[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.
Based on the current reality of the coffee industry in the country, here are some additional considerations that may impact the project:
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Climate Change: The effects of climate change, such as unpredictable weather patterns and droughts, may impact the productivity and quality of coffee crop
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Political Unrest: Ongoing political instability and unrest can pose significant challenges to the project's implementation, including difficulties accessing farmland and transporting equipment and staff safely to and from the project sit
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Bureaucratic Inefficiency: The country's bureaucracy may pose a challenge in obtaining permits, licenses, and other necessary legal requirements for the project
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Perverse Incentives: Government policies and priorities may provide perverse incentives that discourage coffee production and favor other land uses or industries
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Economic Inequality: The coffee industry, like many agribusinesses, is characterized by significant inequality between farmers and other actors in the supply chai
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Education Constraints: Low levels of education and limited agricultural knowledge can hinder the adoption of smart farming practices and other innovation
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Innovation Scarcity: The lack of innovation in the coffee industry may limit the potential impact of the project
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Famine of Information: Limited access to information and data can hinder the project's ability to collect and analyze accurate dat
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Low-cost computing and ubiquitous communications: These factors offer opportunities for leveraging technology to collect and analyze data more efficiently, and to communicate with farmers more effective.
The proposed solution is to connect finance to the needs of coffee farmers in order to achieve the following goals within five years:
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Increase the price per coffee bean by over 500% per kilogram at the farm level by improving coffee quality, increasing the value of coffee through information and marketing techniques, and creating new products like impact certificates and carbon credits
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Develop local capabilities for coffee farming and create a sustainable coffee industry that benefits the community
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Reduce the input cost by diversifying the use of coffee waste products such as coffee pulp, which can be used as fertilizers or coffee flour, and stems that can become charcoal
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Improve access to food through companion planting, by grazing animals and planting food crops among the coffee tree
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Deploy regenerative agriculture practices to improve soil quality and sustainability, such as planting pest deterrents and native trees for shade
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Create new products such as impact certificates and carbon credits to market coffee sustainably and increase the value of the coffee beans
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Increase community wellbeing by going directly to the buyer and improving the economic status of the farmer
That's a lot of work that will take many years to achieve. We are excited to take it on slowly; Desmond Tutu once wisely said that “there is only one way to eat an elephant: a bite at a time.”
The bite we are taking on with this project is:
To measure and verify the impact of the proposed solution:
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Number of pests and beneficial insects: To monitor the success of pest control using natural methods, the number of pests and beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings and parasitic wasps need to be tracked
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Soil quality: Soil tests such as pH levels, nutrient levels, and soil organic matter content can be done to monitor soil quality
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Water quality: Water samples can be taken and tested for physical and chemical parameters such as pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and nitrates to monitor water quality
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Coffee cherry quality: The quality of coffee cherries can be measured by factors such as size, color, and sugar content
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Coffee bean quality: The quality of coffee beans can be evaluated by factors like aroma, flavor, acidity, and body
Collecting this data regularly will help to monitor the success of the proposed solution in improving the quality, production, and sustainability of coffee farming. It can also provide insights to make adjustments to the proposed solution for continuous improvement and better outcomes in the future.
We've created 5 proposed experiments for measuring and verifying the status of the farms:
Experiment 1: Connectivity
- Access to electricity for the farm and the use of Wi-Fi to support the flow of information between the farmer and external stakeholders
- Blockchain technology to ensure transparency and traceability of the coffee supply chain
Experiment 2: Mapping the farm
- Use of aerial photography drones to create farm maps to monitor land use and crop health
- Check title deeds of the farm's borders to ensure compliance with land ownership laws
- Use of GPS technology to monitor farm borders
Experiment 3: Sensors
- Monitoring of air temperature, humidity, light intensity, and CO2 levels to optimize plant growth conditions
- Use of sensors to optimize irrigation and soil conservation practices
Experiment 4: Soil Sensor
- Monitoring of soil moisture, temperature, and electrical conductivity levels to optimize soil management practices
- Monitor rainfall and soil condition to optimize irrigation practices
- Use of photography to monitor soil health
Experiment 5: Pest Observation
- Use of two colors of fly paper to monitor flying pest populations
- Observation of weeds in two areas of the farm
- Photography of fly paper and weeds to monitor pest and weed population trends.
Throughout the three months, daily photos of five spots on the farm will be taken to monitor crop health and progress. Collecting this data will help the farmer monitor the impact of the solution and optimize practices based on the findings. By increasing transparency, traceability, and optimizing our knowledge of the farms, we aim to address miscommunication between farmer Owners & managers and leapfrog the coffee industry into the future.
https://sites.orbital.co.ke/drone.html
https://www.seeedstudio.com/SenseCAP-S2103-LoRaWAN-CO2-Temperature-and-Humidity-Sensor-p-5356.html
[IMPACT] How does your proposed solution address the challenge and what benefits will this bring to the Cardano ecosystem?
Our proposed solution addresses the challenge of promoting sustainable and responsible farming practices in the coffee industry while promoting transparency and traceability in the supply chain. Specifically, the project aims to implement blockchain technology and various monitoring systems to promote transparency and traceability in the coffee supply chain and apply sustainable farming techniques to improve coffee production.
The benefits of this project to the Cardano ecosystem are numerous. Firstly, the project aligns with Cardano's focus on sustainability, decentralization, and transparency. By implementing blockchain technology for transparency in the coffee supply chain, the project brings transparency and accountability to the coffee industry, which can then be adapted to other industries in the future.
Secondly, the project promotes the adoption of technology in farming techniques. By implementing sensors and monitoring systems, farmers can optimize water and soil conservation practices and improve plant health and productivity. This not only benefits the coffee industry but also has the potential to improve the wider agricultural industry.
Thirdly, the project aims to build sustainable relationships with local farmers and cooperatives. By promoting responsible farming practices and creating transparency in the coffee supply chain, the project can create partnerships that promote sustainable and responsible business practices. This can potentially help Cardano in creating new partnerships and relationships towards furthering its mission.
Cardano's investment in this project will not only fund the project team but also showcase Cardano's commitment to projects that promote environmental sustainability, transparency, and decentralized business practices in various industries. It will bring more visibility to the Cardano ecosystem, as the project is likely to attract attention from other industries that are looking for sustainable and transparent farming practices.
We expect that the project will have a significant impact on the coffee industry in the East African region, promote the adoption of technology in farming techniques, and showcase the potential of blockchain technology in promoting transparency and accountability in various industries. In terms of quantifying the impact, we expect to see an increase in coffee production and sustainability in the region, an increase in the adoption of technology in farming techniques, and an increase in sustainable and transparent business practices in the wider industry. It is realistic to expect a significant increase in the number of transactions recorded on the blockchain, as the technology promotes transparency and accountability in the supply chain. Additionally, we expect to see an increase in the number of participants in the Cardano community who are interested in sustainable and responsible business practices.
The CoffeeChain project will prioritize collaborative engagement with local farmers and involve them in decision-making throughout the project lifecycle to ensure sustainability and success.
[IMPACT] How do you intend to measure the success of your project?
In order to make changes to a farm [regarding pesticide use], it is crucial to monitor and establish the current state of the environment, including wildlife, soil quality, water sources, and weather patterns. Taking a benchmark of the environment helps to evaluate the impact of any changes made over time. An environmental monitoring program should be implemented to track changes and identify the best environmental practices. Pesticides can negatively impact the environment, leading to soil contamination, water pollution, and destruction of natural habitats. Therefore, it is crucial to establish a benchmark before making changes to the farm and monitor the environment carefully to avoid adverse effects. We intend to be careful before making any suggestions to local farmers for example regarding how to manage their pests. Very few experiments have been undertaken in Robusta Coffee in regards to Aphids or Coffee Berry Disease etc
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Installation Time: The time it takes to set up the infrastructure, including equipment installation, configuration, and testing
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Cost: The total cost of the project, including equipment, labor, and other expense
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Accuracy: The accuracy of the infrastructure in measuring tree health, which can be evaluated by comparing the measurements obtained from the infrastructure to those obtained from traditional method
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Reliability: The reliability of the infrastructure in terms of the equipment's ability to work consistently and provide accurate measurements over time
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Maintenance: The frequency and cost of maintenance required to keep the infrastructure in good working order
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User-Friendliness: The ease of use of the infrastructure for orchard staff, including the clarity of instructions, the simplicity of the equipment, and the ease of interpretation of result
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Scalability: The ability to expand the infrastructure to measure more trees or to add additional features in the future, such as disease detection or pest management
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Efficiency: The efficiency of the infrastructure in terms of time and resources required to collect dat
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Data Quality: The quality of the data collected by the infrastructure, including the accuracy and precision of the measurement
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Data Management: The effectiveness of the data management system in storing, organizing, and retrieving data collected by the infrastructure
By regularly evaluating these criteria, it will be possible to assess the project's success, identify any areas for improvement, and make adjustments to optimize the infrastructure's performance.
Based on the data collected from the infrastructure, the following metrics could be used to track the success of the project:
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Light Intensity: Measured in lux units, this metric can help track the amount of light reaching the trees to ensure optimal growth condition
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Air Temperature: Measured in degrees Celsius, this metric can help track changes in ambient temperature and ensure that the trees are not exposed to temperature extreme
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Air Humidity: Measured as a percentage, this metric can help optimize irrigation practices by ensuring that the trees receive adequate moisture
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CO2: Measured in parts per million (ppm), this metric can help track the quality of the air in the orchard and ensure that the trees receive adequate ventilation
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Photos: The number and quality of photos taken could be tracked to ensure that there is adequate documentation of changes in tree health over time
In addition to tracking these data-based metrics, the following metrics could be used to track engagement, cost, and capability:
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Engagement: This metric could be tracked through monitoring attendance and participation in team meetings, contract compliance, and tracking email/WhatsApp response rate
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Cost: This metric could track the cost of physical travel by the team to the farm and any additional expenses incurred during the project
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Capability: This metric could track the team's ability to take pictures and upload them, measure the data accurately, and interpret the result
[IMPACT] Please describe your plans to share the outputs and results of your project?
The core problem we aim to solve is the lack of sustainable and responsible farming practices in the coffee industry, along with the lack of transparency and traceability in the coffee supply chain. This leads to environmental degradation, unethical practices, and a lack of consumer trust.
By implementing Cardano's blockchain technology and various monitoring systems, we seek to address these issues by promoting transparency and traceability in the coffee supply chain. This will allow consumers to have clear visibility into the origins of their coffee, ensuring that it has been produced in a sustainable and responsible manner. It will also enable farmers to optimize their farming practices, leading to improved productivity and reduced environmental impact.
Furthermore, the project aims to address the challenge of promoting sustainable farming techniques. By implementing sensors and monitoring systems, we can provide farmers with real-time data on soil conditions, temperature, humidity, and other relevant factors. This will enable them to make informed decisions, conserve water and soil, reduce chemical usage, and improve overall farming practices.
Overall, the core issue that we aim to fix is the lack of transparency, traceability, and sustainable practices in the coffee industry. By leveraging blockchain technology and monitoring systems, we can bring transparency to the supply chain, promote responsible farming practices, and provide consumers with the confidence that their coffee is produced in an ethical and sustainable manner.
[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability?
To establish trust and accountability in the project delivery process, it's important to maintain open communication channels, have a proven track record of successful project deliveries, follow ethical business practices, implement strong project management methodologies, as well as follow a detailed financial plan.
I completed my previous Proposal. Here is the close out video.
<https://youtu.be/rgpSowgTGck>https://projectcatalyst.io/funds/9/f9-grow-africa-grow-cardano
[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What are the main goals for the project and how will you validate if your approach is feasible?
The proposed objectives for the project are as follows:
- Import the necessary system hardware to Uganda for the farm information system
- Train farm owners/managers on the use and management of the hardware and the Dapp
- Develop and prototype the Dapp for the farm information system
- Receive the imported equipment and distribute it to the urban farmers
- Decide on the necessary equipment to support the system and where to purchase it
- Gather and collect payments for any supporting equipment needed
- Develop a plan for travel to Uganda to install and launch the system
- Create a farm information system that urban farmers can use to monitor their farms
- Connect the sensors to the system and ensure internet connectivity
- Gather data and information from the system
- Launch the farm information system for the urban farmers
[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please provide a detailed breakdown of your project’s milestones and each of the main tasks or activities to reach the milestone plus the expected timeline for the delivery.
Milestones:
- Connectivity setup and blockchain implementation
- Mapping the farm
- Sensors installation and deployment
- Soil sensor deployment and monitoring
- Pest observation and monitoring
- Daily photo collection and monitoring
1 Connectivity setup and blockchain implementation
- Key activities:
- Install electricity and Wi-Fi network in the farm
- Develop blockchain solution for the coffee supply chain
- Timeline: 1 month
- Success criteria: Farm has stable electricity supply and internet connection, blockchain-enabled traceability of coffee beans and farmer-to-buyer transactions
2 Mapping the farm
- Key activities:
- Rent aerial photography drones
- Fly the drones and capture images of the farm
- Analyze images to produce maps of the farm
- Check title deeds of farm borders
- Timeline: 2 weeks
- Success criteria: Completed maps of the farm, compliance with land ownership laws
3 Sensors installation and deployment
- Key activities:
- Install sensors to monitor air temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels
- Install irrigation and soil conservation sensors
- Timeline: 2 months
- Success criteria: Farm has real-time data on plant growth conditions and optimized irrigation and soil conservation practices
4 Soil sensor deployment and monitoring
- Key activities:
- Install soil moisture, temperature, and electrical conductivity sensors
- Monitor rainfall and soil condition
- Take photographs of soil to monitor soil health
- Timeline: 1 month
- Success criteria: Farm has real-time data on soil moisture and soil health status, optimized soil management practices
5 Pest observation and monitoring
- Key activities:
- Use fly paper to monitor pest populations
- Observe weeds in two areas of the farm
- Capture photographs of fly paper and weeds to monitor pest and weed population trends
- Timeline: 2 months
- Success criteria: Farm has real-time data on pest and weed population trends, optimized pest control and weed management practices
6 Daily photo collection and monitoring
- Key activities:
- Take daily photographs of five designated spots on the farm
- Analyze photos to monitor crop health and growth
- Timeline: 3 months
- Success criteria: Daily photos are taken and analyzed to monitor crop health and growth throughout the project period
Overall Timeline: 5 Months
[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please describe the deliverables, outputs and intended outcomes of each milestone.
1 Connectivity setup and blockchain implementation
- Deliverables:
- Electricity and Wi-Fi network installed in the farm
- Blockchain-enabled coffee supply chain implementation
- Outputs:
- Stable electricity and internet connection on the farm
- Transparency and traceability of the coffee supply chain
- Intended outcomes:
- Improved communication and flow of information between the farmer and external stakeholders
- Improved trust and transparency in the coffee supply chain
- Progress measurement:
- Number of successful transactions recorded on the blockchain
- Feedback from external stakeholders on the transparency and traceability of the supply chain
2 Mapping the farm
- Deliverables:
- Aerial maps of the farm
- Verification of compliance with land ownership laws
- Outputs:
- Detailed farm maps to monitor land use and crop health
- Proof of compliance with land ownership laws
- Intended outcomes:
- Improved farm management through the monitoring of land use and crop health
- Ensure compliance with land ownership laws
- Progress measurement:
- Accuracy of the farm maps
- Verification of compliance with land ownership laws
3 Sensors installation and deployment
- Deliverables:
- Sensors installed to monitor air temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels
- Irrigation and soil conservation sensors installed
- Outputs:
- Real-time data on plant growth conditions
- Optimized irrigation and soil conservation practices
- Intended outcomes:
- Improved plant growth conditions
- Optimized water and soil conservation practices
- Progress measurement:
- Accuracy of the sensor data
- Reduction in water and soil wastage
4 Soil sensor deployment and monitoring
- Deliverables:
- Soil moisture, temperature, and electrical conductivity sensors installed
- Real-time weather data monitoring system installed
- Photographs of soil taken for monitoring
- Outputs:
- Real-time data on soil moisture and health status
- Optimized soil management practices
- Intended outcomes:
- Improved soil health and fertility
- Optimized soil management practices
- Progress measurement:
- Accuracy of the sensor data
- Improvement in soil health and fertility
5 Pest observation and monitoring
- Deliverables:
- Pest and weed monitoring system installed
- Data monitoring system installed
- Photographs of pests and weeds taken for monitoring
- Outputs:
- Real-time data on pest and weed population trends
- Optimized pest and weed control practices
- Intended outcomes:
- Improved pest and weed control
- Optimized pesticide and herbicide use
- Progress measurement:
- Reduction in pest and weed populations
- Reduction in pesticide and herbicide use
6 Daily photo collection and monitoring
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Deliverables:
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Daily photographs of five spots on the farm
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Analysis of photos for crop health and growth monitoring
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Outputs:
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Data on crop health and growth monitored on a regular basis
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Timely identification of any issues affecting plant growth
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Intended outcomes:
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Improved plant growth and productivity
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Early identification and resolution of any issues affecting plant growth
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Progress measurement:
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Comparison of daily photographs to track crop growth over time
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Identification of any issues affecting plant growth
[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] Please provide a detailed budget breakdown of the proposed work and resources.
Experiment 1: Connectivity
- Access to electricity and Wi-Fi: $5,000 (installation and maintenance for 3 months)
- Blockchain technology: $3,000 (implementation and maintenance for 3 months)
Experiment 2: Mapping the farm
- Aerial photography drones: $10,000 (rental and insurance for 3 months)
- GPS technology: $3,000 (hardware and software)
- Title deeds check: $2,000 (consultation fees and legal services)
Experiment 3: Sensors
- Air temperature, humidity, light intensity, and CO2 levels sensors: $5,000 (hardware and software)
- Irrigation and soil conservation sensors: $5,000 (hardware and software)
Experiment 4: Soil Sensor
- Soil moisture, temperature, and electrical conductivity sensors: $6,000 (hardware and software)
- Rainfall and soil condition monitoring: $2,000 (hardware and software)
- Photography equipment for soil health monitoring: $2,000
Experiment 5: Pest observation
- Fly paper and weed observation equipment: $1,500
- Photography equipment for pest and weed population monitoring: $2,000
Daily photos of five spots on the farm: $1,500 (photography equipment and personnel fees for 3 months)
Total estimated budget: $41,000
[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?
Anne Wanjiru
Jackie Namwanje
George Kariithi
Jo Allum
Jack Obrien
Robert Obrien
Kijambu Seze
Isacc Makara
Muciira Githinji
Jackie: @Namwanje 80 years of experience in coffee farming, 20 Years experience in Accounting, Community Member, Community Advisor, Entrepreneur, Marketer Community Mobilizer
Angela: @AWG Atala Prism Pioneer, Haskell Plutus Lecturer, Eastern Town Hall Team Member, Gimbalabs PPBL Team Member, CA, VCA, Plutus Pioneer, Challenge Team Member
Anne: @Shirogat CA, Microsoft Certified Educator, 30 years Experience in Project Management and Ed Tech, Funded Proposer, Boostcamp Alumn, Entrepreneur
George: @GKariithi Farm Owner 30 Years experience in Coffee Farming, Tech Industry Experience, Urban dwelling Farmer
[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?
The CardanoCoffeeChain project becomes even more significant when considering the low income levels of farm workers in the regions where the project is implemented. In Kenya, the minimum wage is 112 USD per month, while in Uganda, it is 95 USD per month. These figures highlight the financial struggles faced by farm workers who often earn wages below the minimum threshold.
By implementing this project, farm workers have the potential to improve their living conditions significantly. The project encourages sustainable farming practices, which can increase crop yields and lead to higher income levels for farmers. With increased productivity and access to reliable data, farmers can make informed decisions, reduce waste, and optimize resource usage, ultimately enhancing their financial stability.
Moreover, the CardanoCoffeeChain project provides free high-speed internet access to farmers, allowing them to access online markets and services. This access opens new doors for farmers to sell their coffee directly, cutting out intermediaries and potentially earning higher profits. By providing this connectivity, the project empowers farmers and gives them an opportunity to participate in the global economy on more equal terms.
Furthermore, the project's focus on sustainability ensures that farmers can continue their livelihoods in the long run. By promoting climate-smart agriculture practices, the project helps to mitigate the risks of climate change and protect farmers' income sources. This aspect is essential for the local communities, as many of them heavily rely on agriculture for their livelihoods.
In summary, the CoffeeChain project not only offers value for money within the Cardano ecosystem but also presents a unique opportunity to uplift the living situations of farm workers. By introducing sustainable practices, providing access to technology, and enabling direct market access, the project aims to break the cycle of low wages and improve the financial well-being of farmers and their families.
