclusive growth, promoting environmental sustainability, and enhancing resilience in rural communities.

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

2

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

3

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

5

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

6

06.08 Justification for my startup

Climate-smart interventions in northern Namibia have been focused on small backyard gardens for vegetable production. Little to no interventions have been made to introduce orchard developments. The 56 state orchards (established through the tree planting project) covering an area of 364ha have been abandoned due to budget constraints among other reasons of the government. Pomwenyo edible landscaping project will be one of few projects that will strive to promote for edible landscape and roll out to schools, communities, health facilities and so forth. According to the fifth National Development Plan (NDP-5), irrigation in Namibia accounts for about 60% of water consumption in Namibia. To contribute to the reduction in this figure, Pomwenyo will seek to employ rainwater harvesting infrastructures that will source and store rainwater for irrigation. This will be achieved through construction of rain water harvesting and storage infrastructure as well as other water saving practices.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Potential competitors might be local agricultural initiatives such as the Farmers' Markets Other Local Farmers which provide a wide variety of produce year-round but often sourced from non-local suppliers, lacking the fresh, local appeal. Health Food Stores that focus on organic and healthy options but can be more expensive and less community-oriented. Community Gardens, and Urban Gardens that engage residents in growing their own food but usually offer smaller scale and less diversity in produce compared to this project. Offering workshops, school visits, and hands-on learning experiences for all ages sets us apart as an educational resource. Environmental and Sustainability Focus, Sustainable Practices: Emphasizing organic and sustainable farming methods. Biodiversity Promotion, Economic and Local Development, Local Economy Boost: Creating jobs and providing a local source of income. Self-Sufficiency and Food Security enhance local food produce & Integration with Green Initiatives.

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

I encourage local businesses and community projects to prioritize sourcing products or services from female-led enterprises. As well as showcase success stories of female entrepreneurs in my community through media, events, or publications to inspire others and demonstrate the potential of women in business. support microfinance initiatives that provide women with access to small loans, grants, or savings programs to start or expand their businesses.