Zimbabwe - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Gumbi Creek is a startup resort farm focused on sustainable eco-friendly practices. I’m currently in the process of building infrastructure for a rabbitry to provide a low-impact meat source and enhance food security.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

After acquiring land in January this year, I embarked on building Gumbi Creek. The vision for Gumbi Creek is to develop a resort farm based on eco-friendly, sustainable practices. The goal is to offer clients two unique experiences. First, a farm-to-table experience providing fresh produce directly from our farm, ensuring the highest quality and flavor. Second, an immersive farm lifestyle experience where visitors can see our sustainable practices firsthand, learn about our methods, and enjoy the food produced right on-site. I am currently building infrastructure for a rabbitry to supply a low-impact meat source, enhancing food security and showcasing the benefits of sustainable animal husbandry. Gumbi Creek aims to inspire visitors and demonstrate the importance of sustainability in farming, offering a unique blend of agriculture and hospitality.

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

Gumbi Creek is tackling the resource-intensive nature of livestock farming by advocating for rabbit meat as a sustainable alternative. Unlike traditional livestock, rabbit farming demands significantly fewer resources, including water and feed, making it a practical solution to combat the continent's food shortages. Through prioritizing the establishment of a rabbitry, Gumbi Creek is actively showcasing the efficiency and benefits of sustainable meat production. By embracing rabbit farming, the initiative not only contributes to enhanced food security but also aligns with broader environmental conservation efforts. This approach emphasizes the importance of adopting sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate the strain on natural resources while addressing pressing food security concerns in Africa as a whole.

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. Rabbit meat is a lean, high-protein source with lower fat content compared to traditional meats. It offers essential vitamins and minerals, promoting overall health and well-being for consumers. This in turn provides a nutritious meat option that supports healthy lifestyles and dietary diversity. 2.

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

1. Restaurants that offer rabbit meat as a cuisine on their menus. For a start, I already secured a market with The White Company, which owns The Rabbit Hole, which is a restaurant based in Belvedere, Harare. This collaboration will also allow other restaurants to expand their menus with our unique meat option, rabbit. 2. Health conscious consumers seeking healthy and nutritious meat options with a lower environmental footprint. 3. Adventure travelers embarking on unique culinary journeys. Gumbi Creek will offer them with an exquisite farm-to-table experience, enjoying delicious locally-grown-ingredient meals.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-02-29

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

0

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

0

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

N/A

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

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VacHyuRG3R3ZlCcl742x

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

Gumbi Creek directly combats the ‘no poverty’ SDG by creating employment opportunities in rabbit farming. We plan to train and hire local residents to manage our rabbitry, fostering new income streams and empowering individuals within the community. This will not only improve livelihoods but also inject financial resources into the local economy, stimulating further development. Gumbi Creek's focus on sustainable agriculture will create a positive cycle, alleviating poverty through job creation.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Gumbi Creek will tackle hunger by locally producing nutritious rabbit meat and fresh produce, bolstering food security. Through sustainable farming practices, education, and community engagement, it will empower individuals, minimize environmental impact, and serve as a replicable model for promoting sustainable agriculture nationwide.

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

Gumbi Creek will foster well-being across all age groups by providing a lean protein source through rabbit meat, while educational workshops will promote healthy eating habits and the link between sustainable food and well-being. Also, our unique farm-to-table experience will offer a relaxing escape, promoting mental and emotional well-being for all visitors. This multi-faceted approach will cultivate a healthy lifestyle through informed choices, nutritious food, and a chance to connect with nature.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Gumbi Creek will cultivate inclusive education and lifelong learning through a multifaceted approach. We will offer educational workshops open to the community, regardless of age or background, sparking interest in sustainable agriculture and potentially igniting new career paths. Our commitment to transparency will extend to farm visits and open communication about our practices, fostering knowledge sharing and learning opportunities for anyone curious about sustainable food production. Additionally, we plan to collaborate with local schools to create educational programs or tours focused on sustainable agriculture and healthy food systems, enriching the learning experience for students of all ages. By making sustainability knowledge accessible and empowering individuals to make informed choices, Gumbi Creek will contribute to a culture of lifelong learning for all.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Gumbi Creek will foster gender equality and women's empowerment by creating a supportive and inclusive environment. Our educational workshops will be open to all community members, ensuring women have equal access to knowledge and resources on sustainable agriculture, potentially inspiring them to pursue careers in this field. Additionally, we will strive to challenge traditional gender roles in agriculture by showcasing successful women in farming and highlighting their contributions, inspiring young girls to consider careers in agriculture. Through inclusivity, economic opportunities, and women's leadership promotion, Gumbi Creek will contribute to a more equitable future for all.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

Gumbi Creek will support the Clean Water and Sanitation through sustainable rabbit farming practices. Rabbit farming consumes less water than traditional livestock, easing pressure on freshwater resources. Proper waste management practices will also minimize water contamination and produce valuable fertilizer that can be used in crop production or sold to other farmers as organic fertilizer. These practices will demonstrate water stewardship and promote sustainable water management within Gumbi Creek's operations.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Gumbi Creek will be committed to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by harnessing solar power and energy-efficient practices. We'll install a solar system to generate clean electricity, reducing reliance on the national grid for essential farm operations like lighting and refrigeration. Conducting energy audits will guide us to invest in energy-efficient appliances and practices, such as LED lighting and water-saving fixtures. By setting an example in sustainable energy use, Gumbi Creek aims to inspire the community to adopt renewable energy sources and responsible resource management, aligning with SDG 7 objectives.

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

Gumbi Creek advances Decent Work and Economic Growth through sustainable rabbit farming, job creation, knowledge sharing, and supporting local businesses. By prioritizing sustainable practices, the project will foster a more resilient agricultural sector while creating employment opportunities in rabbit farming and management. Educational workshops will also empower community members with skills for sustainable farming, potentially leading to increased agricultural production and economic opportunities. Partnering with local suppliers will strengthen the economy and promote inclusivity. Through these efforts, Gumbi Creek will foster a more sustainable and equitable economic landscape for the community.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Gumbi Creek prioritizes building resilient eco-friendly infrastructure using locally sourced renewable materials like the gum poles from Nyanga forests that I used to start the main frame of the rabbit shed. This approach minimizes our environmental footprint and supports local suppliers. Gumbi Creek will also foster a more inclusive business environment through its farm-to-table experience and by partnering with local businesses like The White Meat Company. This collaborative approach will strengthen the local food industry. We will also be embracing innovation and technology by managing all farm operations and processes digitally on mobile devices. This digital approach will streamline data collection, enhance transparency, and allow for data-driven decision making, optimizing resource use and promoting efficient farm management.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Our planned educational workshops will provide valuable knowledge and skills in sustainable rabbit farming, accessible to all members of the community regardless of socioeconomic status. Gumbi Creek will be committed to fair labor practices, ensuring that all employees receive fair wages and decent working conditions, thereby reducing income inequality within our operations. Furthermore, our focus on empowering women in agriculture through training and employment opportunities will challenge traditional gender roles and promote gender equality. Through these initiatives, Gumbi Creek endeavors to bridge economic disparities and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

By promoting local food production through our farm, Gumbi Creek can potentially help reduce reliance on resource-intensive agricultural practices around cities. This can contribute to a more sustainable food system and potentially lessen pressure on urban environments. Our educational workshops will also raise awareness about sustainable agriculture, which can inspire urban residents to adopt more sustainable practices in their own communities, even if on a smaller scale.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Gumbi Creek will prioritize minimizing waste generation. Manure from the rabbits will be a valuable resource and will be sold for profit as fertilizer, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers for other farms. This also extends to the rabbit urine, rich in ammonia and used mostly by organic farmers as a natural insecticide. We will also utilize a water-efficient nipple drinking system for the rabbits. This system minimizes water waste as water is only dispensed when the rabbits drink, significantly reducing overall water consumption within the farm.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Gumbi Creek addresses Climate Action through sustainable rabbit farming practices. Rabbit farming produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional livestock, contributing to climate mitigation efforts. The farm will prioritize water-efficient practices and explore renewable energy sources like solar power, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing its carbon footprint. Educational workshops will also raise awareness about the environmental benefits of sustainable agriculture, inspiring others to adopt similar practices and contribute to broader climate action efforts.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Gumbi Creek’s proximity to River Manyame allows us to offer exciting eco-tourism activities. These adventures will be designed to minimize disruption to the river ecosystem and its inhabitants. By prioritizing responsible practices and educating visitors about the importance of river conservation, Gumbi Creek aims to foster appreciation for this vital waterway.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Gumbi Creek recognizes the importance of existing ecosystems on the farm. We are actively working to protect the native Misasa trees we found on the land. Musasa is an indigenous tree often lost due to past practices. This preservation effort contributes to biodiversity and provides valuable habitat for local wildlife. The design of the entire farm layout is also being done around the existing ant hills and other natural features. This minimizes disruption and fosters a harmonious “living as one” approach with the existing ecosystems. We will prioritize sustainable land management practices that prevent desertification and land degradation, ensuring long-term health for the land it’s inhabitants.

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

By creating employment opportunities and sharing knowledge, the project empowers individuals, reducing social inequalities and fostering community stability. Its focus on sustainable practices encourages collaboration and peaceful solutions within the community, promoting environmental well-being. Fair labor practices and transparency at Gumbi Creek will foster trust and respect, contributing to a just and equitable environment. While not directly providing justice, Gumbi Creek's efforts will indirectly strengthen the foundation for a peaceful and inclusive society by empowering individuals, promoting responsible resource management, encouraging collaboration, and fostering a fair work environment.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Gumbi Creek will prioritize local partnerships, knowledge sharing, and potential collaborations with research institutions to advance SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By partnering with local businesses, the project aims to strengthen the economy and foster collaboration around sustainable practices. Educational workshops will serve as platforms for knowledge exchange, inspiring others to adopt similar practices. Collaboration with research institutions will also further contribute to sustainable agriculture knowledge, benefiting the global community. These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to SDG 17 and the collective pursuit of all the other Sustainable Development Goals.

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.

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.

1 - Strongly Disagree

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.

1 - Strongly Disagree

05.08 Justification

Gumbi Creek will be innovating rabbit production through technology. We will be utilizing the Rabbit Management System app (available on Play Store or web) for digital farm management and real-time data analysis, optimizing processes. Additionally, we will be prioritizing animal welfare through spacious enclosures and enrichment activities outside of these enclosures. Our focus extends beyond innovation and efficiency. We will be offering rabbit meat as a healthy and sustainable protein source, boasting lower environmental impact than traditional livestock. Locally produced and delivered fresh through our farm-to-table approach, our rabbit meat will cater to consumers seeking high-quality, delicious protein with culinary versatility since rabbit meat is known for its mild flavor and can be prepared in various dishes.

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

Gumbi Creek’s main potential competitors are existing regional rabbit producers. These could be small-scale farmers or larger commercial operations. Our commitment to resource-efficient practices, waste reduction and responsible land management will set us apart. Gumbi Creek will also differentiate itself from the rest through technology integration, focusing on animal welfare, providing a farm-to-table experience, highlighting culinary versatility through advertising, engaging the community through educational workshops, and fostering local partnerships. This comprehensive approach can set us apart from existing competitors in the rabbit meat production landscape.

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

Not yet.