Africa Prize Investor Community Event Profiles
Flavien Kouatcha Simo, Cameroon
Save Our Agriculture
After designing tech-enabled aquaponics units, we are pivoting into a trading and distribution business which minimises post-harvest losses by buying horticultural produce from farmers and delivering to major local markets.
Our newly envisioned business focuses on leveraging technology and logistics to address the significant issue of post-harvest losses among smallholder farmers. We are transitioning from a tech-enabled aquaponics focus to a comprehensive production, trading, and distribution model aimed at streamlining the journey of horticultural produce from farm to market.
Smallholder farmers often face challenges in accessing reliable markets for their produce, leading to substantial post-harvest losses due to inadequate storage and transportation facilities. Inefficiencies in the supply chain result in wasted resources and income for farmers.
Our solution involves directly purchasing produce from these farmers and utilising cold chain logistics to transport and deliver it efficiently to major local markets. By integrating technology, such as data analytics and inventory management systems, we optimise operations and reduce waste throughout the supply chain.
Our business model centres on establishing partnerships with smallholder farmers, securing their produce at fair prices, and then coordinating logistics for distribution to high-demand markets. Revenue will be generated through margins on produce sales and fees for logistics services. In the agricultural trading and distribution sector, competition may exist from traditional middlemen and larger agricultural businesses. However, our focus on technology-driven efficiencies and direct farmer partnerships gives us a unique advantage in reducing costs and improving market access for farmers.
Our approach has the potential to significantly impact the agricultural landscape by minimising post-harvest losses, increasing income for farmers, and ensuring fresher produce for consumers. By optimising the supply chain and embracing technology, we aim to create a sustainable business that positively influences the livelihoods of smallholder farmers while meeting market demand effectively.
Through this pivot, we're not just transforming our business model but contributing to a more resilient and efficient agricultural ecosystem that benefits both farmers and consumers.