Uganda - Business creation project

Décrivez votre projet en quelques mots

Involves, designing and production of a low weight manually operated banana support harvesting machine that does not use any form of fuel to operate. Therefore, it's environmental friendly and reduces the risk of bunch damage and injuries to the farmer

01.01 Décrivez votre projet en détail

It will operate by regulating the speed at which the banana stem and it's bunch fall during the harvesting process. It's made up of: A receiver; which is a flat aerial surface on which the bunch rests during harvesting. Arms; These are mult-jointed and connect the receiver to the base. The joints allow the arms to move the receiver downwards and upwards. When the arms bend the receiver moves downwards and when they straighten, the receiver moves upwards. Base; It supports the whole weight of the machine. The return springs and height adjustment lever; these regulate the downward and upward movements of the arms. When a heavy bunch is placed on the receiver, it automatically moves downwards. However, this movement can also be regulated manually using the the height adjustment lever. When there is no load on the receiver, the return springs automatically actuate the receiver into an upward motion. The speed of upward motion is manually regulated by the height adjustment lever.

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

Most banana plant species usually grow very tall, i.e , up to 10 meters and bear heavy bunches whose weight range from 20kg-60kg. Harvesting such a big bunch from those greater heights can be psychologically, emotionally and physically torturing to the harvester/farmer. Therefore, without a support harvesting machine, the person harvesting the bunch of banana is at a higher risk of sustaining injuries from the heavy falling banana plant . This may to greater extend lead to death. The unregulated falling speed with which the plant hits the ground at harvesting, also damages the bunch fingers which lowers the quality of the bunch as a whole. This in turn attracts very low market prices leading to reduced income entering the farmer's pocket. Still the uncontrolled falling speed of the banana plant at harvesting may cause it to severely damage other nearby surrounding banana plants, hence, lowering their growth vigor and the overall productivity.

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

-Reduced or no damages to the banana bunch at harvesting due to regulated speed with which the banana plant hits the ground. -Maintenance of bunch quality that in turn attracts good market prices and finally the farmer's income level increases. -Reduced risks of sustaining injuries by the farmer at harvesting which in turn increase the farmer's passion for banana farming hence increasing food security and continuity of life. -The machine is portable, user friendly, non descriminative in terms of gender and needs no specialized person to operate it. -It does not use any form of fuel, emits zero carbon and its associated pollutants, therefore, it's environmental friendly. -creation of employment opportunities to the community and contribution to economic growth. -promotes innovations both at community and continental level.

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

Large and small scale banana farmers who are already into banana farming. The people who are planning to enter into banana farming on a small or large scale. Subsistence banana farmers as well as those planning to do the same. These are farmers who plant banana/matooke mainly for home consumption. Government and co-operative farmers' unions. The youth who are already in the business of banana farming or are planning to start it, either on a small or large scale.

01.05 Quand avez-vous commencé à travailler sur votre projet ?

03/05/2024

01.06 Combien y a-t-il de propriétaires sur votre projet en plus de vous ?

3

01.07 Parmi les autres propriétaires, combien sont des femmes ?

1

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

Masika Edress: Graduate teacher; teaches Biology and Chemistry at maliba secondary school. Has been doing banana farming on a small scale for 5 years. Heads the advisory committee for designing the machine in this project, She lives in majengo, kasese-Uganda. Kule Wilson: Graduate teacher, teaching biology and Chemistry at maliba secondary school. Has been farming coffee and banana for 6 years and is a member on the advisory committee for designing the machine. Lives in Mubuku, kasese-Uganda. Mwebaze Hanington: Heads the fabrication and assembly team; has been welding for 7 years. Lives in Nyakasanga, kasese-Uganda.

01.09 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.facebook.com/twesige.baptist

01.10 Quel est le secteur d'activité qui décrit le mieux votre projet ?

c) Industrie (équipements, services commerciaux, logistiques et professionnels, transports)

02.01.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Pas de pauvreté'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.01.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

The maintained good quality of the banana bunch at harvesting attracts better market prices, hence increased income flow and better standards of living of the farmer. The minimal or zero damages to the nearby surrounding banana plants at harvesting, ensures good productivity throughout the year and subsequently an all-year food security and income flow to the farmer. Leaving other factors constant, the harvester's physical health is secured at harvesting. Creation of employment opportunities for the community membersmembers, hence, increasing their income level.

02.02.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Faim Zéro'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.02.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

Hunger is as a result of scarce or no food in a given part of the world. The machine ensures that the risk factors such as; damages to the banana/matooke bunches, nearby surrounding banana/matooke plants and injuries to persons harvesting are minimized during the harvesting process. This results into continuous banana/matooke production in abundance throughout the year, hence, hunger eradication. Also with increased income from the good quality banana produce, one can buy more of any other food produce from the market basing on their choice or need. The income earned as a result of sales, services and employment in this project can be used to improve the living standards of the people directly or indirectly involved in this project.

02.03.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Bonne Santé et Bien Être'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.03.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

There is to be minimal or zero risk of sustaining injuries during the harvesting process when the machine is used. This contributes to the overall physical good health. There is to be reduced risk of mental illness and other nutritional diseases that could have resulted from the stress of food insecurity. Increased stable income flow ensures timely medication incase of an illness. With food security, there is always enough food for everyone one. Therefore, the body gets the right amount of food it deserves for normal functioning, hence, good health.

02.04.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Éducaiton de Qualité'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.04.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

Food is one of the many factors that dictate whether; the learners or teachers come to school or not, the learners or teachers stay in school throughout the gazzated time or not, effective learning and teaching takes place during the learning and teaching process or not, the school as a whole runs or not. Leaving other factors constant, with food security in homes and institutions of learning, the learning and teaching process is always effective. This contributes to the overall quality education positively. With increased stable income flow, parents/guardians provide appropriate scholarstic materials and ensure that all children under their care irrespective of male or female go to good schools. The unique ideas of this project will be shared transparently among different youth groups as a way of promoting life long learning opportunities for all. As a way of skilling the youth.

02.05.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Égalité entre les Sexes'

6

02.05.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

The machine is to be non segregative in terms of operation. so women will easily run it too. A woman is already one of the advisors in this project. so gender equality and inclusiveness was in consideration from the beginning.

02.06.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Eau Propre et Assainissement'

6

02.06.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

The machine will not use any form of fuel to run. so no carbon or gaseous pollutants from the combustion of fuels are to be released into the environment that would result into acidic rains and subsequently change the PH of water sources from which domestic water is tapped. During the operation of the machine, no harmful solid waste products are to be produced that would affect the water and the overall sanitation of the area of operation.

02.07.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Énergie Propre et Abordable'

3

02.07.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

02.08.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Travail Décent et Croissance Économique'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.08.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

Raw materials are mainly metallic, so they are to be bought. In future a number of machines will be produced and sold to generate more income. The machine will not be very complex, so few materials are required for it's production. The machine is to be durable, i.e, can be used for many years with minimal maintenance in terms of repair. It will be made up of recyclable materials, so when it's nolonger in use, it will be recycled and remodeled into other products for use. In our operations safety is a priority, so putting on protective gears will be a must. Incase of misunderstandings, dialogue works and we ensure total protection of one's rights. Jobs have been created and more will be created as the project expands. All this will contribution to economic growth and descent work.

02.09.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Industrie, Innovaiton et Infrastructure'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.09.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

The machine will be designed in such a way that it mimics the working mechanisms of a human arm. It is unique in a way that it will consumes no fuel, will be manually operated, portable, user friendly and not affected by harsh environmental conditions.

02.10.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Réduction des Inégalités'

5

02.10.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

Throughout the course of this project, any forms of inequalities whether from within or outside the country are completely discouraged. One of our colleague is a foreigner but we are working together as a strong team to achieve our goals.

02.11.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Villes et Communautés Durables'

5

02.11.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

The project will improves the innovative abilities of an individual to handle community challenges in a more diverse way in formulation of solutions. Pollution in any forms is to be highly discouraged in this project. An initiative shall be taken to have more trees planted in cities and communities to reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

02.12.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Consommation et Production Responsable'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.12.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

The machine will requires less raw materials for it's production due to its low complexity, is to be used over a long period of time without deteriorating (durable). It's to be reusable, easy to repair case of a breakdown and easily recycled for other uses. After exposure to the world, future productions shall be based on orders. This will ensure sustainable consumption and production.

02.13.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Luttle contre les Changements Climatiques'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.13.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

In it's operation, the machine will not use any form of fuel, and so will not contribute to green house gases such as, carbondioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen monoxide and sulphur dioxide that cause global warming, resulting into climate change. Therefore, the machine will be environmental friendly. During it's production, no harmful waste products will be produced that could impact the climate in any negative ways.

02.14.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Vie Sous-Marine'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.14.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

Green house gases such as carbondioxide, nitrogen monoxide and sulphur dioxide form acid rains that may cause significant PH changes of the water body. This is fatal for aquatic life. Engine oil and other petroleum products if irresponsibly used may endup in water bodies, These could reduce penetration of light and dissolution of oxygen into the water body, hence leading to loss of aquatic life. The same gases cause global warming which in turn may rise the temperature of water bodies beyond the normal temperature ranges which may lead to loss of aquatic life. All these gaseous waste products are associated with machines and automobile that use petroleum products to operate. Fortunately, our machine will not use any form of fuels to operate. For any waste products associated with the production or use of the machine, shall be handled sustainably. Therefore, with this project aquatic life is indirectly conserved.

02.15.01 Mon projetp contribue à l'objectif 'Vie Terrestre'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.15.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

Carbondioxide and Carbonmonoxide gases produced by machines and automobiles that use petroleum products such as petrol and diesel, are so toxic that can cause death of organisms within minutes if inhaled. These same gases are part of the many green house gases that cause global warming. This phenomenon result into abnormally high environmental temperatures, leading to farmine and death of organisms on land. Fortunately, this machine will not use any form of fuels to operate. Therefore, in one way or the other life on land is indirectly conserved.

02.16.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Paix, Justice et Institutions Efficaces'

6

02.16.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

Failure to provide basic needs due to inadequate finances is one of the major sources of violence in families. Youth idleness due to lack of jobs is one of the major sources of insecurities in any community. Most people fail to report crimes committed against them due to inadequate finances to do so. This project will create job opportunities and also create a platform to address some of these challenges, hence contributing to the peace, justice and strong institutions.

02.17.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Parteneriats pour la Réalisation des Objectifs'

5

02.17.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

We are already working together as partners to bring this idea of the machine to reality. The project is open to anyone will to partner with us to bring this idea to reality.

05.01 Il existe un grand nombre de clients qui utilisent déjà un produit/service très similaire à celui que nous envisageons de créer.

2

05.02 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer représente un type de produit/service entièrement nouveau

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

05.03 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer pourrait être décrit comme une nouvelle technologie

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

05.04 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer est une amélioration d'un produit ou d'un service existant

1 - Pas du tout d'accord

05.05 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer pourrait être décrit comme une extension d'une gamme de produits ou de services

1 - Pas du tout d'accord

05.06 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer 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

05.07 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer est une nouvelle version d'un ancien produit/service

1 - Pas du tout d'accord

05.08 Justification de mon projet

This product is manually operated and will not use any form of fuel to operate. Therefore, it's a completely new product with a new technology of operation in the field of agriculture specifically banana farming. Most banana farmers worldwide use their body to act as banana support harvesting machine during the harvesting process in a move to prevent damages and maintain the quality of the bunches which could result into injuries and death to the person during the harvesting process. The fuel powered banana picking/harvesting machines available on market are so expensive to the average farmer, large in size and not easy to work with in a banana plantation due to the nature of the banana plants and also require a technical person to operate. Therefore, there is a great need for a machine that will work as a banana support harvesting machine instead of people using their body to act as banana support harvesting machine.

05.09 Qui sont vos principaux potentiels concurrents et qu'est-ce qui vous différencie d'eux ?

Banana picking machine by Western Australian department of agriculture. Crawler banana picker by South China agricultural university. These machines are engine powered. Therefore, fuel in form of petrol or diesel is required for their field operations. Our machine will not required any form of fuel to operate, therefore, it will be environmental friendly. The complexity and high energy consumption of these motorized machines make operational and maintenance costs high for an average banana farmer. Our machine is to be simple with very low operational and maintenance costs for an average banana farmer to easily afford. The nature of the banana plants and the coarse plant residues may make movements within the plantation by these heavy motorized machines challenging during the harvesting process. Fortunately, our machine is to be portable and easily lifted from one banana plant/station to the next during the harvesting process.

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

Yes. I have so far trained two women in commercial banana farming, One of them has already established two acres of banana plantation in kasese Uganda. She's called Masika Edress.