Zimbabwe - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

HerHub pioneers' smart agriculture in rural communities, empowering women and youths to alleviate poverty. We integrate sustainable practices and technology for thriving, resilient communities

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

HerHub is a visionary women-led organization dedicated to transforming rural communities through smart agriculture initiatives. Recognizing the pivotal roles of women and youths in agricultural development, HerHub aims to alleviate poverty and foster sustainable livelihoods.Our approach integrates cutting-edge agricultural technologies with community empowerment strategies. We provide comprehensive training in modern farming techniques, agribusiness management, and sustainable practices tailored to local environments. By equipping women and youths with these skills, HerHub not only enhances food security but also creates economic opportunities.Central to our mission is the promotion of gender equality and social inclusion. We empower women farmers as leaders and decision-makers, ensuring their voices are heard in agricultural development.HerHub advocates for policies that support rural women and youths in accessing resources and markets.HerHub also emphasizes environmental stewardship.

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

HerHub primarily aims to address the multifaceted challenges of poverty in rural communities, with a particular focus on women and youths. These populations often face significant barriers to economic opportunity and social mobility, exacerbated by limited access to resources, education, and technology.In rural areas, agricultural livelihoods are central but vulnerable to climate change, inadequate infrastructure, and outdated practices. Women, despite being essential contributors to agriculture, often lack access to land ownership, financial services, and decision-making roles, perpetuating gender disparities and economic inequality.Youths, meanwhile, confront limited prospects and are drawn to urban areas in search of employment, leaving behind aging populations and struggling communities.HerHub recognizes that empowering women and youths in agriculture can catalyze transformative change.

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

1)Increased Productivity: Adopting modern farming techniques and technologies, such as precision agriculture and climate-smart practices, communities can significantly increase agricultural productivity. This leads to higher crop yields, improved food security, and enhanced income generation for farmers, particularly benefiting women and youths who often have limited access to traditional farming knowledge and resources.2)Empowerment and Economic Opportunity: HerHub's focus on empowering women and youths through agricultural training and entrepreneurship programs creates new economic opportunities. Women are empowered as decision-makers and leaders in agriculture, gaining access to land, financial services, and markets. Youths are equipped with valuable skills and knowledge, encouraging them to thrive in rural areas rather than migrating to cities in search of employment.3)Environmental Sustainability:Climate-smart agriculture techniques help mitigate the impact of climate change

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

In summary, HerHub's project targets women farmers, youths, local communities, and the environment in rural areas, aiming to empower marginalized groups, enhance agricultural productivity, foster economic growth, and promote sustainable development.

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?

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.)

Michael Maseko-Experienced agricultural professional with a more than a decade of hands-on expertise in rural farming communities. Possesses a comprehensive understanding of agricultural practices, crop management, and sustainable farming techniques. Proven track record in enhancing crop yields, implementing innovative farming technologies, and fostering community development. Holds a degree in Agriculture, combining academic knowledge with practical experience to drive agricultural productivity and sustainability. Samantha Chintengo -Seasoned finance professional with 4 years of dedicated experience in the renewable energy sector. Proficient in financial analysis, investment evaluation, and project financing within renewable energy initiatives.

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 focusing on smart agriculture and targeting marginalized groups such as women and youths in rural areas, HerHub empowers them economically. Through training in modern agricultural techniques, agribusiness management, and entrepreneurship, participants gain skills that increase their productivity and income potential. This empowerment directly lifts individuals and communities out of poverty by providing sustainable livelihoods.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Smart agriculture practices promoted by HerHub improve agricultural productivity and food security in rural communities. By adopting climate-smart agriculture techniques, communities can better withstand environmental shocks and fluctuations in crop yields, reducing the vulnerability of households to food insecurity and poverty.

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

In summary, HerHub’s smart agriculture initiatives contribute to good health by addressing water quality and access, improving nutrition, enhancing climate resilience, promoting health education, empowering women, and fostering overall community well-being in rural areas. These efforts are crucial in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

HerHub advocates for gender equality by ensuring that women have equal access to educational opportunities and resources in agriculture. By empowering women as leaders and decision-makers in agricultural activities, the project promotes inclusive educational environments that foster learning and innovation.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

6

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

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

HerHub’s smart agriculture initiatives contribute to decent work and economic growth by creating jobs, fostering entrepreneurship, generating income, integrating into value chains, enhancing skills, promoting gender equality, and fostering inclusive economic development in rural areas

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

2

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

HerHub contribute to reducing inequalities by promoting gender equality, empowering youths, enhancing access to resources, advocating for fair trade practices, promoting capacity building and knowledge sharing, and fostering environmental sustainability in rural communities.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

3

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

3

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

HerHub’s smart agriculture initiatives contribute to climate action by promoting climate-smart practices, enhancing resource efficiency, supporting carbon sequestration, integrating renewable energy, fostering education and awareness, and advocating for policy change.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

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

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

HerHub’s initiatives contribute to partnerships for the SDGs by fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, policy advocacy, financial and technical support, monitoring and evaluation, and community engagement.

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

4

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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.

5

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

5

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.

5

05.08 Justification

the products of HerHub’s project are unique and innovative due to their integration of smart agriculture technologies, customized training programs, climate-smart practices, empowerment of marginalized groups, community-centered approach, and rigorous impact measurement. These elements collectively contribute to sustainable development, economic growth, and resilience in rural communities, positioning HerHub as a leader in innovative agricultural solutions tailored to local contexts.

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

HerHub may have competitors (such as NGOs and Development Organizations ,government initiatives) in the field of rural development and smart agriculture, its focus on empowerment, innovation, community engagement, and sustainable impact sets it apart, positioning it as a leader in promoting inclusive and sustainable development in rural areas.

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