Zimbabwe - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

FarmLink is an agri-tech platform in Zimbabwe that connects farmers directly with consumers, providing fresh, locally sourced produce at fair prices by eliminating intermediaries and promoting transparency in the supply chain.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

FarmLink is an agri-tech platform designed to revolutionize Zimbabwe's agricultural sector by connecting farmers directly with consumers. Traditional supply chains in Zimbabwe often lead to price discrimination, limited market access, and significant food wastage, especially in markets like Mbare Musika. FarmLink addresses these issues by eliminating intermediaries, ensuring fair pricing, and fostering transparency. Our platform allows farmers to list their produce, providing consumers with fresh, locally sourced products. Additionally, FarmLink helps reduce food waste by connecting markets in need of overripe produce with farmers, enabling the creation of by-products like tomato sauce and banana bread loaf. Through a sustainable business model incorporating sales commissions and premium subscription features, FarmLink aims to improve farmers' livelihoods, enhance food security, and support sustainable agricultural practices in Zimbabwe.

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

FarmLink aims to solve several interconnected problems in Zimbabwe's agricultural sector. The main issues include price discrimination against farmers, limited market access, and a lack of transparency between producers and consumers. Traditional supply chains, particularly in markets like Mbare Musika, allow intermediaries to set arbitrary prices, acting as a "Wall Street" that disproportionately benefits middlemen at the expense of farmers. Additionally, these markets suffer from significant food wastage, with rotten or overripe produce going unused despite its potential to be repurposed into valuable by-products like tomato sauce and banana bread loaf. FarmLink addresses these problems by eliminating intermediaries, ensuring fair pricing, fostering transparency, and connecting markets in need of overripe produce with farmers. This approach not only reduces food wastage but also enhances farmers' incomes, supports sustainable agricultural practices, and improves consumer access to fr

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

FarmLink offers several major benefits and advantages: Fair Pricing: By eliminating intermediaries, FarmLink ensures that farmers receive fair compensation for their produce. This increases their profitability and reduces price exploitation. Enhanced Market Access: The platform connects small to medium-sized farmers directly with consumers, expanding their market reach beyond local intermediaries. This boosts their growth opportunities and income. Reduced Food Waste: FarmLink facilitates the use of overripe produce by linking markets in need of such produce with farmers. This reduces food wastage and creates value-added products like tomato sauce and banana bread loaf, contributing to a more sustainable agricultural system. Transparency and Trust: The platform provides real-time pricing information and secure transactions, enhancing transparency and trust in the supply chain. Consumers can trace the origin and quality of their food, promoting ethical sourcing and sustainability.

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

FarmLink is aimed at serving two primary groups: farmers and consumers. Farmers: The platform targets small to medium-sized farmers in Zimbabwe who struggle with limited market access, price discrimination, and lack of transparency in the traditional supply chains. These farmers benefit from direct connections to consumers, fair pricing, and increased profitability. FarmLink helps them expand their market reach, reduce food waste by finding new uses for overripe produce, and improve their overall economic stability. Consumers: Health-conscious consumers looking for fresh, locally sourced produce are the primary beneficiaries. FarmLink provides them with easy access to high-quality, farm-fresh products at fair prices. The platform also ensures transparency about the origins and farming methods of the produce, enhancing consumer trust and satisfaction

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-03-23

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

8

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.)

Clive Newengo (Accounts Manager) ensures financial stability. Alywn Nyahuye (Lead Developer) drives platform development. Anotida Mutendzwa (Info Security Specialist) protects user data. Tawanda Ndaba (System Analyst) optimizes systems. Estain Makaudze (Enterprise Architect) designs secure systems. Tapiwa Kasosera (Mobile App Dev) develops the app. Michael Meuka (Tech Strategist) guides tech advancements. Tafadzwa Mufuka (Agronomy Expert) promotes sustainable farming practices.

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

https://www.farmlink.live/

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

l) Agriculture

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

FarmLink actively fosters partnerships between farmers, consumers, and other stakeholders in the agricultural supply chain. By creating a transparent platform, FarmLink ensures that all parties involved can benefit from fair pricing and efficient distribution. We collaborate with local agricultural organizations, government bodies, and NGOs to provide training, resources, and support to farmers. This collaborative approach helps build strong, sustainable networks that enhance the overall resilience and productivity of the agricultural sector, aligning with SDG 17's objective to strengthen and revitalize global partnerships for sustainable development.

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

5

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

6

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

1 - Strongly Disagree

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.08 Justification

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

FarmLink's main competitor is Fresh In The Box, a digital platform connecting farmers to markets. However, FarmLink stands out in the following ways: - Holistic approach: FarmLink addresses the entire agricultural value chain, including inputs, financing, and market access, whereas Fresh In The Box focuses primarily on market linkage. - Smallholder farmer focus: FarmLink specifically targets smallholder farmers, providing tailored support and resources, whereas Fresh In The Box caters to a broader range of farmers. - Sustainable practices: FarmLink promotes climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable practices, setting it apart from competitors. - Community-based approach: FarmLink builds community demo farms and provides training, fostering a supportive network among farmers. - Technology integration: FarmLink leverages advanced technologies like AI and data analytics to enhance efficiency and decision-making.

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

Yes, FarmLink is initiating actions to promote the role of female entrepreneurs in the agricultural community: - Organizing training sessions and workshops specifically for women farmers and entrepreneurs - Providing mentorship and coaching programs led by successful female agricultural entrepreneurs - Creating a community network for women in agriculture to share knowledge, resources, and support - Partnering with organizations that promote gender equality and women's empowerment in agriculture - Highlighting and showcasing the achievements and stories of female farmers and entrepreneurs on our platform and social media channels.