Kenya - Business creation project

Décrivez votre projet en quelques mots

Soko App connects African farmers directly to the marketplace, eliminating exploitation by middlemen. Our platform empowers farmers by providing fair prices and streamlined access to buyers, fostering economic growth and sustainability in agriculture.

01.01 Décrivez votre projet en détail

Soko App is an innovative platform designed to connect African farmers directly to the marketplace, thereby eliminating the exploitation by middlemen. Our app empowers farmers by providing a fair and transparent platform where they can sell their produce at equitable prices. By cutting out intermediaries, farmers retain a larger share of the profits, leading to improved livelihoods and economic stability. Soko App features user-friendly interfaces for listing products, real-time price tracking, secure payment options, and logistics support to ensure smooth delivery of goods. The app also offers educational resources on sustainable farming practices and market trends, helping farmers enhance their productivity and profitability. By leveraging technology, Soko App aims to create a more efficient, equitable, and sustainable agricultural supply chain in Africa, fostering economic growth and improving food security across the continent.

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

The main problem Soko App aims to solve is the exploitation of African farmers by middlemen, which disproportionately affects women who make up 80% of small-scale farmers in Africa. Middlemen often manipulate prices, leaving farmers with minimal profits and perpetuating cycles of poverty. This exploitation restricts access to fair markets, reduces income stability, and hampers economic growth in rural communities. Soko App addresses these issues by providing a direct marketplace where farmers can sell their produce at fair prices, ensuring they receive a larger share of the profits. This empowerment leads to increased financial independence, improved living standards, and enhanced economic stability for farmers and their families. By leveraging technology, Soko App aims to bridge the gap between farmers and markets, reduce poverty, and foster sustainable agricultural practices. Our platform also offers educational resources, helping farmers improve productivity and profitability.

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).

Fair Pricing and Increased Income: We ensure that farmers receive fair prices by eliminating middlemen, allowing them to earn higher and more stable incomes, directly enhancing their financial independence. Empowerment of Women: With 80% of Africa's small-scale farmers being women, we'll empower them by providing direct market access, reducing exploitation, and promoting gender equality, allowing women to grow their businesses. Access to Larger Markets: We'll connect farmers to a broader marketplace, increasing their customer base and demand for their produce. This helps farmers sell more, reduce waste, and achieve better financial stability. Educational Resources: The platform offers resources and training on best agricultural practices, sustainable farming, and business management, improving productivity, crop quality, and profitability. Transparency and Trust: Soko App provides transparent market information and transaction processes, building trust between farmers and buyers

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

Soko App is designed to serve small-scale African farmers, focusing especially on women who constitute 80% of this group. These farmers often face severe exploitation by middlemen, reducing their income and market access. By offering a direct marketplace, Soko App enables farmers to sell their produce at fair prices, ensuring they receive their rightful earnings. Additionally, the app targets consumers who prefer fresh, locally-sourced produce and businesses aiming to source agricultural products directly from farmers. By connecting farmers, consumers, and businesses, Soko App fosters a sustainable agricultural ecosystem, enhances food security, and strengthens local economies. The app also aims to support community development and uplift the socio-economic status of rural areas.

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

30/11/2023

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

1

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.).

My cofounder's name is Nelly. She is a graduate of journalism with a diverse skill set in marketing and business management. Before co-founding Soko App, she successfully managed a solo entrepreneurship venture, honing her skills in strategic planning, market analysis, and brand development. Nelly's background in journalism equips her with excellent communication and storytelling abilities, essential for crafting compelling narratives and engaging marketing campaigns. Her experience ensures Soko App's message resonates effectively with our target audience. Additionally, her proactive approach and problem-solving capabilities make her an invaluable asset in driving the project's vision and growth.

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://sokoapp.net/

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

h) Technologies de l'information (services numériques, équipements et logiciels)

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

My project, Soko App, strongly contributes to the No Poverty goal by directly addressing the economic challenges faced by small-scale African farmers, particularly women who make up the majority of this demographic. These farmers often experience exploitation by middlemen, leading to reduced income and financial instability. Soko App empowers farmers by providing them with a direct marketplace to sell their produce at fair prices, thereby increasing their income and economic resilience. By eliminating intermediaries and ensuring fair trade practices, Soko App enables farmers to retain a larger portion of their earnings, lifting them out of poverty and improving their livelihoods. Furthermore, the app promotes inclusive economic growth by connecting farmers to broader markets, enhancing their access to opportunities and reducing inequalities within rural communities. Overall, Soko App's impact on poverty reduction is substantial, aligning closely with the United Nations Sustainable Deve

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

Soko App significantly contributes to the Zero Hunger goal by revolutionizing access to markets for African small-scale farmers, particularly vulnerable groups like women. Across Africa, many farmers struggle with food insecurity due to limited access to markets and unfair pricing practices by middlemen. Soko App addresses this by empowering farmers to sell their produce directly to consumers and businesses. By cutting out intermediaries, farmers can earn fair prices for their goods, increasing their income and food security. This direct connection also reduces food waste and ensures fresher produce reaches consumers, enhancing nutritional quality. Additionally, Soko App facilitates agricultural productivity through access to market information, training, and technology, optimizing farming practices and yield. By improving farmers' economic opportunities and food access, Soko App plays a pivotal role in achieving the Zero Hunger goal, fostering sustainable agricultural development and

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

Soko App significantly enhances Good Health and Well-being by empowering African farmers, particularly women, to sell produce directly at fair prices. This fosters food security, improves dietary diversity, and boosts economic opportunities. The app promotes sustainable farming practices, provides agricultural knowledge, and ensures fresher, safer food reaches consumers, reducing food waste and enhancing food safety. By addressing these challenges, Soko App supports better health outcomes and contributes to achieving the Good Health and Well-being goal of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, by connecting farmers directly to markets, Soko App reduces food waste and ensures fresher, healthier produce reaches consumers. This direct connection also improves traceability and food safety standards, enhancing consumer confidence in the food supply chain. Overall, Soko App contributes to improving health and well-being by promoting sustainable agriculture, increasing food secu

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

Soko App contributes to the Quality Education goal by providing farmers, especially women in rural Africa, with access to valuable agricultural knowledge and resources. Through the app, farmers receive training on sustainable farming practices, modern agricultural techniques, and market trends. This education empowers farmers to improve crop yields, optimize resource use, and adopt environmentally friendly practices. Moreover, Soko App facilitates information-sharing among farmers, connecting them to agricultural experts, extension services, and educational materials. This access to reliable information enhances farmers' decision-making abilities and overall agricultural productivity. Furthermore, by enabling direct access to markets and fair pricing information, Soko App educates farmers about market dynamics and economic principles. This knowledge helps them negotiate better prices for their produce, manage finances more effectively, and improve their livelihoods.

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

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.05.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

Soko App plays a pivotal role in advancing Gender Equality by empowering women, who form a substantial segment of Africa's small-scale farmers. By directly linking women farmers to buyers, the platform removes intermediaries and ensures fair pricing and transparent transactions. This enhances economic autonomy for women, enabling them to negotiate better terms and secure their financial independence. Additionally, Soko App provides educational resources and market insights, equipping women with knowledge to make informed decisions and participate more effectively in agricultural markets. By promoting gender-sensitive policies, the platform fosters an inclusive marketplace that recognizes and supports women's contributions. Overall, Soko App contributes significantly to achieving Goal 5 of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals by empowering women and advancing gender equality in agricultural trade.

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

2

02.06.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

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

2

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

Soko App significantly contributes to the Decent Work and Economic Growth goal by empowering African farmers with direct market access, thereby fostering economic opportunities and fairer income distribution. By bypassing exploitative middlemen, the platform ensures that farmers receive fair prices for their produce, enhancing their economic stability and livelihoods. Moreover, Soko App promotes entrepreneurship among farmers, enabling them to operate as independent business entities within a structured marketplace. This empowerment not only supports sustainable agricultural practices but also stimulates local economies by increasing agricultural productivity and facilitating equitable trade relationships. Ultimately, Soko App fosters inclusive economic growth by creating a more transparent and efficient agricultural market that benefits both farmers and broader communities.

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

Soko App contributes significantly to the Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure goal by revolutionizing the agricultural sector in Africa through technological innovation and modern infrastructure. The platform introduces digital solutions that streamline the process of connecting farmers directly to markets, reducing inefficiencies and enhancing productivity. By leveraging AI and mobile technologies, Soko App creates a robust infrastructure that facilitates real-time communication, market information dissemination, and efficient logistics management. Moreover, Soko App encourages innovation within the agricultural value chain by promoting sustainable farming practices and integrating modern agricultural techniques. This fosters industry-wide adaptation to technological advancements, thereby enhancing overall productivity and competitiveness. The platform also supports infrastructure development by providing digital tools and platforms that improve market access and financial inclu

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

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.10.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

Soko App contributes significantly to the Reduced Inequalities goal by addressing disparities within the agricultural sector in Africa. By connecting small-scale farmers directly to markets, the platform reduces dependency on middlemen who often exploit farmers, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and marginalized communities. This direct market access empowers farmers with fairer prices for their produce, thereby bridging the income gap and promoting economic equality. We also promote inclusivity by providing equal opportunities for all farmers to access market information, negotiate prices, and expand their customer base regardless of their location or socio-economic status. The platform leverages technology to ensure transparent transactions and fair market practices, which mitigate the risks of exploitation and discrimination faced by marginalized groups.

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

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.11.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

Soko App significantly contributes to Sustainable Cities and Communities by revolutionizing agricultural trade. By connecting rural farmers directly with markets, it reduces dependency on urban centers, mitigates migration pressures, and fosters economic resilience in rural areas. This approach enhances local infrastructure, promotes sustainable farming practices, and ensures equitable access to markets, thereby supporting community development and environmental sustainability across regions.

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

Soko App contributes to the Responsible Consumption and Production goal by promoting efficient and sustainable agricultural practices. By connecting farmers directly to markets, the platform reduces food waste and spoilage, optimizes resource use such as water and fertilizer, and encourages environmentally-friendly farming techniques. This direct link also facilitates transparency in supply chains, promoting fair trade practices and ensuring that consumers receive ethically produced goods. Ultimately, Soko App empowers consumers to make informed choices, supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers, and fosters responsible consumption patterns that benefit both people and the planet.

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

5

02.13.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

Soko App contributes to the Climate Action goal by promoting sustainable agricultural practices that mitigate climate change impacts. By connecting African farmers directly to markets, the platform reduces carbon emissions associated with traditional supply chains and transportation. Farmers can adopt climate-smart techniques encouraged through the platform, such as agroforestry, organic farming, and efficient water management. This approach not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also enhances carbon sequestration in soils and vegetation, contributing to overall climate resilience. Additionally, by facilitating access to climate-resilient crop varieties and weather forecasting tools, Soko App helps farmers adapt to changing climatic conditions, ensuring food security amidst climate uncertainties. Thus, Soko App plays a pivotal role in promoting climate action through sustainable agricultural practices and fostering resilience in vulnerable communities.

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

5

02.14.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

Soko App indirectly contributes to the Life Below Water goal by promoting sustainable agricultural practices among African farmers. By facilitating direct farmer-to-market connections, the platform reduces the need for extensive land use changes and agricultural runoff that can lead to water pollution and habitat degradation. Through promoting organic farming methods and efficient water management practices, Soko App helps minimize chemical runoff into water bodies, preserving water quality and aquatic biodiversity. Additionally, by empowering farmers with knowledge and tools to adopt sustainable farming practices, the platform contributes to maintaining healthy marine and coastal ecosystems indirectly linked to agricultural activities. Thus, Soko App supports the Life Below Water goal by mitigating agricultural impacts on aquatic environments and promoting sustainable land use practices that benefit water quality and marine biodiversity.

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

Soko App significantly contributes to the Life on Land goal by promoting sustainable agricultural practices that reduce deforestation, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss. Through education and incentivizing sustainable farming methods such as organic farming, we encourages farmers to adopt practices that enhance soil health, conserve water, and protect biodiversity. By supporting small-scale farmers, many of whom are stewards of traditional knowledge and local biodiversity, Soko App contributes to maintaining genetic diversity of crops and livestock essential for food security and ecosystem resilience. By promoting sustainable land management practices and reducing the ecological footprint of agriculture, we support the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, aligning with the Life on Land goal of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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

5

02.16.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

Soko App contributes to the Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions goal by fostering transparency, fairness, and accountability in agricultural trade. By eliminating middlemen and connecting farmers directly to markets, the platform reduces the potential for exploitation and corruption often associated with intermediaries. This direct link empowers farmers economically, promoting social stability and reducing grievances arising from unfair trade practices. Moreover, by providing a platform where transactions are documented and accessible, Soko App enhances transparency in agricultural markets, reducing disputes and fostering trust among stakeholders. Additionally, the platform can support initiatives that promote legal literacy and access to justice for farmers, ensuring their rights are protected and upheld.

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

3

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.

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

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

6

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

7 - Tout à fait 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

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.

6

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

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

05.08 Justification de mon projet

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

Our main competition is brokers(middlemen) who rely on their already established connections with both farmers and buyers to operate. This brokers control over 90% of all sales of basic foodstuffs in kenya and are notorious for exploiting farmers by manipulating prices during harvest season when he farmers are desperate to sell to prevent the produce from getting spoilt in their farms. Another upcoming potential competition is M-farm which aims to connect farmers directly with buyers, just like we aim to do.What sets us apart includes its use of AI algorithms for precise farmer-buyer matching based on factors like geographic proximity, price dynamics and quantity demanded,. We will also integrates robust logistics optimization and real-time market insights, ensuring efficient supply chain management and informed decision-making for both farmers and buyers. They also only use USSD codes while we will have both an online platform and USSD codes for those who don't have internet access

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

Yes. Soko App actively supports female entrepreneurs by providing training workshops, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities specifically tailored to women in agriculture. These initiatives empower women to enhance their business skills, negotiate fair deals, and achieve economic independence. My partner and I are passionate about inspiring young girls to pursue non-conventional careers in entrepreneurship and in STEM fields. We have networked and mentored several young ladies who are interested in entrepreneurship. Soko App also plans to have a program to encourage female coders by holding girls only hackathons that will help increase the interest of girls in technology. We also commit to encourage girls by allocating a particular quota of our programming jobs to talented women.