Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Décrivez votre projet en quelques mots

Warembo na Kahawa is a socially conscious initiative by Mbogo Coffee Limited dedicated to empowering women in the coffee industry. Our project embodies our commitment to supporting and uplifting the lives of women coffee pickers.

01.01 Décrivez votre startup en détail

Mbogo Coffee specializes in marketing sustainably grown coffee with minimal chemical use. We are inspired by our great-grandfather’s vision to empower local farmers by encouraging organic fertilizers and compost use. In Kenya, coffee pickers, mostly women, earn an average of Ksh. 27,200 annually in a grueling seasonal job. To support them, we established the Warembo na Kahawa program in collaboration with farmers in West Pokot, Nyeri, and Kirinyaga. This initiative allows coffee pickers to supplement their income by producing and selling compost. We help them set up a 3-box compost system, producing compost year-round. The compost is packed in 4 KG buckets and sold for KES. 25 per bucket, increasing their annual income up to Ksh. 74,490—a 3X increase in one year and over 10X in five years. By 2024, we aim to scale to 1,000 farmers, working with 12 of our current clients, supported by partners, to realize our great-grandfather’s vision of sustainable growth and community empowerment.

01.02 Quel est le problème principal que vous essayez de résoudre ?

The main problem we are trying to solve is the economic vulnerability and low income of women coffee pickers in Kenya. These women, who form the backbone of the coffee industry, face significant challenges due to low wages and limited opportunities for meaningful additional income. Our aim is to address this issue by empowering them with skills and resources to supplement their earnings through sustainable agricultural practices, such as compost production. By increasing their income and economic resilience, we seek to improve the livelihoods and well-being of these women and their families, ultimately contributing to poverty alleviation and community development.

01.03 Dites-nous quels sont les principaux avantages et/ou bénéfices de l'utilisation du produit/service fourni par votre startup (au moins 3).

Increased Income Opportunities: By participating in our program, individuals can supplement their earnings significantly. For instance, women coffee pickers who engage in compost production through our initiative experience a substantial increase in their annual income, empowering them economically. Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Our initiative promotes the use of sustainable agricultural practices, such as organic fertilizer production. Contributing to environmental conservation, soil health improvement, and long-term agricultural productivity. Community Empowerment: Through our program, we empower communities by providing them with valuable skills, resources, and opportunities for economic growth. Consumer Well-being: By ensuring that our coffee is grown with minimal chemical use and promoting sustainable practices, we offer consumers a healthier product that allows them to enjoy high-quality coffee while contributing to the welfare of farming communities.

01.04 Veuillez décrire précisément à qui s'adresse le produit/service de votre startup. Quels sont les bénéficiaires visés ?

The Mbogo Coffee and Warembo na Kahawa initiative aims at serving both coffee consumers who value sustainability and quality as well as women coffee pickers who seek economic empowerment and livelihood improvement. Through our dual-focus approach, we strive to create a positive impact on both ends of the coffee supply chain, fostering sustainability, empowerment, and social responsibility.

01.05 Quand votre entreprise a-t-elle été créée ?

04/09/2023

01.06 Vendez-vous déjà votre produit/service ?

Oui

01.07 Combien y a-t-il de propriétaires de votre entreprise en plus de vous ?

0

01.08 Parmi les autres propriétaires, combien sont des femmes ?

1

01.09 Veuillez décrire le profil des autres propriétaires de votre startup (compétences, expérience, etc.).

I am the sole owner of Mbogo Coffee Limited, which I founded in November 2022 and later established as a limited company in September 2023. While I am the driving force behind Mbogo Coffee, I am supported by an advisory board of three members, each bringing a wealth of expertise and diverse perspectives to our venture. Our advisory board consists of: A male Business Partner Advisor A female Industry Training Specialist a female Marketing Strategist and Consultant

01.10 Si vous avez un site web, une page sur les médias sociaux (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin...) ou une application, veuillez fournir le(s) lien(s) ici :

https://www.mbogo-coffee.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/93202370/ https://www.instagram.com/mbogo_coffee/ https://web.facebook.com/mbogo.coffee

01.11 Quel est le secteur d'activité qui décrit le mieux votre entreprise ?

Produits de base (aliments, boissons, produits ménagers et personnels)

02.01.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Pas de pauvreté'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.01.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

The Warembo na Kahawa initiative helps women coffee pickers supplement their income by training them how to produce compost and sell it back to the farmers, reducing poverty levels. By creating additional income streams, the initiative contributes to job creation for the women coffee pickers, helping them to lift themselves out of poverty.

02.02.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Faim Zéro'

6

02.02.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Increased income allows women to afford better nutrition and food security for their families. Also, by promoting organic farming practices, the soil health improves and increases crop yields, contributing to long-term food security, especially for the farmers who intercrop with shade trees, eg macadamia or bananas.

02.03.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Bonne Santé et Bien Être'

5

02.03.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

By reducing the dependence on chemical fertilizers, our initiative provides a healthier working environment for the coffee pickers. The initiative also improves their livelihood through increased income from nutrition, improved living conditions, and healthcare services that enhance general well being.

02.04.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Éducation de Qualité'

6

02.04.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

The Warembo na Kahawa initiative hires certified agriculturalists who equip the women coffee pickers with composting. We also hire qualified marketers, and they train them about prospecting and pricing. These skills contribute to lifelong learning and capacity-building. Finally, increased income supports women in educating their children, reducing dropout rates, child labor in the villages, and improving future opportunities.

02.05.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Égalité entre les Sexes'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.05.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Our initiative is a women's empowerment program that seeks to uplift the lives of women coffee pickers, who make up 80% of the 250,000 coffee pickers in Kenya. By training them in compost production and sales, the project enhances their skills and confidence. We provide them with economic opportunities and leadership roles, therefore promoting gender equality.

02.06.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Eau Propre et Assainissement'

4

02.06.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.07.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Énergie Propre et Abordable'

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.07.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.08.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Travail Décent et Croissance Économique'

6

02.08.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

The initiative helps women coffee pickers increase their income, contributing to fair wages for their labor fostering economic growth and stability.

02.09.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Industrie, Innovation et Infrastructure'

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.09.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.10.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Réduction des Inégalités'

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.10.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.11.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Villes et Communautés Durables'

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.11.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.12.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Consommation et Production Responsables'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.12.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Our initiative promotes farming using organic fertilizers and sustainable practices aligned with responsible production goals. By marketing sustainably grown coffee, our startup educated consumers about the benefits of responsible consumption.

02.13.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Lutte contre les Changements Climatiques'

6

02.13.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Using compost manure reduces the reliance on chemical fertilizers, promoting sustainable agriculture. Sustainable farming practices improves soil health and biodiversity, enhancing the resilience farming communities to climate change

02.14.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Vie Sous-Marine'

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.14.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.15.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Vie Terrestre'

1 -pas du tout d'accord

02.15.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.16.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Paix, Justice et Institutions Efficaces'

5

02.16.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Working with women in the West Pokot region, an area often affected by tribal clashes and hostile living conditions, aims to foster peace through collaborative coffee farming. By bringing together farmers from different tribes to work towards a common economic goal, we promote peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding. By supporting women and marginalized groups in coffee farming, we contribute to building inclusive institutions that represent and serve all community members.

02.17.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Parteneriats pour la Réalisation des Objectifs'

6

02.17.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

The Warembo na Kahawa initiative collaborates with coffee farmers, local communities, and partners to achieve shared goals, promoting sustainable development through partnership. By working with various stakeholders, the project builds capacity and fosters knowledge sharing that contributes to the achievements of Sustainable Development Goals.

06.01 Un grand nombre de clients utilisent déjà un produit/service très similaire au nôtre.

7 = Tout à fait d'accord

06.02 Notre produit/service représente un type de produit/service entièrement nouveau

1 - Pas du tout d'accord

06.03 Notre produit/service pourrait être décrit comme une nouvelle technologie

1 - Pas du tout d'accord

06.04 Notre produit/service est une amélioration d'un produit ou d'un service existant

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

06.05 Notre produit/service pourrait être décrit comme une extension d'une gamme de produits ou de services

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

06.06 Notre produit/service répond à une demande ou à un besoin qui n'a pas été satisfait par d'autres produits/services.

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

06.07 Notre produit/service est une nouvelle version d'un ancien produit/service

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

06.08 Justification

Our project idea, Mbogo Coffee's Warembo na Kahawa initiative, is unique and innovative in several ways. While there may be existing coffee products and initiatives, our approach stands out for its holistic focus on empowering women coffee pickers through sustainable practices and economic opportunities. The initiative represents an extension of existing coffee farming activities but introduces a novel element by integrating compost production and sales into the value chain. This responds to a demand for sustainable agriculture solutions while addressing the socio-economic needs of marginalized communities. By leveraging local resources and traditional knowledge, we enhance the resilience and productivity of coffee farming while fostering inclusive growth and environmental stewardship. Thus, while building on existing practices, our project introduces innovative elements that distinguish it from conventional approaches.

06.09 Analyse compétitive

Our main potential competitors include other coffee marketing companies and initiatives that aim to empower marginalized communities within the coffee industry. What sets Mbogo Coffee apart is our comprehensive approach to sustainability and community empowerment. While others may focus solely on marketing or community development, we integrate both aspects through initiatives like Warembo na Kahawa. Our emphasis on sustainable farming practices, such as compost production, not only benefits the environment but also directly impacts the livelihoods of women coffee pickers. Additionally, our commitment to transparency, fair trade, and local empowerment distinguishes us as a socially responsible brand, resonating with consumers who prioritize ethical consumption.

11.05 Menez-vous des actions au sein de votre communauté pour promouvoir le rôle des femmes entrepreneurs ?

Yes, I am initiating actions within my community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs. By organizing workshops, networking events, and mentorship programs specifically for women, I aim to provide the support and resources necessary for their success. I also collaborate with local organizations to create opportunities for female entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses and share their experiences. Through these initiatives, I strive to foster an inclusive environment that encourages women to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions, breaking down barriers and inspiring future generations.