Business idea for design and tailoring of bed linen

Previous activities of the organization

Our organization has been working with women from vulnerable groups since 2018. We pay special attention to the group of IDPs and Roma women. This group is discriminated against on several grounds - gender, national, economic (below the poverty line) and social (marginalized group) status. In addition, young women who get married early experience restrictions on their freedoms, even within the family, by older women). Our project experience in working with this group has shown that our specialists (Roma and non-Roma) use strategies that help achieve the results.

In 2019, we opened the first in Ukraine Community Center for Roma Women "Petalenza", where women have the opportunity to communicate freely and participate in self-help groups, spend leisure time together and participate in activities.

In 2020, at the request of women, we opened a social garment enterprise for the training and employment of women.

In 2020, we created a guide to social services adapted for Roma women who have literacy problems.

The success of our projects in maximizing the involvement of our clients in project activities (from idea to implementation), inclusive approach and application of peer-to-peer techniques.

Similarly, we believe that working in a team of Roma and non-Roma women improves the process of integrating Roma women into the local community and brings them out of social isolation.

Our organization is part of the Coordination Council of the Odessa City Administration on Gender Equality, Combating Domestic and Gender-Based Violence, Discrimination and Trafficking in Human Beings.

Objective business idea for design and tailoring of bed linen: The implementation of this project involves attracting financial resources for the purchase of textiles and accessories for the production and sale of garments, including product promotion.

Social component

• Improve skills, strengthen and provide jobs for Roma and IDP women so that they develop self-confidence, self-confidence and the ability to plan and organize their lives and the lives of their children.

• To gain an expanded organizational base to cover the development efforts of more women in Odessa in need of training and employment.

• Integrate with the majority of society through opportunities.

• Offer a socially, healthy and environmentally sustainable alternative to what is being offered to Roma and IDP women in Ukraine today.

• Enable women to legal employment.

• Business owners have increased social responsibility, share human rights values ​​and equal opportunities for all.

• PR managers will be able to show the solidarity of companies to vulnerable women and their children who face rejection.

Commercial component

Tailoring and sale of bed linen

• Premium kits in gift wrapping. People with increased social responsibility who want to participate in charity.

• Business owners who want to get quality bedding at the best price, while feeling that they have improved the living conditions of vulnerable women and children.

Key activities

Sewing bed linen for sale

Description: 1,5 set of bed linen, raw materials - 100% cotton (calico-luxury) - sheet-1, duvet cover -1, pillowcase-2, packing - a bag flax on a snake. The bag is painted by an art maker, one of the members of the group, an artist by profession.

The seamstresses in the workshop must be specialists in order to work on any order, if necessary. There is a shortage of qualified personnel on the market, so there is an opportunity to spend income to teach women sewing skills on the basis of the enterprise and to train staff independently.

Key resources

Premises (not less than 60 sq. M.) There should be workplaces, cutting, ironing, warehouse.

Equipment (sewing machines, overlock, cutting equipment, overlock, steam installation, furniture)

Personnel

Raw materials (woven, accessories)

Marketing

User segments

Middle-income and middle-income families

Socially responsible business in the field of recreation and hotel business.

The social enterprise will work under a memorandum of cooperation between a private entrepreneur, with the relevant NACE and a charitable foundation. Under the memorandum, the company's profits will be used to pay for the training of women who want to acquire professional skills as a seamstress.

Marketing strategy of the idea

Strengths

- high quality of goods;

- mobility of the enterprise, the ability to respond quickly to changes in consumer demand;

- equipping with professional equipment;

- favorable location;

- compliance with sustainable development goals

Weaknesses of the product Adverse factors and risks

- the novelty of the product brand requires the attention of buyers.

- high sensitivity of consumers to prices;

- strong competition in the market;

- force majeure;

- possible increase in tariffs for energy and raw materials.

Promotion of goods and search for markets

Sarafan radio and viral marketing / Viral Marketing

Media and PR

Events that attract attention

Contextual advertising

Social networks and media advertising

Search engine optimization

Promotion through blogging

Direct sales

Existing platforms

Creating a community

As practice has shown, the project is resilient to the challenges of the crisis. Women can learn to work in small groups, sales are made through online stores. The sale of goods is envisaged in supermarket chains and on Internet platforms, which continue to operate during martial law.

CALCULATION OF PRODUCTION COST

For manufacturer and service provider

 Product 1:

Linens

1. VARIABLE COSTS PER UNIT OF PRODUCTION

Output resources

Purchase price

Estimated quantity per unit of output

Estimated costs per unit of output

Fabric for 1 bed linen

11,25

1

11,25

 Accessories

5

1

5

0

Estimated total variable costs per unit of output (1)

16,25

PROFIT PLAN

Moon

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

TOGETHER

Total cost of sales

1000

2000

3500

3500

5000

5000

0

0

0

0

0

0

20000

Total variable costs

325

650

1137,5

1137,5

1625

1625

0

0

0

0

0

0

6500

Gross profit

675

1350

2362,5

2362,5

3375

3375

0

0

0

0

0

0

13500

Total fixed costs

1160

1160

1160

1160

1160

1160

0

0

0

0

0

0

6960

Net profit

-485

190

1202,5

1202,5

2215

2215

0

0

0

0

0

0

6540

Capital is needed to implement the idea

Product Marketing Specialist 1*6*200

6

200

1200

1200

Soft skills coach  1*6*100

6

100

600

600

Development of website for sales

1

1500

1500

1500

Fabrics, accessories, packaging for sewing bed linen 50 rolls of fabric

50

90

4500

4500

Аccessories, packaging for sewing bed linen 400 bedding set

400

5

2000

2000

Methodology

Objective: To promote the integration of 45 women into the professional and social environment by increasing access to education, employment and employment in Odessa on the basis of the existing Social Enterprise "Petalentza".

1. Organize a training process of sewing skills (hard skills) for 45 women, on the basis of the existing social enterprise "Sewing Workshop Petalentza", in Odesa, until the end of the project.

2. Strengthen the skills of adaptability and constructive communication (soft skills) for the successful integration of 45 women in the workforce of enterprises in the city of Odesa, by the end of the project.

3. Organize socio-psychological and legal support for 45 women in the city of Odesa, until the end of the project.

4. Development and implementation of a marketing plan to increase sales of Ukrainian products produced by women by the end of the project.

5. Organization of support in employment at garment enterprises in Odessa and Odessa region, in particular at the existing social enterprise "Sewing Workshop Petalenza", in cooperation with partners, for 100% of women trained by the end of the project.

Training in the project "Hard skills" will be held in the equipped premises of the social enterprise "Petalenza". There will be 4 courses (1 course of one and a half months) for 10 women in one course. The learning process will be practical, 1 course 144 hours - 1.5 months, a group of 10-12 students. Step by step, students will be able to master the processes of production of bed linen on professional equipment. Like most women, they also take part in other activities organized by the foundation, and friendly and open relationships are established between them. Women have similar life experiences, which makes the learning process inclusive. For example, female mentors understand that it is necessary to teach how to put a certain number of centimeters on the fabric, because it caused them difficulties when they studied. The first 2 lessons of the course will be conducted by the project manager, where students will be introduced to the rules of safety, first aid at the company and get acquainted with the equipment in the workshop.

Students must complete practical tasks that will be assessed. Until the assessment is positive, the student will not be able to master the next operation.

Training in the project "Soft skills". One course consists of 14 classes (1.5 months), lasting 3-4 hours, a group of 10-12 people who are trained in the course "Hard skills".

For success in life, in order to effectively cope with the challenges of today and be in demand in the labor market, classes will be held to develop the following skills:

1. Cognitive: aimed at problem-solving skills, not the knowledge needed to solve problems; verbal literacy, memory development and speed of decision.

2. Social and behavioral: social and emotional skills and personal qualities; willingness to gain new experience, honesty, extraversion, tact and emotional stability; self-regulation, willingness to compromise, mindset and interpersonal skills

Format - interactive mini-trainings

All students of the program receive compensation for travel to the place of study, and lunch. This is a necessity, as women have no income, and without financial support they do not have the opportunity to get a profession and get a job. In addition, the family may negatively accept the woman's desire to attend school, as it is necessary to spend from the family budget.

Women can take their children to school, as they have a children's room and care. Women do not need to ask for older women in the family, take care of children during school, and it depends on the mood of family members. This allows you to skip classes and keep up with the curriculum.

During the project, legal support for women will be provided as needed.

Women who have been trained, have successfully acquired professional and flexible skills, will be employed at garment enterprises in Odessa and Odessa region or at the social enterprise "Petalentsa" (optional). If there are problems in finding a job, negotiating with the employer or other difficulties, the project coordinator or project partners will accompany the employment process.

ACTIVITIES AND RESULTS

The project had a good response with women, and therefore more students came to the courses than expected, we even had to make two shifts. We were also joined by a women's organization, NGO M.I.R., which represents the interests of women affected by the ATO. So the groups were very integrated, which had a very positive impact on the process. The women became very close friends and helped all the time. Since most of the Roma women were studying at the same time in an educational course and could not yet fully take notes and measurements, this did not bother anyone.

During the project, the girls, together with the foundation's staff, participated in a training on developing a business plan called "I Know You Can", organized by our partners "The Road Home" with the support of Elios Ukraine. We supported Tetyana's idea, which suggested sewing eco-friendly bedding bags, keeping up with the legislation that motivates to oust polypropylene products from the market, and applying our own design to the bags. This required a special sublimation printer and heat-press machine.

And we won first place among 11 participants.

An article about the social enterprise was written in the online publication Rubrika, which at the same time increased our orders for sewing underwear sets. We talked to customers and read their support. It was very motivating.

The Odesa Regional Center for Early Intervention placed an order for us to sew toys for children with psycho-speech and language developmental disabilities.

The Rotary Club of Odesa ordered us to sew children's bedding sets in eco-friendly bags with the club's emblem for their children for the New Year.

·         The training process of sewing skills, based on the "peer-to-peer" model, was organized and is in operation for 32 women of the Roma community, on the basis of the existing social enterprise "Petalentza Sewing Workshop" in Odesa

·         32 Roma women took a practical training course "Hard skills".

·         3 women, who conduct the course (Hard skills), improved their skills of mentoring support

·         32 Roma women took a practical training course "Soft skills".

·         27 Roma women gained knowledge and successful practical skills in sewing, which allow them to find employment.

·         5 Roma women received mentoring skills

·         26 Roma women strengthened their skills of adaptability and constructive communication (soft skills), of which 12 women were successfully integrated into the workforce of enterprises in Odesa, in particular, in the social enterprise "Petalentza Sewing Workshop"

·         3 Roma women who were unable to acquire professional skills as seamstresses are involved in the marketing activities of the social enterprise "Petalentza Sewing Workshop" in Odesa

·         Cooperation with 7 partner organizations, where Roma women are employed after the training, has been established.

·         Cooperation with Roma NGOs in Odesa and Odesa region to enroll women and girls who are clients of other organizations.

·         Roma organizations interested in establishing a social enterprise of sewing skills were given the opportunity to get acquainted with the experience of the social enterprise "Petalentza Sewing Workshop" in Odesa

Since the start of the military aggression, the difficulties we faced at the beginning of the project have increased dramatically. Suppliers' outlets closed, large number of women with children began to leave the country, businesses began to close, and the purchasing power of the population dropped sharply. It seemed impossible to continue sewing and selling.

The first thing we did was to expand our partner circle to understand what we needed at the moment. We found volunteers who were actively collecting goods for the Armed Forces. They gave us the first order - flags of Ukraine. Then we bought material through the M.I.R. NGO and sewed sleeping bags for the military. But we didn't take any money, as we wanted to contribute to helping the military. Gradually, the situation stabilized, we assessed our capacities, and started producing T-shirts with patriotic symbols.

The project helped the women and the organization as a whole to maintain its sustainability. The women were more united than ever, helped each other, and revealed themselves as creative individuals. The second half of the project showed how the knowledge and experience they gained in the first half would be applied in their lives.

First of all, we saw that our women have taken leadership roles in their families. The husbands of some Roma women became volunteers, helping us with the hard work related to humanitarian aid, transportation, and security. They saw their wives differently and realized that women are more stress-resistant and confident. The women themselves did not expect that their attitudes towards their partners and the family as a whole would change.

Women who went to Moldova and Poland had no problems finding work, while other women depend only on the help of their host countries, the women who studied in the project found jobs.  Not only did they improve the economic situation of their families, but their credibility as Roma women increased.

The attitude of the society towards Roma women has also changed, volunteer and community organizations have praised the work of the enterprise and dream of creating similar activities for their beneficiaries. We are open to anyone and share our experience. The stereotypes about Roma are gradually being erased, which is very satisfying for us.

We had the opportunity to meet with a representative of the local government, Akimova Lyudmyla Stepanivna, a representative of the “Population Fund”. She had the opportunity to get acquainted with the new team, shared her experience, suggested ideas, and agreed to help train the organization's staff to receive a government order within one of the projects. After the meeting, the girls were very motivated and inspired.

Local authorities also monitor our activities and attend our working meetings. The Director of the Center for Social Services of the Odesa City Council noted that the creation of social enterprises is very important, especially for IDPs and returning veterans, so the experience of the Winds of Change CF will be needed in society. We have already received applications from the Ovidiopol community for the opportunity to become mentors for the creation of a social enterprise in their gromada.

Thanks to the project, women have the opportunity to study and work. Their example has a positive impact on the gromada. Some are starting to think about starting their own business or setting up a sole proprietorship to be able to pay taxes and be protected by the state in the future.

Gender equality and elimination of discrimination against Roma women are the main goals of our strategy. And as practice shows, we have made great progress in achieving this goal. Given the negative consequences of the war, the society is reassessing its values. We see how the community is changing and realize that examples of Roma showing their ability to be active members of our society and the benefits of diversity only make our country stronger. We have turned the crisis into an opportunity for the development of our organization, to improve our experience, image, expand the circle of supporters and develop fundraising. We are also collecting all the ideas of women that we will use after Ukraine's victory.

The implementation of this project directly influenced the development of our organization and the project team.  We realized our weaknesses. We recruited new team members from the Roma women's group. Constantly communicating with the team and our clients, we have a better understanding of their needs. We are currently running an organizational capacity project to help our organization.

The main motivation of our social enterprise is aimed primarily at solving social problems - to integrate Roma women and girls into the local society, to expand their economic opportunities, become more confident and independent from external factors that that can negatively affect their lives. Our company prioritizes transformative social impact, but we also strive for financial sustainability.

Since that time, we have not only trained more than 40 women in sewing skills, but also given legal income for Roma women and girls. Unfortunately, with the outbreak of war, most of the of the company's employees left Ukraine, as the safety of the children is the most important thing for the fabric.

The demand for bedding made by women has decreased dramatically, but we tried to make products that were supposed to be sold, such as Ukrainian flags, sleeping bags, and blankets for the hospital. But we realize that in times of military, political and peaceful crisis, we need to adjust our marketing strategy to keep up with constantly changing trends. We also faced difficulties in attracting clients and may not be able to retain the ones we have, which is why women who working at the company, receive minimum wages and require additional sources of income, which can lead to a loss of human resources at the company. We tried to solve the problem on our own, developed a logo, conducted sales on Instagram, and developed our own unique packaging - a buyer with a drawing of the emblem of the state enterprise "Petalentza”. We also offer our products for advertising to bloggers. However, we see the need to introduce a number of measures to ensure the sustainability of the enterprise and to preserve jobs for Roma women and gain both social impact and financial sustainability.

Upon completion of the project, the Petalentza sewing workshop will increase the financial sustainability of the enterprise and Roma women will be able to get a stable source of income. Currently, our enterprise is one of the few social enterprises in the Odesa region that continues to work and we hope that we will be able to become more successful and recognizable in the market

manufacturers of home textiles for families.

The social enterprise will support socially important programs through the sale of its own products, where part of the profit is directed to financing social projects and achieving financial sustainability of the organization.

Continued development of the enterprise, access to new markets;

Disseminate the experience of creating social enterprises in the society

To start an enterprise for Roma rural women who cannot regularly come to the city. The idea came from the women -to create a farmer's cooperative in which Roma women who grow plants or raise poultry and domestic animals in their farms will be able to sell them centrally. They will plan and manage the enterprise on their own, and accept members of the cooperative at general meetings.

This is necessary to maintain equality of access to services for women in rural and urban areas.

Hello dear martin and team

At the moment, our organization has expanded the core of its activities, due to the outbreak of hostilities. If earlier our beneficiaries were mostly women and young girls, now we also work with children in Odessa, Mykolaiv and Ukrainian-controlled regions of Kherson region (but we rarely visit these areas, as it is still dangerous, there are many mined roads). But our main direction remains the same - this is the expansion of the economic opportunities of girls and women, because we are sure that it is women who are the agents of change. We have seen this from our own experience in working with the Roma community. When we started our foundation and created a community center, Roma men were tense, they did not understand why they needed to gather in the center, because you can communicate at home? They wanted to control everything. When our sewing workshop began to work and the girls became more financially independent, they began to express their opinion more boldly and the children were the first to feel how the attitude towards their mothers in the family was changing, especially older Roma women who did not welcome the changes. At the moment, Roma men also work in our projects and are trained in trainings on the benefits of gender equality. This is the first experience in Ukraine, and we came to this thanks to the work of the Petalenets sewing workshop , the work of which we could not stop even during the war.

Today we have developed a new collection . Models of home clothes and bed linen. Patterns were made in the size range and several models have already been sewn. Since the competition is very high, we must correspond to the level of purchasing power of the inhabitants of Ukraine. At the same time, we would like to create models from ecological materials, and this has become problematic, since the supply of quality fabrics to Ukraine has been greatly reduced. But we are looking for partners who will provide us with quality material. After sewing the models, a photo session will be held to launch the website of the online store . A new brand has already been developed and sales have been established on Instagram, where we also post the process of tailoring products at our sewing enterprise Petalenta .

Answers on questions.

1. What is the approximate total annual financial contribution of all these organizations? What percentage of NextWorldNow contributions ($8,000) will be made up of the total? (we want to be accurate in our reporting on the level of our contribution compared to your total funding) ?

2. Will NextWorldNow be added to the list of sponsoring organizations or left on another list?

Organization NextWorldNow Necessarily will be presented along with other partners, we are also preparing an annual a report in which will displayed and financial contributions organizations . Unfortunately, we are delaying its development , due to the large loads and extensions geography activities , as well as due to the lack of specialists .

https://www.instagram.com/p/CqLDp13IDIw/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

3. Can you give a short explanation of the documents you sent in Ukrainian, something like "Bank Statement of Deposit or Withdrawal" or "Receipt of Materials", etc. Since they are pdf images, I cannot use translator devices for translating content. You do not need to translate everything, but please provide a general note.

If you could send documents on which comments are needed, you would be grateful. We can't figure out exactly what documents the questions are about.

To date, we have paid part of the financing for the purchase of fabrics for tailoring, accessories for tailoring. We also paid for the work of a Soft Skills trainer and a marketer.

Hi Marty, Thank you very much for your attention.  Yes, unfortunately, there are more and more calls, but we are adapting.  We realized that we should hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.  The worst thing is not that there is no water, light, or cold.  The worst thing is when there is no information and we do not know what is happening.  When there is no light, they do not turn on the air alarm, and we are in complete ignorance.  But, we have no doubt that the victory of Ukraine will be mandatory.  The project continues.  We are now creating a brand of our company to create an online store in the style of an organization.  We are also preparing to expand our assortment, we will sew not only bed linen, but also pajamas for women and children, blankets and towels, which are in demand in cold weather.  We will definitely send a report by the deadline in the contract.  thank you

 Natalia, BF Vetry peremen

 Tue, Nov 29  2022 at 02:41, M Waters <nextworldnow.org@gmail.com>:

---------- Forwarded message ---------

From: winds changes <windsofchanges.cr@gmail.com>

Date: Wed, Nov 30, 2022 at 1:12 AM

Subject: Re: NWN Grant Award

To: M Waters <nextworldnow.org@gmail.com>

Привет Марти, Большое спасибо за внимание. Да, к сожалению вызовов становится все больше, но мы приспосабливаемся. Мы поняли, что нужно надеятся на лучшее, но готовиться к худшему. Самое страшное не то, что нет воды, света, холод. Самое страшное, когда нет информации и мы не знаем, что происходит. Когда нет света не включают воздушную тревогу, и мы в полном неведении. Но, мы не сомневаемся, что победа Украины будет обязательно. Проект продолжает идти. Мы сейчас создаем бренд нашего предприятия, что бы создать интернет магазин в стиле с организацией. Так же мы готовим расширение ассортимента , будем шить не только постельное белье, но и пижамы для женщин и детей, пледы и полотенца,- это востребовано в холодную погоду. Мы обязательно отправи отчет по сроку в договоре. Спасибо

Наталия, БФ Ветры перемен

вт, 29 нояб. 2022 г. в 02:41, M Waters <nextworldnow.org@gmail.com>:

Hi Natalia - I hope this note finds you and your organization well given all the challenges the country continues to face.  I wanted to check how your project is going and if you plan to submit an initial report to facilitate the next grant payment before the end of this year.  Your response will help us with our financial planning.   Thanks much

In good health and safety

Marty Waters

NWN 

Winds of Change - Sewing Workshop “Petalenza” Final Report

Dear Martin

Thanks for your letter.   It is difficult to be in a war, but still we continue to support our beneficiaries and employees thanks to you and our partners. 
I am sending the final report on the project.   During 2022-2023, with the support of NextWorldNow, we implemented the project activity “Sewing workshop “Petalenza”.

Beneficiaries

On the basis of the workshop, training was carried out for women who lost their jobs in cases of forced relocation from the eastern regions of the country, the closure of enterprises in Odessa where they previously worked, were left without a breadwinner (wives of the dead, prisoners of war, and missing persons) and Roma women who, due to high levels of discrimination cannot find work.

The variety of women who turn to us for training services is very large. Therefore, it was a challenge for us to find an approach and help the woman accept the situation in order to further change her life. For example

The story of Elena

42 years old, Elena left occupied Kherson with her children. While leaving for Odessa, she contacted a relative who had previously left, who promised to help with accommodation. But after arriving, she refused to help, since she herself lived in the same room with three women, and it was difficult to get along with the children. She turned to the mobile social-psychological assistance team of our foundation, and we helped her and placed her in a social apartment of our foundation. Before the war, Elena worked as an accountant, and there were no vacancies.

We offered her to undergo training and try working in a sewing workshop. Elena happily agreed and noted that it was very good that she could work with women. A psychologist drew attention to this remark. Elena underwent training and mastered the skills of a seamstress at a very high level. The psychologist provided group and individual counseling. After 2 months of working in a sewing workshop, Elena told a psychologist that she had experienced sexual gang violence during the occupation, but was afraid to talk about it. Working in the workshop helped her move beyond social isolation and refocus on learning, which greatly helped her recovery. Now Elena has agreed to undergo psychotherapeutic sessions, and her psycho-emotional state has stabilized. She can earn money in conditions that are safe for her.

The Petalenza sewing workshop was a place for fucking communication, women, in addition to their professional seamstress skills, are also trained in sales, SMM, digital photography for social networks and advertising. The developed models of home clothing are in demand. Beautiful packaging with the company logo and a compliment (aroma bag with lavender) make the product unique. Women develop creativity in their decisions. And in home life they see changes in the attitude of their children and loved ones.

Story of Maria,

29 years old, Kakhovka.  “I have become very nervous and aggressive, I worry all the time that something will happen to my husband at the front. I scream at the children because I have no support, no work, payments for higher education will be withdrawn from January 1, and I don’t know how I will feed them. Now I only have enough to pay rent, I can’t buy good food, I save on everything. Help me with my work." We understood that in such an unstable state, she should not be allowed into the group, since her anxiety could negatively affect other women, so we offered to undergo sessions of psychotherapeutic support and case management.

Based on the results of the specialists’ work, they found out that Maria, who grew up in a boarding school, was left without parents at an early age. She got married and gave birth to 2 children. There was a good friendly family. When the war began, my husband voluntarily went to the front. He sends her money, but she does not spend it because she is afraid that he will be killed and she will not be able to raise children. This was a very difficult case, since the origins of the problems were in early childhood, and there were no psychologists in the boarding school. Maria gradually began to sew together with other women, at first she was entrusted with simple work, then more complex ones.

She became calmer, often talked about her children’s successes at school, and became more confident and self-sufficient. Conducting self-help groups, in which women, if they wished, told their stories, was very helpful. She heard that the situation for many was much worse, their homes were destroyed, their relatives died, and she became less self-centered and offered her help.

Outcomes

Thus, the project not only expanded the economic opportunities of women, but also helped stabilize their mental state and develop soft skills.

To date, the level of sales has increased by 60%, income from sales covers the rental of premises, utility costs and the purchase of consumables. Promotion on social networks increased the recognition of the Petalenza sewing workshop. Not only individuals, but also organizations began to apply with orders for sewing uniforms, bedding for humanitarian kits, components for kits for children with disabilities (bags for cards for alternative communication, for hearing-impaired children).

We are constantly trying to improve communication channels with customers. Unfortunately, the sewing shop is not competitive for participation in the tenders in which we tried to take part, since the purchase of fabric from large enterprises is carried out as a large wholesale, and our cost per product is higher than that of large manufacturers. But we try to make our products unique and put in our creativity and creativity.

Our difficulties.

Having created the website of the Petalenza Sewing Workshop, we saw that the main sales come from social networks, and the use of the site is not as effective as we expected. Discussing this problem at the project working group, we came to the conclusion that in order to attract a female audience, it is necessary to combine topics that will affect the interests of artistic and creative women, artists, embroiderers who create handmade works and also need to find a buyer.

Our Impact

In our project, the main emphasis was on expanding women's opportunities to obtain a profession that will enable women to become financially independent and quickly integrate into the local community after leaving their war zone.

·         37 women completed the training,

·         21 acquired sustainable professional skills,

·         8 got a job in other garment production,

·         4 remained to work at the Petalenza social enterprise,

·         9 are self-employed,

·         2 opened the status of self-employed entrepreneur for entrepreneurial activity.

·         100% of women improved their psycho-emotional state and found friends and mentors.

We will be happy to answer questions if you have them.

Best wishes
Natalia

сб, 19 авг. 2023 г. в 19:37, M Waters <nextworldnow.org@gmail.com>:

 Obuoho waterfall

Developed by the Obuoho community development council under the tutorship of Conservation Alliance International.

 I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Our plan is to construct a tourist waiting area and create signage at the obuoho waterfall that will attract tourists to the network of attractions in the area. This project involves facilitating the formation of private public partnerships aimed at up-scaling and maximizing revenue. Our team has the requisite managerial, organizational and technical expertise to successfully execute this business. Our market size is huge and our customer base consists of local and International tourists interested in trees, waterfalls, caves, hiking, bird watching etc. We will reach our target customers using the following methods: digital marketing, affiliate marketing, and cause related marketing (directly targeting the conservation issues in the location). In order to get this business off the ground, we require $10,000 in funds, for the purposes of constructing a waiting area and signage at the obuoho waterfall. Our goal is to reach 8,000 beneficiaries in the first year of operation.

II. BUSINESS DESCRIPTION (product & services)

This service based business will operate in the ecotourism industry. Our mission is to conserve and preserve nature by providing a platform for outdoor enthusiasts/ tourists to contribute to community development while enjoying nature, and our vision is to create a world where local communities benefit socio-economically from fringing natural resources. We offer tourists a lifetime experience through amazing waterfalls, a snakelike tree, historic caves amidst other attractions, and our competitive advantage aside our relatively lower pricing is the uniqueness of our historic caves around the water fall. Currently, the alternatives that ecotourism lovers frequently patronize are the willi waterfalls and the boti falls. However, those alternatives lack a network of other attractions to spice up the tourist experience as compared to the Obuoho waterfalls that offers a variety of other attractions. This specific industry is in its transition period, and it is expected to reach a 100% growth and revenue rate by 2024 as the government heavily invests in tourism.  Given those predictions, our business will perform incredibly well because the uniqueness of our waterfall and the accompanying caves are the first of its kind in this region, market research indicates that a key deterrent for some ecotourism lovers is the distance they have to travel to reach these sites, this situation gives prominence to the proximity of the obuoho site to the capital city, making it easily accessible. We plan to reach 10,000 tourists in yearly visits and increase our annual sales by 60% over the next year after funding.

III. MARKET ANALYSIS AND COMPETITION

After analyzing the market and researching the demand for ecotourism, we have determined this time as the most ideal season to permeate the market because the world is increasingly becoming more aware of the earth (nature) and why/ how we should to preserve it.

Our market size is large, and our target market segment(s) can be described as follows:

Segment 1

1)    Demographic

a)    Gender

Both male and female tourists are ideal potential customers of our site, however, our research indicates that more females patronize similar attractions as compared to males

b)    Age

People of all age range are eligible for our services.

c)    Income

Our site provides an amazing tourist experience for people of varying income levels.

d)    Education

People from all educational backgrounds and levels fall within our ideal customer bracket. 

2)    Psychographic

a)    Social status

As tourism provides an avenue for people of different social statuses or backgrounds, our ideal customer segment will be international and local tourists ranging from students, middle and high class people.

b)    Beliefs

Ecotourism is an industry well appreciated by lovers of nature, serenity, love, peace and harmony.

c)    Interests

Ideal costumers will be interested in waterfalls, trees, caves, birds, history, special artefacts etc.

3)    Geographic

a)    Country

Ghana and International tourists

b)    City

Accra, Koforidua, Aburi, Asamankese, Kwahu, Suhum, Nkawkaw,Nsawam,Oda others.

c) Region

Eastern Region, Greater Accra Region and International tourists

We determined that there is enough demand for our ecotourism project within this particular segment due to the high interest our ideal customer segment has for waterfalls, rare trees, caves etc.

Currently, our biggest competitors are Boti waterfalls and willi waterfalls. What separates us from the competition are our unique historical caves and the network of rare trees that distinguishes our site from others.

In comparison to what’s offered on the market, our prices are relatively affordable, which is 50% lower than our competition.

Here is an estimated comparison of our business to existing competitors:

CATEGORY   OUR COMPANY   Willi WATERFALLS   BOTI WATERFALLS

State of facility New Old Older

Price Level Affordable High Highest

Uniqueness Extremely unique Satisfactory Moderately unique

Quality High Average Low

 IV. MARKETING AND SALES PLAN

Advertising and promotion are essential to getting the word out about our business, and we expect to implement a multi-channel marketing strategy, which will include a digital marketing plan and a partnership marketing program. This strategy will enable us to effectively target local and international ecotourism lovers due to their strong presence on the internet.

Our key offerings include a waterfall, historic caves, a snakelike tree amongst others. Our offerings benefit our target customers more than what is currently on the market because unlike other alternatives on the market, ours offers a variety of other attractions to further flourish the tourist experience.

The market is predicted to double up over the next few years as ecotourism gains prominence owing to the rise in concern for nature and natural resources. Accordingly, our pricing strategy is to offer a penetrative pricing scheme where we offer prices slightly lower than the current price by our competitors. This invites a segment of the market that has not been captured by competitors.

The various methods we plan to use to communicate our offerings to our target customers include written communiques, videography and photography.

 Additionally, we aim to promote ecotourism by partnering with tourism companies, institutions and NGOs.

 VI. DEVELOPMENT PLAN

The development of our offering will occur over the course of three years. We will launch our marketing strategy in the first quarter of the project implementation with a digital marketing program.

Our organizational structure will be a decentralized flatarchy, with 5 management team members and 30 employees.

 VII. BUDGET

Expense Amount(USD)

Activities

• Stakeholder meetings  $800

• Training Sessions  $1,100

Construction of Waiting Area(Information Centre)

• Understructure 

Materials(Sand, Stones, blocks, Iron rods, water, wood,Cement)  $2000

Labour  $1100

• Upper structure 

Materials(Sand, Wood, Iron rods, blocks, Cement)  $2000

Labour  $1000

• Roofing 

Materials(Iron Sheets, Nails, wood, Glue)  $1300

Labour  700

• Furnishing 

Plastering  $1200

Plumbing  $500

Electrical Works  $700

Painting  $600

Total  $12,000

  TABLE OF CONTENT

INTRODUCTION.. 2

Goal of the Project. 2

Project Components. 2

UPDATE ON PROJECT ACTIVITIES. 3

LESSONS LEARNT. 7

CHALLENGES. 8

CONCLUSION.. 8

NEXT STEPS. 8

FINANCIALS. 8

 INTRODUCTION

The Obuoho community situated in the Ayensuano district of Ghana is endowed with ecotourism sites including natural caves, historic trees, and waterfalls. This agrarian rural province, located in the tropical forest zone of Eastern Ghana houses rich biodiversity and other natural resources capable of supporting the socio-economic demands of fringing communities.  Despite this, abject poverty and inadequate resource utilization have left these sites and communities undeveloped and thus vulnerable to environmental, economic and health threats. The area has been left dilapidated with health and environmental problems ranging from poor road networks, to lack of basic social amenities.  In spite of this, the resource endowment of the Obuoho community presents an opportunity to utilize the socio-economic potential of ecotourism as a tool for development in the area. There is a need to deepen community participation in ecotourism promotion and strengthen infrastructural development geared towards effective community ecotourism.

As part of the 2022 Next World Now community investment grant, Conservation Alliance International is implementing an infrastructural development project geared towards enhancing ecotourism in the Obuoho community. The project seeks to facilitate local ecotourism engagement at the Obuoho waterfall by constructing a visitors waiting area/information center and set up signage. This project acts as an early-stage intervention to attract several benevolent donors and partners to the area. The project is in its second phase where the information center/ waiting area is being constructed.

Goal of the Project

The goal of the project is to enhance socioecological development of Obuoho community of Ghana   through   ecotourism.

Project Components

The project seeks to achieve its goal through the implementation of three major Components listed below;

Component 1:  Enhancement of local knowledge on community ecotourism

The purpose of this component is to deepen local participation in ecotourism development and enrich local people with knowledge on ecotourism

Component 2:  Construction of a tourist waiting area/information center

The objective of this component is to commence local infrastructural development to enhance ecotourism. The information center/waiting area will welcome and attract tourists across board to the Obuoho waterfall.

Component 3: Set up Signage at the Obuoho Waterfall

The purpose of this component is to provide directions, guidance and local publicity for the Obuoho waterfall.

UPDATE ON PROJECT ACTIVITIES

This section provides information on the suite of key activities that were undertaken within the period and reported in accordance with the project’s components.

Component 1: Enhancement of local knowledge on community ecotourism

The project set out to engage key local stakeholders including community members, district and local government authorities as well as gender-based leaders including youths. This preliminary measure commenced the moment funds from Next World Now were received to strengthen local buy-in and also enhance local participation throughout the project period. As part of the local engagement, beneficiary representatives including local traders were empowered to position themselves for the impact ecotourism should have on their local trade.

A total of three community engagements were undertaken in the Obuoho community, with one of them focusing on the local leadership system. The school of thought adopted for this project is that local communities are best influenced and imparted by local leaders, thus the need to deepen the knowledge bank of local authorities on ecotourism development, laying emphasis on the benefits and responsibilities required. So far, through the local engagements with chiefs, families whose lands are close to the waterfall have willingly given out their lands for tree planting exercises to beautify the pathway to the waterfall and also serve as a canopy to the site. This tree planting needed to beautify the landscape and sequester carbon alongside will be incorporated in subsequent development projects since it does not form a part of this project’s components.

 In order to formalize the project and integrate its impact into local government development plans, the project team got on board the Ayensuano district assembly and involved the assemblyman for the Obuoho community who since the project’s inception has been very pivotal to its success. A key indicator of successful local engagement and effective local participation is the donation of land by the local authorities and community members for the construction of the visitors waiting area/information center as proposed by the project.

Component 2 :  Construction of a tourist waiting area/information center

In order to meet the requisites of the project according to timelines set by the Project Advisory Board (PAB), the project team began mobilizing local artisans and skilled men immediately the donation of the community land was formalized. According to the project plan, the team hopes to commission the project during the Christmas/New year festivities in order to take advantage of the added positive impact or benefits the season has on tourism. After the artisans, laborers and volunteers were organized, the team visited the site with surveyors and other experts to envisage the project and pick up coordinates for site planning and demarcation.

The site for constructing the waiting area/information center is close to the waterfall which is embedded in a community forest, thus, leaving the site bushy and weedy. Before construction began, the team mobilized community support to clear the portion of land needed for the edifies.  Materials needed for clearing the land and the remuneration/refreshment for volunteers who assisted were gotten after which site clearing began.

As soon as the site was ready for construction, the materials needed for the building was procured, after which sword cutting was done to commence construction. The site was visited by the District Chief Executive(DCE), Assemblyman and local chiefs who offered their unflinching support for the project. 

In order to meet the set timeline, construction began as soon as materials were acquired and the land was ready. The workforce(laborers) are working every single day to finish the project in time. After land ploughing, the layout of the building was drawn on the land by an architect and the foundation trench dug according to the prescribed standards by experts. Foundation concrete works were done and left to dry for two weeks after which the work continued. During the period the foundation concrete mixture dried, blocks needed for the building were procured.

After some weeks, the foundation concrete and blocks had dried and were ready to be used. An expert was again invited to inspect the strength and readiness of the foundation concrete after which work continued. The team assembled the artisans and continued by laying the blocks that had been procured.

Block by block, the masons and laborers who eagerly desire to maximize the socio-economic benefits of ecotourism in Obuoho community worked tirelessly to put up the structure from foundation level through to the window level after which the team paused to evaluate the progress of the work together with other local experts.

 After window level was reached and experts certified the work could continue, the masons and laborers continued their assignment until the building finally reached lentil, where it currently stands, hoping to be continued after additional funds have been received. Currently, Sand, stones and iron rods needed for the lentil work is ready awaiting funds/go ahead after which the building will be roofed, plastered and furnished.  

Component 3 : Set up Signage at the Obuoho Waterfall

The task of setting up signage to provide directions, guidance and local publicity for the Obuoho waterfall is being worked on coherently with the construction of the waiting area/information center. Currently graphic designers are working on the template for the signage with hopes that once funds are ready, they can be printed and mounted.

LESSONS LEARNT

The idea of involving the local community from inception of the project is yielding results. This is because the local people feel a part of the project and recognize the project as their own hence their efforts and contribution as seen. The most effective and sustainable solutions to problems faced by local communities, particularly livelihood related issues are best generated and engineered by local people themselves. Therefore, a thorough empowerment of local people with the needed skillset to develop businesses/strengthen their local trade is needed in the long term to be able to sustain the local demand that will be generated by ecotourism in the long run.

CHALLENGES

A major challenge the project faced within the period was heavy rains which came a little earlier than expected. The rains made the terrain extremely difficult for travels and field related activities had to be rescheduled at some times. These difficulties were however, addressed and the project made head way as expected.

CONCLUSION

The project has so for made some significant progress towards achieving its set objectives and goal. With local awareness on ecotourism raised and the construction of the waiting area/information center halfway.  Nonetheless, there is the need to access requisite funding to be able to finish the project according to timeline and scale up the impact where necessary. The project team as part of initial discussions aims at leveraging on this project to attract more funds to support the Obuoho community and the Atewa forest range at large.

NEXT STEPS

The following are key next steps for the project;

1.      Organize the Masons and Laborers to finish up the block laying.

2.      Contract carpenters for building roofing and other furniture works.

3.      Organize Masons, Electricians and Plumbers to complete plastering, electrical works and plumbing.

4.      Commission the building with selected stakeholders and delegates and publicize results.

5.      Mount signage

FINANCIALS

(Find in document attached)

 MID TERM FINANCIAL SUMMARY REPORT

Activity

Description

NextWord Contribution (GHS)

Conservation Alliance(Co-Financing(GHS)

Stakeholder Meetings

Vehicle Hire 5500.00

Fuel 6000.00

Lodging 7200.27

Allowance for project team 4800.00

Food for  the participants 7000.00

Venue Hire 801.00

Construction of waiting/information center

Sand 2500.00  880.00

Stones 2980.00

Blocks 4000.00

Wood 1020.00   1540.00

Iron Rods 7300.00

Water 1000.00

Cement 4900.00

Nails 580.00  Total (GHS) 38,301.27   19,700.00   Note: Exchange Rate (1 USD=GHS 9.85)

Project title: Nutrition and Economic Empowerment project for women and youth in Tanzania

Project area    Kigoma region, Tanzania

Organisation   Population and Development Initiative (PDI)

Contact person   Alpha Ntayomba

Contact details   pdi4community@gmail.com     +255686355005

Areas of interests of the collaboration

Health and improved nutrition, water sanitation and hygiene and economic empowerment for women and youth

1.0 Introduction

Population and Development Initiative (PDI) was established in 2020 and registered on 4th January 2021 as a national NGO with registration number 00NGO/R/1566. Currently, PDI is working in Kigoma region (Mwasenga Street in Kigoma-Ujiji municipality). PDI works in areas of Health and improved nutrition, economic empowerment, Water, sanitation and hygiene, Land and environmental conservation, Child protection and education.

PDI is currently working with women and youth groups in entrepreneurship and nutrition training as well as improved nutrition to combat hidden hunger among children and women at reproductive age in Kigoma and Kigoma districts. PDI is also providing environmental education to 2 school clubs in Kigoma-Ujiji municipality The initiatives has reached 360 youth and women as well as 2o students in school clubs.

 2.0 Context

Micronutrient’s deficiency of hidden hunger is the most prevalent form of malnutrition affection thousands of people in Tanzania. Hidden hunger poses a number of challenges such as stunting, anemia and impaired vision, among other effects.

To reduce the effects hidden hunger, Tanzania is working with agriculture and nutrition stakeholders to promote biofottfied staple crops among farmers. Bio-fortification is the process of increasing the micronutrient content of a food crop through selective breeding, genetic modification, or the use of enriched fertilizers. Maize, beans and sweet potatoes are an ideal crop for bio-fortification because they are both popular and easy to grow, even in poor soils.

Biofortification as part of food system approach is recommended by nutrition stakeholders locally and internationally as the way of combating hidden hunger as it increases micronutrient content to staple crops for low resource populations.

Tanzania is making efforts to ensure that children under the age of 5 years and women at reproductive age to benefit from improved nutrition initiatives and hence making them potential for current and future generations.

There are number of initiatives such as nutrition education through community health workers, supportive groups and agents of change as well as the use of local media to convey nutrition messages to local communities.

Bio-fortification concepts and practices are now adopted by a number of stakeholders and farmers especially in promotion of orange fleshed sweet potato, high iron beans and Pro-Vitamin A maize. There is a number of public and private centers such as Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) which works with other centers/stakeholders in producing the seed variety of biofortified crops for farmers in Tanzania.

The growing engagement of stakeholders in Kigoma region started after 20 agents of change participated in some activities of the two projects which are building nutritious food basket (BNFB) and reaching agents of change which were implemented by international Potato Center funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

 3.0 Justification of the project

Kigoma region is among 5 regions in Tanzania (together with Mwanza, Geita, Kagera and Shinyanga). The rate of deficiency of vitamin A among children under the age of 59 months is 39 percent while the rate of stunting growth among children under the age of 5 is 42 percent. Reports in Tanzania show that lack of knowledge and poverty are the strong reasons of high rate of malnutrition in these places.

The country has in place various strategic documents such as the new National Multisectoral Nutrition Action Plan (2021-2026) and school feeding program created in 2021 encourage the use of bio-fortified crops and other nutritious food sources for community nutrition. One of the targets of the Action Plan is to reduce stunting from 34.5% to 28% nationally. The created agents of change who received training from building nutritious food baskets and reaching agents of change need to be identified and developed so that they can proceed with bio-fortification efforts in favor of children under the age of five years and women at reproductive age.

Despite all these efforts still engagement of local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and farmers in Kigoma region is still low and hence there is a need to strengthen this kind of engagement for wellbeing of local communities. The efforts to support (technically and financially) the agents of change through supportive supervision, monitoring and evaluation. It is better these agents of change to incorporate bio-fortification practices to supportive groups in the villages in Kigoma region to stimulate income generation and uptake of biofortified products in Tanzania.

The climatic conditions of Kigoma region, particularly Kasulu, Kibondo, Buhigwe, Uvinza and Kakonko are good enough to support farming of high iron beans and Pro-Vitamin A maize. The region is popular for producing such crops using conventional seeds and other seed types of improved seeds from agro dealers. This is an opportunity to massively introduce a good number of seed varieties of bio-fortified crops. The existence of primary and secondary schools as well as three refugee camps (Nyarugusu, Nduta and Mtendeli) in Kigoma region is an opportunity for commercialization of bio-fortified food products in Kigoma region. PDI and TAWEA also join hands with other local and international stakeholders in addressing improved nutrition in combating COVID-19 through utilization of biofortified food products which increases and improve body immunity.

We expect that the initiative will help contribute to job creation as youth and women will engage in farming and processing of bio-fortified products in Kigoma region following the availability of supportive local investment policies of the government in Tanzania as well as availability of government centers engaging with production of seed varieties, bio-fortified being among of them. Last but not least, the bio-fortification in Kigoma region will influence change in other countries such as Burundi, Rwanda and Congo DRC as Kigoma is a border these countries through land and Lake Tanganyika. There are enough trade interactions and relations between these countries which will be used as an opportunity to advance the initiative.

This initiative supports local implementation of sustainable development goals especially GOAL 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, GOAL 4: Quality Education, GOAL 2: Zero Hunger, GOAL 3: Good Health and Well-being and GOAL 5: Gender Equality. It also supports the Tanzania Vision 2025 which encourage women and youth initiatives through income generation to promote self-reliance among them. The initiative support environmental conservation through the use of organic fertilizers and pesticides in farm management by all five youth/women groups.

 4.0 Overall Objectives of the project

To engage farmers, business aggregators and other agents of change in promotion and commercialization of bio-fortified crops in Kigoma region

4.1 Specific objectives

1. To engage farmers in farming and commercialization of Pro-Vitamin A (PVA) maize in Kigoma region

2. To engage link farmers and business aggregators in promotion and commercialization of Pro-Vitamin A Maize, Orange fleshed sweet potatoes, high iron beans and green vegetables in Kigoma region

3. To strengthen cooperation and engagement of stakeholders and local government authorities (LGAs) in promotion and commercialization of bio-fortified crops and other nutritious food sources in Kigoma region

5.0 Expected activities of the project

1. Conducting inception meetings to introduce the project to government authorities as well as conducting preliminary visits for micro planning with the groups’ members.

2. Purchase of seeds and organic fertilizers and pesticides for 5 youth groups selected for the initiative and farming and farm management which will be accompanied by on the farm training sessions.

3. To conduct supportive extension services and market linkages for the selected youth and 4.To conduct monitoring and evaluation and supportive supervision of the project women and youth groups in Kigoma region.

6.0 Indicators of the project

• PDI and the groups works with 240 youth and women farmers and as agents of change and who will directly engage in this project

•  PDI and the 5 groups will reach 500 families within the vicinity of the project site

• PDI will work with farmer groups to supply food products to 15 schools in Kigoma region with average of 400 students each

• PDI will work with the farmer groups to reach 15 business aggregators and 5 markets with food products from the farms

• The allocated land of total size of 40 acres will be used by the groups in production. The part of the land is owned by the groups part of it borrowed from village governments for community groups to promote job creation and production of crops

• PDI and the groups expects to produce 36,000 kgs of Vitamin A maize, 5,000 Kg of high iron beans and 5,000 kg of orange fleshed sweet potatoes and 2-4 tons of green vegetables

7.0 Expected results of the project

1.      Improved private-public-partnerships and increased engagement of farmers and agents of change in farming and commercialization of biofortified crops in Kigoma region

2.      Increased investment and utilization of bio-fortified crops in the context of job creation and community nutrition in Kigoma region

3.      Increased school attendance and academic performance of students through utilization nutritious food sources in Kigoma region by means of school feeding programs

8.0 Monitoring plan

The monitoring and evaluation plan will be implemented through the following ways.

• Availability of experienced monitoring and evaluation team as well as enough technical and financial resources in this part of the project for boosting learning of the project

• The use of weekly, monthly, quarterly and final checklist to track performance of project

• Data collection using the prepared indicators

• Evaluation meetings with farmers, customers and stakeholders

• Production of regular monitoring and evaluation reports for project implementation

9.1 Methodology

·         PDI will make communications with 5 farmer groups in Kigoma district to collection to further document the size of farms to be used in production of bio-fortified crops and green vegetables

·         PDI and will work with farmers to ensure that the productions are linked with business aggregators and available schools with school feeding programs in Kigoma district 

·         PDI prepare mechanisms for business aggregators and schools in the five districts in Kigoma region to make sure that the farm products are linked with available markers in Kigoma region and Tanzania in general.

·          PDI will work along with other partners such as Harvest Plus, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition Tanzania in accessing their training programs and visibility of the project  

10.0 Community engagement

PDI conducted consultations with the groups’ leaders and members in developing this business plan especially in issues of location of land allocated, type of crops, production size, markets strategy and plans for entrepreneurship and agronomic practices during implementation of the project. The consultations started by sharing this opportunity, what Next World Now funds and as well as discussing internal assessments and capacities of PDI and groups to implement this project.

PDI works with these groups for more than 2 years in economic empowerment, production of green vegetables and bio-fortified crops as small scale. We are all recognized as agents of change since 2018 when we were approached by International Potato Centre in the project called Building Nutritious Food Basket which reached motivated youth and women groups to cultivate bio fortified crops for nutrition and economic empowerment in Kigoma region.

The consultations also involved conducting needs assessments within the vicinity of the groups, hotels, business aggregators and families and business aggregators to understand the kind of green vegetables and bio-fortified crops they need. We also discussed on market availability in Kigoma region and neighboring countries. The consultations enabled an agreement/consensus which will simplify easy management, record keeping that the 5 groups will be divided to 2-3 subgroups for production of either green vegetables or bio-fortified crops due to experience and what crops in each particular land. In doing this both PDI and the groups searched the seed certified suppliers and their outlets in Kigoma region who supply biofortifieds seeds recognized by the government.

The groups:

Hint: Kigoma region is one of the regions in Tanzania with plenty rains and fertile soils for years

S/N

Group  Details    Group leader and contact    Location

1 Ujenzi Youth Group 

The group composed of 38 youth deals with production of green vegetables such as cabbage, tomatoes, okra and maize in Kigoma-Ujiji municipality. The place has adequate water from Katosho which is used by community members for years.

Fransisca Mahesha-(Group Leader)   phone +255757826828, Email: ucdikigoma@gmail.com)

 The group is located 12 Km from PDIs offices at Katosho area in Mwasenga Street, Kigoma-Ujiji municipality

Coordinates: 4.8889° S, 29.6578° E

 2 Masanga Women Group

 The women group composed of 42 women deals with production of high iron beans and pro-Vitamin A maize at Masanga area and Msimba village. The place has reliable water from government projects and reliable rains.

Dina Ngangaji,  mobile: +255654739059, Email: pdscollaboration@gmail.com

Located 4 Km form PDI officers at Ujenzi Street in Kigoma-Ujiji municipality

4.8834° S, 29.6482° E

 3 Mlole Youth Development Group

The group composed of 40 youth and women deals with production of Pro-vitamin A maize and high iron beans in Mayange village in Kigoma district. The project site is within Mayange irrigation scheme

Ernest Milamule, Group Leader, , Phone; +255627570844, Email: milamuleernest87@gmail.com

 The group is located 30 Km from PDIs offices at Mayange village in Kigoma district

Coordinates: 2.2235° S, 30.1874° E

4 Community and Conservation Support Tanzania

The group has two subgroups in two locations (Upendo at Luchugi and Kibaoni at Uvinza ward and Kazuramimba village) is composed of 78 members who deals with organic farming and production of orange fleshed sweet potatoes, maize and beans. The place has adequate water sources

Rhoda Adriano: Project Advisor: Email: rhodaadriano0@gmail.com, Phone: +255623738894

 The group is located 30 Km from PDIs offices at Kazuramimba village in a, Uvinza district: coordinates: 4.9983° S, 30.0030° E

5 Katubuka youth group

The group composed of 42 women and youth deals with production of green vegetables and maize and sweet potatoes. The place has plenty of water sources for years

Erick Gastom, Group leader, Katubuka group, Phone: +255765063315: Email: kigomacollaboration2@gmail.com)

 The group is located at 8 Km from PDIs offices at Katubuka Street in Kigoma-Ujiji municipality coordinates: 4.8889° S, 29.6578° E

 11.0 Action plan

 12.0 Planting schedule

Green vegetables production

Green vegetables production will be done throughout the project cycle because the farms are located near water sources especially at Katubuka and Katisho areas. The harvest time of green vegetables depend on the type of the vegetative plant.

Production of bio-fortified crops

The production of bio-fortified crops especially Pro-Vitamin A maize and High Iron beans will be done two times. The first production of the crops will be done starting September, 2023 and harvest time in late January of early February, 2023. The second production will be done in February, 2023 and harvest time in May, 2023.

  13.0 Budget estimate of the initiative in Kigoma region

ACTIVITY   UNIT   DESCRIPTION   UNIT COST (TZS)   TOTAL COST (TZS)

1. Conducting inception meetings to introduce the project to local government authorities, village offices as well as conducting preliminary visits for micro-planning and conducting with the groups’ members.

 Transport costs for two project officers   5 days   60,000/=    600,000/=  Subtotal  600,000/=

2.Purchase of seeds for 5 youth groups selected for the initiative

 Pro-vitamin A maize seeds   400 Kilogram        12,000/=   4,800,000/=

High Iron beans 300  Kilogram     5,000/=   2,000,000/=

Vitamin A orange fleshes sweet potatoes   100 sacks  30,000/=  3,000,000/=

Green vegetables seeds  320 kilos    10,000/=   3,200,000/=

Transport costs of the seeds       300,000/=     Subtotal   12,900,000/=

3.Purchase of and organic fertilizers and pesticides

Organic fertilizers   1000  kg    1000/=    1,000,000/=

Organic pesticides   100  liters    10,000/=   1,000,000/=   Subtotal  2,000,000/=

4.To conduct supportive extension services and market linkages and monitoring and evaluation of the project

Transport costs for agronomist/extension, marker linkages, on-the-farm-trainings and M&E officers

25 days      60,000/=    3,000,000/=   Subtotal     3,000,000/=

TOTAL COSTS    TZS 18,500,000/=    TOTAL COSTS USD   8,000

Grant Applied  USD  7,000

In kind from PDI  USD   1,000

Exchange rate used 1 USD=2,323 TZS

 14.0 Production estimates of the project

S/N

Crop

Average production (Kg)

Current market price (TZS)/Kg

Funds expected

(TZS)

1 Pro-Vitamin A maize to be planted in 30 acres of available land   36,000  500/=  18,000,000/=      Subtotal  18,000,000/=

2 High Iron beans planted to 10 acres of available land 

2.1  Variety (JESCA and Selian 12)   5,000  4,000/=  20,000,000/=   Subtotal  20,00,000/=

3  Orange fleshed sweet potatoes planted to 10 acres of available land   5,000  1,000/=  5,000,000/=   Subtotal  5,000,000/=

4  Green vegetables planted to 8-10 acres of available land  

4.1 Tomatoes  500   1,000/=    500,000/=

4.2  Okra  300  2,000/=   600,000/=

4.3  Cabbage  200  1,000/=    200,000/=

4.4  Spinach  200  1,000/=   200,000/=

4.5  Carrot  200  2,000/ =    400,000/=

 Subtotal   2,000,000/=   

TOTAL expected sales  TZS   45,000,000/=   USD   19,371

14.1 Bio-fortified seed input and production estimates depending on rains, farm management

15.0 Market strategy

PDI and the 5 groups works with business aggregators through school feeding programs which was established by the government with support from Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition in Tanzania. The school feeding program encourage schools and families to utilize bio-fortified crops to combat hidden hunger among community members. The initiative will reach families and hotels (Mwanga, Katubuka, Kasulu, Buhigwe), markets and processors for marketing of the products. The initiative will establish ties with the authorities of Nyarugusu, Nduta and Mtendeli refugee camps available in Kasulu and Kakonko districts which also purchase products from local suppliers in Kigoma region. The groups established a database and communication with potential buyers as they still produce the crops at lower scales and expansion means reaching more markets in Kigoma and Tanzania in general.

16.0 Sustainability of the project

Reporting and sustainability of the project depends

• PDI and members of the groups will report on regular basis by means of narrative reports, payment vouchers, receipts, attendance lists, photos, purchase and sales records. All records will be kept from the beginning of the project for reporting purposes and tracking progress of the project. PDI will select a Project Coordinator who will work with group leaders and members throughout of the project cycle.

• The engagement of present and future agents of change in production of bio-fortified crops in Kigoma region

• The established saving and lending mechanism for groups   members to borrow at small interest rates and establish more environmentally-friendly projects

• Sharing of reports to partners for more collaborations in efforts of expanding productions and marketing in the future

POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

P.O.BOX 595, KIGOMA, +255612303923, pdi4cpommunity@gmail.com

THE REPORT OF YOUTH AND WOMEN ECONOMIC AND EMPOWERMENT PROJECT, KIGOMA TANZANIA FOR THE PERIOD OF SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER, 2022

  Sweet potato harvest and preparation of a new farm at Mwasenga area in Kigoma-Ujiji municipality

             Introduction

·         Population and Development Initiative (PDI) and five youth and women groups are implementing project of Kigoma economic and nutrition project among five youth and women groups in Kigoma and Uvinza district. The project is funded by Next World Now for Community Investments based in Denver, Colorado, USA. The project commenced on 1st September, 2022.

·         The project aims to collaboratively influence improved nutrition among women, youth and children as the region faces high rates of stunting growth and deficiency of Vitamin A especially to among children among the age of five and women at reproductive age. The five youth groups are composed by 240 youth and women in Kigoma region who

will serve as agents of change in the community to influence economic empowerment and improved nutrition among local communities.

·         The project is continuing well as the rains have started raining in Kigoma region since October,2022 and some farmlands used by youth and women are located near the water sources something which will ensure production throughout the year despite the rain seasons.

2.0 The activities which have been impended until 5th December, 2022

Activity

Period

Indicators

Beneficiaries reached

1

PDI has introduced the project at Kigoma and Uvinza districts Council and business aggregators to seek cooperation in the implementation of the project

September,2022

PDI has visited 2 district councils and among partners and business aggregators in Kigoma- Ujiji municipality

Two PDI project officers participated in inception meetings and farmer groups visits in Uvinza and Kigoma districts

2

PDI has conducted visits among women and youth groups in Kigoma and Uvinza districts for micro planning and determine farm preparations and management and identifying potential collaborators such as Agricultural Extension Officers and other women and youth groups

September,2022

PDI has visited 5 youth and women groups in Kigoma and Uvinza districts in Kigoma region

Two PDI officers and 5 farmer leaders participated in farmer groups visits in Uvinza and Kigoma districts for micro planning and planting arrangements

3

PDI and the youth groups has purchased the biofortified crops and organic crops seeds and have planted and manage the farms in Kigoma and Uvinza districts

September,2022

30 sacks of sweet potatoes seeds, 50packets of Amaranthus sp (green vegetables), 50 packets of cabbage, 100 kg of bean seeds, 300 kg of maize seed

PDI through the farmer groups are now working with 170 farmers out of intended 240 which will also be reached during December to February rain seasons. In this sense The reach is 70 percent so far

4

PDI has started collaborating with agricultural extension officers in Kigoma district to determine crops health and management among five women and youth groups

October,2022

4 visits has conducted among youth and women groups

PDI is working with two extension officers at district council level and 5 village agricultural extension officers in Kigoma and Uvinza districts in supportive farm management

2.1 The size of farms per crops in Kigoma and Uvinza districts

Crop type

Original acres planned

Acres as of December, 2022

Districts

Vitamin A maize

30

20

Kigoma and Uvinza

High Iron Beans

10

6

Uvinza

Vitamin A maize

10

6.5

Uvinza

Organic vegetative crops

5

3

Kigoma and Uvinza

Part of maize farm near PDI offices at Mwasenga area

    3.0 Achievement

·         PDI has mobilized the women and youth groups in Kigoma and Uvinza districts who have already cultivated the biofortified crops and vegetative crops in the prepared farmlands.

·         PDI in collaboration with the youth and women groups has managed to purchase the seeds for biofortified and organic crops and planted in the prepared farmlands

·         PDI has managed to collaborate with the agricultural extension officers among five youth groups and this cooperation will continue throughout the implementation of this project

Women group in farm preparations at Mayange village

             4.0 Challenges

·         PDI and the women and youth groups have not encountered any challenges so far and the project is going on well according to the action plan.

·         The good cooperation we have received from government authorities and youth and women groups ensures that the project will be implemented and deliver the desired products

            5.0 Partnerships and community participation

PDI conducts consultations with the groups’ leaders and members in implementation of the project as per the submitted business plan especially in issues of location of land allocated, type of crops, production size, markets strategy and plans for entrepreneurship and agronomic practices during implementation of the project.  The planning of seed purchase and distribution was all done in a participatory and transparency ways and records documented properly. The Monitoring and Evaluation mechanism we have always advise PDI and youth groups how to successfully implement the project.

Since the planning of this project up to now the leaders of the groups and members are part and parcel of the implementation and this will continue throughout the project cycle of this initiative.

We are working to seek more business aggregators and partners to support more the groups and reach the outcomes of the project as planned. Now we are working with the Kigoma Regional NGOs Network and Tanzania Women Empowerment in Action who are interested to support the youth and women groups with capacity building in organic farming especially the production of mushroom for combating protein deficiency diseases.

 In January next year PDI is expected to finalize membership of 3 nutrition coalitions in Tanzania which will also be a good platform to thoroughly address nutrition issues among community members by means of the members who will serve as agents of change in nutrition issues and will work along with The Community Health Workers to reach the more than 300 families in the districts with nutrition project. This will be done in the framework of National Multisectoral Nutrition action plan by which organizations actors are part and parcel of implementation of the action plan as well school feeding programs in Kigoma region. We have started reaching 5 schools which will access these affordable food sources soon.

            6.0 Way forward

·         PDI and youth and women groups will continue with the implementation of the project according to the action plan and resources available

·         PDI and youth and women groups will continue to seek collaborations with other groups and development partners to extend the services to other groups as well as to diversify the crops

Continuation of cultivation and weeding at Kazuramimba village

Conclusion

·         Kigoma economic empowerment and nutrition project is going on well according to the action plan and visits and communications with the youth and women groups in Kigoma and Uvinza districts. PDI in collaboration with the women and youth groups will continue to keep records since the beginning of the project to track changes, business aggregation and uptake of nutritious food sources

·         Planting and farm management tasks are continuing well as the rain season will continue until March/April this year. These tasks will be accompanied with best agronomic practices and business aggregation/entrepreneurship and food processing for value addition in Kigoma-Ujiji municipality.

·         PDI will continue to report regularly to NWN and government authorities on the progress of the project to maintain close communications, reporting and record keeping in reaching the expected results of the project as per project plan and implementation. The project is at early and promising stages with most crops on the farmlands with more seeds

to be planted. Harvest and business aggregation will start to be recorded starting January, 2023.

Report prepared by PDI team.

 With gratitude we submit.

 Alpha Ntayomba 

Executive Director Executive Director

POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

P.O.BOX 595, KIGOMA, +255612303923, pdi4cpommunity@gmail.com

 THE REPORT OF YOUTH AND WOMEN NUTRITION AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT PROJECT, KIGOMA, TANZANIA FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY-JULY, 2023

Maize farm at Mkuti Irrigation Scheme at Matendo village

1.0 Introduction

Population and Development Initiative (PDI) and five youth and women groups based in Uvinza and Kigoma district are collaboratively implementing project of Kigoma economic and nutrition project among five youth and women groups in Kigoma and Uvinza district. The project is funded by Next World Now for Community Investments (NWN-Community Investments) based in Denver, Colorado, USA. The project commenced on 1st September, 2022.

The project aims to collaboratively influence improved nutrition and economic empowerment among women, youth and children as the region faces high rates of stunting growth and deficiency of Vitamin A especially to among children among the age of five and women at reproductive age. The five youth groups are composed by 240 youth and women in Kigoma region.

From the period of December 2022 to July 2023 Population and Development Initiative have documented significant progress which we may report

 2.0 The activities which have been conducted for the period of January-July, 2023

1 PDI has conducted monitoring and evaluation to document and address challenges and progress of the project

Period January-July,2023

Indicators PDI has conducted 5 monitoring and evaluation  visits

Beneficiaries reached 240 participants of the youth groups are the beneficiaries of the visit groups to collect the challenges and progress of the project

Issues documented The farm processes were going on well as a result of the farmer leaders and agricultural extension officers who are working along with PDI and women and youth groups

2 PDI and the women and youth groups have purchased, planted and managed the farms of maize, beans and green vegetables

• Period January-July,2023

• Indicators  

• Beneficiaries reached 240 participants of the youth and women groups are the beneficiaries

• Issues documented The purchase of seeds considered quality and future production after farm practices  

3 Conducting markets linkages, business aggregation among youth and women

• February-July, 2023

• PDI and the youth groups have made efforts to make the marker

• linkages among local business aggregators in Kigoma region and through school feeding programs

• 240 participants of the youth and women groups are the beneficiaries

• The issues raised included availability of reliable markers from the products produced from the farms managed  by the youth and women groups

4 Building collaboration with other stakeholders in Tanzania and beyond

• May-July,2023

• PDI has conducted 6 physical and virtual meetings for building collaborations with various stakeholders in Tanzania and Beyond  and we have so far created collaboration of 5 potential national and international organizations which have shown interest to support the project in the coming months/years

• PDI and 240 participants of the youth and women groups are the beneficiaries

• The issues raised included building collaborations with interested partners in Tanzania and beyond to support sustainability  of the project

5 Report writing and final evaluation

• July, 2023

• The sample of 60 youth and women were used for impact measurement and sharing insight for the final report

• The 60 members as agents of change participated in final evaluation

• The impact the project has been measured as a success and ready for expansion and replication to other areas upon collaborations and resources mobilization

3.0 The size of farms per crops in Kigoma and Uvinza districts

Crop type Vitamin A maize

• Original acres planned 30

• Acres as of December, 2022  20

• Acres increased as of March,2023 8

• Districts  Kigoma and Uvinza

Crop type  High Iron Beans

• Original acres planned 10

• Acres as of December, 2022  6

• Acres increased as of March,2023 5

• Districts Uvinza

Crop type  Sweet Potatoes

• Original acres planned 10

• Acres as of December, 2022  6,5

• Acres increased as of March,2023 6

• Districts Uvinza

Crop type  Organic vegetative crops

• Original acres planned 5

• Acres as of December, 2022 3

• Acres increased as of March,2023 10

• Districts Kigoma and Uvinza  

Collaborations with the agricultural extension officers and lead farmers enabled improved agricultural practices among youth and women groups

4.0 Achievement

·         PDI has managed to collaborate with the government authorities especially the agricultural extension officers at district, ward and village level in all places where the farms are located

·         PDI and the youth and women groups have managed to collaborate with business aggregators and school feeding programs in Kigoma district

·         PDI has established ties with local CSOs working at Mkuti Irrigation Scheme at Matendo village which will increase productivity in the coming months/years as there will be reliable source of water to the youth and women groups

·         PDI and the women and youth groups have managed to actively participate in influencing improved nutrition among women at reproductive age and children below the age of 5 years

Part of the products at Kigoma district

5.0 Challenges

PDI and the youth and women groups have not encountered any challenges so far as the project was collaboratively planned and followed action plan 

6.0 Collaborations

·         PDI has managed to establish ties with 2 CSOs in establishing future initiatives for farming of food and business crops among women and youth groups at Matendo village in the Mkuti Irrigation Scheme which have reliable water source from the Mkuti River. We have together influenced the Mkuti Irrigation Scheme to be well attended by the government authorities and partners in especially by increasing the services of agricultural extension services, availability of subsidized fertilizer and other services such as demo farms and educated farmer groups.

o   In February, 2023, PDI managed to attend the community based processes at University of Rwanda in Kigali, Rwanda which enables people’s participation in community projects. PDI presented the community based processes at Mkuti Irrigation Scheme especially in increasing participation, accountability and transparency in improving the services of the Mkuti Irrigation Scheme

o   The 240 youth and women members of the project are now active agents of change in nutrition and economic empowerment project and they have established more organic farming to influence improved nutrition at village and home levels

8.0 A case story

Anna Kabibi, a resident of Masanga area in Kigoma district and a member of the women and youth groups as agents of change is very grateful for this project as she has managed to establish her own 5 acre farm as a result of her participation in the project activities since 2022. She started as a regular member and now she possesses her owns farm with reasonable size and production of maize and sweet potatoes. Now she is able to pay for family basic needs without challenges as it was in the previous years. She is able to pay for fees for her children who are in college in Dodoma region. She managed to do this from the money she got from distribution of income in a group and from a lending and saving scheme owned by some of the group members. On top of that she has joined local food processors in Kigoma district in order to add value for her crops. She has remained in the group but enjoying some benefits. Ana is the real example of how this project has made an impact to tens of youth and women benefited from this project.

The produced sweet potatoes which are nutritional for the health of community members

            7.0 Way forward

·         PDI and youth and women groups will continue with the implementation of the project through farming, building relationships, utilize and make sales of the farm products for income generation. They have already established  10 saving and lending schemes/groups as a result of the project something which have started liberating them financially to meet family need and establish small and mid projects

·         PDI and youth and women groups as members of this project will continue to seek more collaborations and business aggregations with other groups and development partners to extend the services to other groups as well as to diversify the crops

·         PDI and youth and women groups commit to share more outcomes of this project to Next Worked Now and partners for the next two years in order to inspire more investments in youth and women in Tanzania in efforts to create jobs, create wealth and build meaningful collaborations in tackling nutrition and poverty challenges in the country.

7.1 Production attained by the project as of July, 2023

Crop

• Average production attained (Kg)

• Current market price (TZS)/Kg

• Funds generated (TZS)

Pro-Vitamin A maize to be planted in 30 acres of available land

• 17,000

• 1000

• 17,000/=

• Subtotal =17,000,000/=

High Iron beans planted to 10 acres of available land Variety (JESCA and Selian 12)

• 4,000

• 4,000/=

• 16,000,000/=

• Subtotal = 16,00,000/=

Orange fleshed sweet potatoes planted to 10 acres of available land

• 4,500

• 1,000/=

• 4,500,000/=

• Subtotal = 4,500,000/=

Green vegetables planted to 8-10 acres of available land

Tomatoes

• 450

• 1,000/=

• 450,000/=

Okra

• 380

• 2,000/=

• 760,000/=

Cabbage

• 250

• 1,000/=

• 250,000/=

Spinach

• 200

• 1,000/=

• 200,000/=

Carrot

• 230

• 2,000/ =

• 460,000/=

• Subtotal = 2,120,000/=

TOTAL sales attained as of July 2023

TZS  39,620,000/=

USD 17,226

8.0 Conclusion

·         Kigoma Economic empowerment and nutrition project has documented remarkable impact in the context of creating jobs, enabling availability of nutritious food local communities and ensuring that youth and women are part and parcel of the development process in Kigoma region and Tanzania in general

·         The farming of staple crops and vegetative crops will continue happening for many months to come in order to contribute in the economy of families and ensuring that the region continue to have nutritious food sources for community members and school feeding programs

·         The initiative has been linked with 10 women and youth processors in Kigoma/Ujiji municipality who have started adding value to maize and beans to produce flour in order to participate in all potential part of value chains to tap potential markets in Tanzania. Thus was shared in the in the project plan that innovation in this project will be part and parcel of the process to increase income through processing and packaging.

·         PDI, youth and women groups commits to continue reporting on regular basis about this project, the collaborations made and new initiatives which will be created as a result of this project. PDI is very grateful to Next World Now by making this project a success through funding and technical expertise to realize/identify the outcomes for the women and youth

·         This report have been submitted by PDI team with collaborations with the youth and women groups leaders in Kigoma and Uvinza district

With gratitude we submit.          

Alpha Ntayomba and team

Executive Director

12th July, 2023