Kenya - Business creation project

Décrivez votre projet en quelques mots

MavunoDirect is a tech company dedicated to combating hunger by facilitating group buying of affordable, healthy food for the economically disadvantaged by procuring produce directly from farmers and producers and distributing it to food deserts.

01.01 Décrivez votre projet en détail

MavunoDirect is a socially-driven tech company targeting hunger in Kenya's ASAL and frontier areas. It leverages group buying and community leaders to distribute discounted, nutritious food otherwise discarded by supermarkets due to aesthetic flaws or impending expiry. Stay-at-home mothers coordinate sales, earning an 11% commission, fostering economic empowerment alongside food security. This innovative model not only provides affordable access to healthy food for low-income families but also combats food waste effectively.

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

MavunoDirect’s primary goal is to address the challenge of food insecurity among low-income families in Kenya’s underserved regions. The company aims to provide affordable, nutritious food by reducing inefficiencies in the supply chain, utilizing group buying, and repurposing food that would otherwise be wasted. By engaging community leaders in the distribution process, MavunoDirect also seeks to create economic opportunities within these communities. The dual focus on combating hunger and promoting local empowerment forms the core of our business strategy.

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).

MavunoDirect offers significant benefits: Affordability: By sourcing food with aesthetic blemishes and near-expiry products, MavunoDirect provides healthy food options at a fraction of the cost. Community Empowerment: The business model creates income opportunities for low-income mothers who act as community leaders, earning commissions and fostering local economies. Sustainability: Reducing food waste by repurposing unsold supermarket produce contributes to environmental sustainability and promotes a circular economy.

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

MavunoDirect's project is designed to serve low-income families residing in Kenya's ASAL and frontier areas, who often live in food deserts with limited access to affordable and nutritious food. The initiative specifically targets these communities by providing them with healthy food options through a sustainable and economically empowering group buying model. Additionally, it offers income-generating opportunities for local mothers who coordinate the food distribution, thereby benefiting both the consumers and the community leaders involved.

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

01/06/2024

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

2

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.).

Gordon Lekakeny: - Skills: Specializes in business development and marketing strategies. - Experience: Brings a wealth of knowledge in creating growth opportunities and expanding market reach. - Education: An alumnus of the University of Connecticut (UConn), known for its strong business programs. - Role: Will leverage his expertise to drive MavunoDirect's business growth and brand positioning. Shirline Mutile: - Skills: Proficient in software engineering, with a focus on developing robust technology solutions. - Experience: Has a solid background in building and managing technology infrastructures. - Role: Responsible for developing MavunoDirect's technological framework, ensuring it supports the company's innovative distribution model efficiently. Together, they form a dynamic team that combines strategic business acumen with technical prowess, essential for MavunoDirect's success.

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 :

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

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

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

MavunoDirect strategically addresses the UN's SDG of No Poverty (SDG 1) by providing a sustainable income source to community leaders, who are primarily low-income mothers, through a commission of 11% on each sale. This direct income support will empower them to become key players in the local economy, fostering financial independence. The initiative also tackles the broader implications of food scarcity which extend beyond hunger. Limited access to nutritious food can lead to poor health outcomes, affecting physical and mental well-being, and can increase healthcare costs for individuals and communities. By ensuring the availability of affordable, healthy food, MavunoDirect helps improve the overall health of individuals, which in turn can enhance their productivity and ability to earn a stable income. Furthermore, by alleviating the financial strain of food costs, families can redirect their limited resources towards other critical needs such as education,

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

MavunoDirect directly aligns with SDG 2: Zero Hunger by providing affordable, nutritious food to Kenya's needy, directly combating hunger and malnutrition. The company’s focus on providing healthy food like fruits and vegetables to food deserts, at an affordable price, will help to improve the nutritional intake of its customers. This is particularly important in areas where food scarcity often leads to malnutrition and health issues. It also supports sustainable agriculture by buying from local farmers. This not only provides farmers with a reliable market for their produce but also encourages sustainable farming practices by valuing produce that might not meet the cosmetic standards of conventional markets. This holistic approach addresses immediate hunger needs and fosters long-term agricultural sustainability.

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

Nutritional Access: MavunoDirect ensures that low-income families, especially in remote areas, have access to affordable, nutritious food. This is crucial because good nutrition is the foundation of health and well-being. By providing discounted fruits and vegetables, MavunoDirect helps prevent malnutrition and diet-related non-communicable diseases, which are significant health burdens in developing countries. Maternal and Child Health: The project directly impacts maternal and child health by improving the nutritional status of mothers and children. Proper nutrition during pregnancy and early childhood is essential for healthy development and can prevent a range of health issues later in life. Disease Prevention: By improving the overall diet quality of the population, MavunoDirect contributes to the prevention of and management of various chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. These conditions are often exacerbated by poor diet.

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

5

02.04.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

MavunoDirect supports SDG 4: Quality Education by ensuring children have the nutrition needed for cognitive development and by providing income to mothers, enabling them to invest in their children’s education. This dual approach addresses educational disparities, particularly in underserved areas, contributing to lifelong learning opportunities and equitable education for all.

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

6

02.05.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

MavunoDirect promotes SDG 5: Gender Equality by economically empowering stay-at-home, low-income mothers who serve as community leaders. These women earn a commission on sales, providing them with a valuable income stream. This initiative not only supports their financial independence but also elevates their role in the community, fostering gender equality.

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

4

02.06.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

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

4

02.07.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

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

6

02.08.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

MavunoDirect contributes to the UN’s SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by promoting sustainable economic growth and employment opportunities. Here’s how: Job Creation: By employing community leaders, MavunoDirect creates decent work opportunities, especially for low-income mothers, contributing to economic growth within communities. Economic Inclusion: The project supports inclusive economic growth by engaging marginalized groups, such as stay-at-home mothers, in the formal economy through commission-based work. Entrepreneurship and Innovation: MavunoDirect’s innovative approach to solving supply chain inefficiencies in food distribution fosters entrepreneurship and encourages creative solutions to economic challenges. Resource Efficiency: By repurposing food that would otherwise be wasted, the project improves resource efficiency, which is essential for sustainable consumption and production patterns.

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

4

02.09.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

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

4

02.10.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

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

4

02.11.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

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

4

02.12.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

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

4

02.13.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

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

4

02.14.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

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

4

02.15.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

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

3

02.16.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

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

4

02.17.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

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

1 - Pas du tout d'accord

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

6

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

4

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

6

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

7 - Tout à fait 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

5

05.08 Justification de mon projet

MavunoDirect stands out as an innovative project for several reasons: Filling an Unmet Demand: In Kenya’s ASAL and frontier regions, access to affordable, nutritious food is a significant challenge. MavunoDirect addresses this gap by providing healthy food options to low-income families who otherwise face food scarcity. This not only meets a critical need but also supports better health outcomes and economic stability. Improving Existing Systems: Traditional food distribution systems often involve multiple intermediaries, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies. MavunoDirect streamlines this process by sourcing directly from farmers and supermarkets, thereby reducing the number of steps in the supply chain. This direct approach minimizes costs, reduces food waste, and ensures fresher produce reaches consumers faster. Innovative Sourcing: The project’s method of sourcing food—focusing on items with aesthetic blemishes or nearing expiration—tackles the issue of food waste.

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

MavunoDirect’s main potential competitors in the Kenyan market are likely to be: Technology Firms: Companies like Twiga Foods, iProcure, and Market Force, which have offer last-mile delivery. Informal Traders: They play a crucial role in urban food systems, especially for the urban poor. What sets MavunoDirect apart is its unique approach to sourcing and distribution. Unlike traditional programs or firms, MavunoDirect focuses on community-driven solutions through group buying, and also offers innovative solutions through sourcing of food with aesthetic blemishes or nearing expiration at massive discounts or for free, which will enable us to offer the food at affordable prices.

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

MavunoDirect is indeed taking proactive steps to promote the role of female entrepreneurs within the community. By appointing low-income mothers as community leaders and offering them a commission on sales, the company not only provides these women with a source of income but also positions them as key figures in the local economy. This initiative empowers women by giving them entrepreneurial roles, fostering leadership skills, and enhancing their economic status, which can inspire and encourage more female entrepreneurship in the community.