Zimbabwe - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Mundamarket is an AgriTech digital platform that simplifies operations for farmers and agri-businesses in Zimbabwe through the use of technology, data and agronomy to improve food security, crop production, supply chain efficiency and market linkages.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Mundamarket is a smart agricultural startup aimed at optimizing crop yield and sustainability using data-driven solutions and advanced data science techniques, Mundamarket integrates real-time sensor data and predictive analytics from soil and weather monitoring systems with satellite imagery and application built-in image recognition. This data is analyzed to provide actionable insights for farmers, including optimal planting schedules, weather patterns and early disease detection. The digital platform uses AI and machine learning algorithms to predict crop performance, crop diseases and suggest tailored solutions to improve productivity. Additionally, our platform employs agricultural experts that provide personalized advisory services to farmers, offering recommendations and solutions to address specific challenges and maximize productivity. We use phone calls, user-friendly mobile application and machine learning so that farmers access our services and receive real-time updates.

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

Zimbabwe’s smallholders and family farmers are increasingly struggling to make a living from their land and labour because of low soil fertility, limited access to modern farming technologies and reliance on rain-fed systems. These issues lead to inefficient resource use, unpredictable crop yields, and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases. Farmers face difficulties in selling their produce directly to consumers or businesses, resulting in reliance on middlemen and lower profit. Additionally, the agricultural supply chain in Zimbabwe is often fragmented and inefficient, resulting in post-harvest losses and higher costs. Farmers in Zimbabwe’s rural areas lack access to timely and accurate information, resources and support services needed to improve their productivity and profitability. Climate variability and extreme weather events pose significant risks to agricultural productivity and food security in Zimbabwe.

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

Farmers gain access to a broader market through Mundamakert, connecting them with retailers and consumers across Zimbabwe which will increase their customer base and enhances their opportunities for sales and revenue generation. Farmers benefit from weather prediction and early warning systems provided by the platform. The platform promotes the adoption of technology in agriculture by making innovative solutions accessible and affordable to farmers, retailers, and other stakeholders. This leads to increased efficiency, productivity and competitiveness in the agricultural sector. Farmers benefit from expert advisory services offered by Mundamarket including guidance on crop management, pest control, soil health and sustainable farming practices, leading to improved productivity and profitability.

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

The primary beneficiaries are smallholder farmers who form the backbone of Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector. Mundamarket provides them with real-time data and insights to optimize crop management, enhance productivity, and improve resilience to environmental challenges. Mundamarket aids government agencies and non-governmental organizations involved in agricultural development by providing data for planning, policy-making and implementing sustainable farming initiatives. This helps in addressing food security and rural development goals. Companies involved in supplying agricultural inputs, such as seeds, fertilizers, and equipment can benefit from insights on crop conditions and farmer needs, enabling them to better serve their customers and adapt to market demand. Lastly, agricultural researchers and educators will use Mhndamarket’s data for studies and training purposes, enhancing research in crop science and improving educational programs for upcoming agronomists and farmers.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-01-28

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

1

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.)

Ruvimbo Martha Mashazhu 32, is a dynamic professional with a background in engineering and has expertise in project management, business development and partnership creation. With a passion for innovation, she excels at driving ideas to success. Ruvimbo’s strategic planning ensures efficient execution and timely delivery of complex projects. As a master collaborator, Ruvimbo forges strategic partnerships to achieve shared objectives and drive positive change. She is proficient in presentation, data analysis, and various programming software.

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

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

By connecting smallholder farmers directly to markets and providing them with access to value-added services like agronomic support and farming inputs, the project enables farmers to increase their productivity and income, lifting them out of poverty. Through training programs and advisory services, Mundamarket will empower farmers with knowledge and skills to adopt modern farming techniques, manage their resources efficiently, and improve their agricultural practices, leading to increased productivity and income. Mundamarket’s operations will include platform development, logistics, customer support, and advisory services, thus creating employment opportunities for individuals in rural and urban areas. These jobs provide stable incomes and contribute to poverty alleviation. Mundamarket’s activities will stimulate economic development in rural areas, where poverty rates are typically higher by empowering farmers and promoting inclusive growth.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

The project targets assistance to vulnerable groups who are most at risk of hunger, such as smallholder farmers with limited resources, marginalized populations or areas affected by conflict or natural disasters. By providing targeted support and resources, the project helps ensure that these communities have access to the food they need to thrive.

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

Through efficient supply chain management, quality control and proper handling of food products, Mundamarket will minimize the risk of contamination and food-borne illnesses. This helps safeguard public health and ensures that consumers have access to safe and high-quality food products. By creating employment opportunities and supporting smallholder farmers, Mundamarket will enhance economic stability and improve livelihoods. Economic empowerment is closely linked to health and wellbeing, as it enables individuals to access healthcare services and afford essential goods and services for themselves and their families.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Through the use of AgriTech solutions such as online marketplaces and data analytics tools, for accessing markets, managing logistics, and receiving agronomic support, Mundamarket will introduces farmers to digital technologies. This exposure can help improve their digital literacy skills, enabling them to access information, communicate effectively, and adapt to technological advancements. These skills are increasingly essential in today's interconnected world. By promoting sustainable agricultural practices and environmental stewardship, Mundamarket will educate farmers about the importance of preserving natural resources and ecosystems. This environmental education contributes to a broader understanding of sustainability and ecosystem management, aligning with principles of quality education that emphasize holistic learning and global citizenship.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Mundamarket will ensure women have equal access to training, market opportunities and resources such as land, seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural inputs. The projectwill help level the playing field and overcome traditional gender biases that may limit women's participation in agriculture. This empowerment enhances their economic independence, decision-making power, and social status within their communities, contributing to gender equality.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

6

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

While not the primary focus, Mundamarket may involve infrastructure development activities such as constructing water harvesting structures or rehabilitating irrigation systems. These efforts can indirectly contribute to improving water availability and access for agricultural and domestic use, thereby supporting the Clean Water and Sanitation goal.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

6

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

The project’s main objectives are related to agricultural development, its indirect contributions to promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency, and rural electrification can help advance the Affordable and Clean Energy goal in Zimbabwe, contributing to improved energy access and sustainability for rural communities.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Mundamarket will promote this by boosting agricultural productivity and income, creating jobs, promoting sustainable practices, improving working conditions, supporting smallholder farmers, encouraging entrepreneurship, and facilitating market access, thereby contributing to decent work and economic growth.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

By providing farmers with digital platforms and mobile applications, Mundamarket improves access to essential agricultural infrastructure. This includes better connectivity and information systems that support effective farm management and decision-making. Integrating these advanced technologies into agriculture, enhancing digital and physical infrastructure, fostering innovation, supporting rural connectivity, promoting sustainable industrial practices, driving economic development, and building capacity and skills in the agricultural sector.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Through providing equitable access to technology, empowering marginalized groups economically, offering tailored support and training, facilitating market access, enhancing decision-making, promoting sustainable practices and building inclusive networks, thereby contributing to the reduction of inequalities in the agricultural sector.

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

5

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

The smart platform ensures optimizing resource use, minimizing waste, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing productivity, facilitating sustainable supply chains, reducing environmental impact and supporting a circular economy, thereby contributing to responsible consumption and production in agriculture.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Mundamarket provides real-time data climate trend data predictive analytics on weather and climate trends enabling farmers to make informed decisions that are consistent with sustainable farming practices and climate adaptation strategies. The project also combines the local knowledge with advanced climate data, educating farmers on the impacts of climate change and effective adaptation measures. This promotes community-wide climate action and sustainability.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Mundamarket provides precise, data-driven recommendations for soil health management, including optimal fertilization and crop rotation strategies. This minimizes soil degradation, enhances fertility, and a consistent long-term land productivity. Furthermore, Mundamarket reduces the use of harmful chemical pesticides through AI to monitor crop health and pest control. This helps protect local flora and fauna, maintaining ecosystem balance and promoting biodiversity.

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

5

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

Mundamarket aims to empower smallholder farmers with access to advanced agricultural insights and making sure that technological benefits are not limited to larger, wealthier farms. This inclusivity helps bridge the gap between different farming communities, fostering equality and social cohesion.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Mundamarket partners with research institutions, universities and technology providers to innovate and develop cutting-edge solutions for agriculture. These collaborations ensure that the platform incorporates the latest advancements in AI, remote sensing and agronomy, enhancing its effectiveness in improving farm productivity and sustainability. Mundamarket also collaborates closely with local communities, agricultural cooperatives, and farmer organizations to understand their needs and challenges. This partnership approach ensures that the platform’s solutions are tailored to local contexts and contribute effectively to community development and empowerment. Lastly, the project facilitates partnerships between farmers and market stakeholders, including buyers, retailers and food processors. These linkages help farmers access fair markets, improve their income opportunities and strengthen local agricultural value chains.

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.

5

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.

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.

5

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

3

05.08 Justification

While Mundamarket bring new technologies and artificial intelligence-driven insights, it is build apon traditional agricultural practices and existing advisory services Mundamaeket blends traditional farming practices and values with modern innovations like artificial intelligence, machine learning and real-time data analysis. By incorporating cutting-edge technologies, it improves conventional methods including pest control and crop monitoring. Mundamarket updates these traditional methods to be more effective and efficient by utilizing AI-powered image recognition and predictive analytics, thus allowing the techniques to remain fundamental while being relevant for today's problems. This blend of innovation and tradition positions the project as an evolved version of conventional agricultural support systems.

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

The project faces competition from local agricultural tech solutions like EAgro and Farmhut, and traditional agricultural advisory services. Mundamarket stands out by integrating AI-driven real-time insights tailored specifically to Zimbabwe's unique environmental and agricultural conditions. It combines satellite imagery, sensor data, and local knowledge, providing precise, actionable recommendations for irrigation, fertilization, and pest control. Additionally, Agrostar’s focus on smallholder farmers, cultural sensitivity, and open communication enhances its relevance and trust within the local community, differentiating it from more generic, less adaptable solutions.

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

Yes, I'm actively initiating actions within my community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs. Attending the Girls in Tech Zimbabwe conference was a significant step in this direction, where I engaged with fellow women attendees to discuss and advocate for opportunities for women in technology and entrepreneurship. This conference provided valuable insights and networking opportunities to support and empower women in these fields. In addition to my involvement in tech-related initiatives, I'm also proud to be one of the co-founders of a free range roadrunner farming venture. This role allows me to contribute directly to agricultural entrepreneurship in my community, demonstrating leadership and fostering economic growth through sustainable farming practices. By combining my participation in tech conferences with practical entrepreneurship in poultry farming, I aim to inspire and empower women to pursue entrepreneurial ventures across diverse sectors.