Cameroun - Startup de moins de 3 ans

Décrivez votre projet en quelques mots

JK Agrofarms fueling the industrialization of Africa with a vertically integrated food processing business, including farming and processing, starting with the Cameroonian cassava value chain.

01.01 Décrivez votre startup en détail

JKA operates a vertically integrated business that spans cultivation, processing, and distribution of cassava-based products. On our expansive 750-acre farm, we employ mechanized, tech-enabled farming practices, using equipment like tractors and drones, as well as precision agriculture software. Beyond self-cultivation, we have established a cooperative and champion an out-grower model, integrating smallholders into the value chain, increasing their incomes by off-taking their cassava, and providing essential resources to ensure their productivity and prosperity. Our inaugural product , sold through our brand YAKÉVA since Dec 2023, is organic high-quality cassava flour (HQCF), offering a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour with a shelf life of 1-2 years.

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

Food insecurity – we believe Africa’s food crisis stems from a poor use of available resources (arable land, mechanization, improved seeds, new farming practices), leading to low yields and post-harvest losses up to 40%. This local unproductivity necessitates importing food, which fuels inflation and our trade deficit. Our process maximizes productivity by adapting global technology and know-how to local contexts, producing competitive, value-added goods. For instance, our cassava flour, a gluten-free wheat flour alternative, is sold in Cameroon for $0.60 per kg (the lowest price in the country), extending the crop's shelf-life from 72 hours to 18 months.

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).

Price Competitiveness: YAKÉVA cassava flour is priced affordably at $0.60-$0.85 per kg, making it an economical choice for consumers. This competitive pricing ensures accessibility for families, especially those living on less than $5 a day, providing a cost-effective alternative to more expensive imported grains. Locally Produced: Our cassava flour is proudly grown and processed in Cameroon, harnessing local agricultural resources and contributing to the local economy. By purchasing YAKÉVA, customers support the sustainability of local farming communities and reduce economic impacts associated with importing goods. Versatile Use: It is extremely versatile in the kitchen. It is gluten-free (for gluten intolerant individuals) and can be used to make a variety of traditional and modern dishes, from bread and cakes to fufu and pancakes. This adaptability makes it an essential pantry item for both home cooks and professional chefs looking to explore gluten-free and innovative recipes.

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

At JKA, our target customer base spans across a diverse range. First, there are individual home users (primarily women), who utilize our flour for their cooking and baking needs. Our cassava flour offers an affordable staple for families living on less than $5 a day, providing a nutritious and cost-effective alternative to imported grains. Simultaneously, we are targeting small businesses and entrepreneurs that craft flour-based products for commercial sale. This segment, comprising a significant portion of the market, is approached through the more fragmented and logistically intricate general trade channels.

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

01/02/2022

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 ?

0

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

N/A

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://jkagrofarms.com/, https://yakeva.com/, https://www.facebook.com/yakevafoods

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'

6

02.01.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Most of our labor (permanent and temporary) are individuals that have been living on less than $5 per day, and working at JK Agrofarms allows them to make additional income on top of what they already earn. So far we have hired 20+ full time workers and provided temporary jobs to 40 different people. Furthermore, by integrating smallholder farmers into our supply chain, we are directly increasing their incomes through fair prices, consistent demand, increased productivity through training, and ensuring they benefit economically from our operations.

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

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.02.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

YAKÉVA cassava flour actively contributes to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger by offering an affordable and nutritious alternative to imported grains. With its competitive pricing, YAKÉVA is accessible to families living on less than $5 a day, enhancing food security and improving nutritional intake. By utilizing locally sourced cassava and emphasizing local manufacturing, JK Agrofarms not only supports rural economies but also reduces dependence on food imports, which helps combat food inflation and builds resilience against global market fluctuations. This approach strengthens local food systems and promotes sustainable agricultural development, directly impacting efforts to eradicate hunger.

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

4

02.03.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.04.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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

5

02.05.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Women make up a significant portion of the agricultural workforce in Africa, yet they often have fewer opportunities and lower access to resources than men. JKA actively works to reduce this disparity by ensuring that women are represented equitably in all hiring and training opportunities. By empowering women through stable employment and professional growth, we contribute to enhancing their economic independence and decision-making capacity within their households and communities.

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

2

02.06.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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

2

02.07.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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

5

02.08.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

JK Agrofarms contributes to the UN's goal of promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, and decent work for all by leveraging local agricultural activities to boost the economy. By focusing on cassava, a key export, we enhance the balance of payments with increased exports, reducing dependency on imported goods. This strategy not only supports local farmers through fair employment and fair wages but also fostains a thriving community by re-investing in local capabilities and infrastructure. Our approach helps stabilize local markets, contributes to food security, and builds economic resilience, ensuring that growth is both inclusive and sustainable.

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

6

02.09.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

JK Agrofarms is dedicated to building resilient infrastructure, with the mission of fueling industrialization within the agricultural sector. By developing a fully equipped processing facility for cassava flour, we ensure efficient production that meets global standards. Our investment in advanced agricultural technologies and practices enhances the resilience and capacity of local farming systems, promoting sustainable growth. Furthermore, JK Agrofarms encourages local innovation by implementing farming practices and seed varieties that aren’t commonly used in the country, aimed at improving crop yields. This holistic approach not only strengthens local infrastructure but also drives economic diversification and technological advancement, paving the way for a sustainable industrial future.

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

5

02.10.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

JK Agrofarms actively contributes to reducing inequality within and among countries by creating economic opportunities in rural Cameroon, where limited access to profitable markets often hinders development. By integrating smallholder farmers into our supply chain and paying them fair, competitive prices for their cassava, we help elevate their income levels, directly reducing economic disparities. Additionally, we commit to offering fair and above-market salaries to our employees, further supporting economic equity.

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'

4

02.12.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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

5

02.13.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Aware of the stark realities of climate change, JKA is proactively countering its impact on weather patterns and agricultural yields. Our choice to focus on cassava is strategic; its resilience in harsh climates is well documented. Yet, we are not complacent. We are actively exploring innovative farming techniques, investing in new drought-resistant cassava varieties, and considering the implementation of irrigation systems to safeguard our yields.

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'

4

02.15.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.16.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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

3

02.17.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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

6

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

2

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

2

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

4

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

1 - Pas du tout 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.

4

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

4

06.08 Justification

TJK Agrofarms introduces an innovation to the market with our industrially produced unfermented cassava flour. Traditionally, cassava flour in local markets is fermented, a process that gives it a distinct flavor and limits its culinary uses. Our unfermented flour, however, is made using advanced drying techniques that require rapid processing unavailable in typical local settings. This swift industrial drying preserves the natural qualities of cassava, resulting in a more neutral flavor and a versatile flour that can be used in a wider range of recipes, from baking bread and cakes to making sauces and coatings. This not only enhances its appeal to a broader audience but also opens up new opportunities for culinary creativity, making it a superior choice for both households and professional kitchens seeking gluten-free options.

06.09 Analyse compétitive

In the competitive cassava flour market, we distinguish ourselves from rivals like Cassvita, O’DEVI, HELOGAN, and Les Secrets de Ma’a through our vertical integration and end-to-end mechanization. This strategy not only provides us with price flexibility, appealing to a cost-conscious consumer base, but also underpins our competitive pricing model. By streamlining operations, JKA offers products at attractive prices while preserving substantial gross margins. Our bespoke product design, innovative packaging, and strategic marketing further enhance the value proposition to our customers.

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