The document proposes a two-step approach to unleash agricultural productivity in India by enabling 500,000 small farmers to access markets and affordable capital totaling $200 million by 2016. Step 1 aims to de-risk farmers by introducing supply chain efficiencies using an ICT platform. Step 2 would develop tools to help banks and MFIs lend to farmers at lower costs. A bundled solution is proposed that combines steps 1 and 2 to benefit farmers through increased incomes, financial institutions through new customers and lower costs, and address India's large financing gap in agriculture. An 18-month implementation plan and $1.3 million funding need is outlined.
The document proposes a two-step approach to increase agricultural productivity and financial inclusion for small farmers in India. Step 1 involves introducing supply chain efficiencies through an ICT platform to de-risk farmers. Step 2 enables farmers' access to affordable capital by providing tools to financial institutions to assess and mitigate risks of lending to farmers. A bundled business model integrates steps 1 and 2 by licensing the ICT tools and providing financial services. The goal is to empower 500,000 small farming households in India with markets, technology and capital by 2016.
This document provides an overview of the CGIAR Research Program 2 (CRP2) which aims to strengthen food security and incomes for rural poor through identifying policies, institutions, and markets. The CRP2 will conduct integrated research across three themes: effective policies and strategic investments; inclusive governance and institutions; and linking small producers to markets. It will use innovative research approaches and form partnerships to conduct strategic research and influence policy changes to ultimately reduce rural poverty and improve food security. The CRP2 budget is $126 million over three years sourced from CGIAR Fund and other donors.
Releasing the full potential of Smart Meters and Smart GridPilgrim Beart
The document discusses the importance of consumer engagement for realizing the full benefits of smart meters and smart grids. It notes that while utilities focus on operational efficiencies through new technology, consumers must also change their energy usage behaviors for consumption-related benefits. To motivate consumers, visibility into energy usage and opportunities for control are needed. Segmenting consumers and providing actionable, personalized information can help drive behavior change through a process of revealing energy habits, reducing usage, and renewing supply through self-generation. Maximizing engagement across utilities, telecom companies, and device makers can help increase awareness and adoption as the energy market transforms.
Market Research Report : Mobile Commerce Market in India 2012Netscribes, Inc.
For the complete report, get in touch with us at : info@netscribes.com
Mobile Commerce is the activity of commencing commercial transactions between both B2C and B2B entities via mobile devices. Indian retail market has experienced high growth over the last decade with a gradual shift towards modern retailing formats. With growing numbers of mobile devices and mammoth wireless subscriber base, the focus is slowly shifting to mobile platforms. Leveraging on enhanced reach like MVAS and diverse features like of e-commerce, m-commerce is poised for greater adoption acrossIndia, in the coming years.
Although mobile commerce market inIndiais in nascent stage, m-payment and m-banking segments have shown significant growth over the last few years. Initiative taken by the government and financial organizations to reachIndia’s un-banked population can ensure tremendous growth in the latter segments. There are around 600,000 territories that require banking facilities but only around 89,000 bank branches are there in the country.
Vsil Is Power And Utility Process Design In Sap Aditi Interra ItAditi Tarafdar
This document discusses strategies for improving performance at distribution utilities through the use of technology and operational practices. It covers introducing a reform framework, the challenges faced by utilities, and an initiative for improvement. The key points are:
1) A reform framework was introduced to address high losses, regulate tariffs, and incentivize targets for loss reduction.
2) Challenges included high losses, a lack of customer orientation, unreliable supply, and meeting stakeholder expectations.
3) The utility laid out a strategic roadmap and IT plan to reduce losses, improve customer service and reliability, and create a performance culture through automation and change management.
The document discusses eKutir, a proposed "one stop shop" platform to help meet the credit and knowledge needs of smallholder farmers in India. Currently, smallholder farmers face inadequate and untimely credit from banks and money lenders, which has prevented increased productivity and income. eKutir would provide farmers with inputs, advisory services, risk analysis, financial tools, and a credit card to purchase inputs. This would help farmers, banks/MFIs, input suppliers, traders, and others by reducing risks, transaction costs, and improving outcomes for all stakeholders.
The document summarizes the evolution of rural financial services in Ghana over three phases:
1) Prior to 1990, the informal financial sector dominated due to lack of regulation and limited state interventions. IFAD introduced SCIMP to build confidence in formal banking.
2) From 1990-2000, RFSP upscaled SCIMP nationwide, achieving sustainability, innovation and increased rural bank numbers. Challenges included low farmer lending and contradicting subsidy approaches.
3) Post-2010, RAFIP continues RFSP's work while disengaging from credit lines and building capacity. Knowledge from failures in Cameroon and Niger informed expanding successful models to Nigeria.
The document proposes a two-step approach to increase agricultural productivity and financial inclusion for small farmers in India. Step 1 involves introducing supply chain efficiencies through an ICT platform to de-risk farmers. Step 2 enables farmers' access to affordable capital by providing tools to financial institutions to assess and mitigate risks of lending to farmers. A bundled business model integrates steps 1 and 2 by licensing the ICT tools and providing financial services. The goal is to empower 500,000 small farming households in India with markets, technology and capital by 2016.
This document provides an overview of the CGIAR Research Program 2 (CRP2) which aims to strengthen food security and incomes for rural poor through identifying policies, institutions, and markets. The CRP2 will conduct integrated research across three themes: effective policies and strategic investments; inclusive governance and institutions; and linking small producers to markets. It will use innovative research approaches and form partnerships to conduct strategic research and influence policy changes to ultimately reduce rural poverty and improve food security. The CRP2 budget is $126 million over three years sourced from CGIAR Fund and other donors.
Releasing the full potential of Smart Meters and Smart GridPilgrim Beart
The document discusses the importance of consumer engagement for realizing the full benefits of smart meters and smart grids. It notes that while utilities focus on operational efficiencies through new technology, consumers must also change their energy usage behaviors for consumption-related benefits. To motivate consumers, visibility into energy usage and opportunities for control are needed. Segmenting consumers and providing actionable, personalized information can help drive behavior change through a process of revealing energy habits, reducing usage, and renewing supply through self-generation. Maximizing engagement across utilities, telecom companies, and device makers can help increase awareness and adoption as the energy market transforms.
Market Research Report : Mobile Commerce Market in India 2012Netscribes, Inc.
For the complete report, get in touch with us at : info@netscribes.com
Mobile Commerce is the activity of commencing commercial transactions between both B2C and B2B entities via mobile devices. Indian retail market has experienced high growth over the last decade with a gradual shift towards modern retailing formats. With growing numbers of mobile devices and mammoth wireless subscriber base, the focus is slowly shifting to mobile platforms. Leveraging on enhanced reach like MVAS and diverse features like of e-commerce, m-commerce is poised for greater adoption acrossIndia, in the coming years.
Although mobile commerce market inIndiais in nascent stage, m-payment and m-banking segments have shown significant growth over the last few years. Initiative taken by the government and financial organizations to reachIndia’s un-banked population can ensure tremendous growth in the latter segments. There are around 600,000 territories that require banking facilities but only around 89,000 bank branches are there in the country.
Vsil Is Power And Utility Process Design In Sap Aditi Interra ItAditi Tarafdar
This document discusses strategies for improving performance at distribution utilities through the use of technology and operational practices. It covers introducing a reform framework, the challenges faced by utilities, and an initiative for improvement. The key points are:
1) A reform framework was introduced to address high losses, regulate tariffs, and incentivize targets for loss reduction.
2) Challenges included high losses, a lack of customer orientation, unreliable supply, and meeting stakeholder expectations.
3) The utility laid out a strategic roadmap and IT plan to reduce losses, improve customer service and reliability, and create a performance culture through automation and change management.
The document discusses eKutir, a proposed "one stop shop" platform to help meet the credit and knowledge needs of smallholder farmers in India. Currently, smallholder farmers face inadequate and untimely credit from banks and money lenders, which has prevented increased productivity and income. eKutir would provide farmers with inputs, advisory services, risk analysis, financial tools, and a credit card to purchase inputs. This would help farmers, banks/MFIs, input suppliers, traders, and others by reducing risks, transaction costs, and improving outcomes for all stakeholders.
The document summarizes the evolution of rural financial services in Ghana over three phases:
1) Prior to 1990, the informal financial sector dominated due to lack of regulation and limited state interventions. IFAD introduced SCIMP to build confidence in formal banking.
2) From 1990-2000, RFSP upscaled SCIMP nationwide, achieving sustainability, innovation and increased rural bank numbers. Challenges included low farmer lending and contradicting subsidy approaches.
3) Post-2010, RAFIP continues RFSP's work while disengaging from credit lines and building capacity. Knowledge from failures in Cameroon and Niger informed expanding successful models to Nigeria.
The HydroHarvest team is seeking funding to install a rainwater harvesting system at the Maranyundo school in Rwanda. The system would provide clean water to 200 students and staff. It would pay for itself in under 3 years through savings from not purchasing water and firewood. It would also provide health benefits and training for the students. If successful, the model could be expanded to other schools in Rwanda run by the Benebikira sisters organization.
Sulico is social venture to provide community-centric solar energy production and distribute energy as a service in rural Africa. At the MIT Global Challenge: http://globalchallenge.mit.edu/teams/view/125
The Innovation in Diagnostics Initiative aims to address the fragmented and inefficient process of translating point-of-care diagnostic ideas into products for resource-poor settings. The initiative will focus on advancing proof-of-principle devices through prototyping and field testing to help more ideas make it from R&D to adoption and distribution. A diverse team of experts from various backgrounds in engineering, business, medicine, and global health will work with cross-sector partners to rigorously assess technologies and help ensure financial sustainability and market fit.
Using frugal innovation techniques we developed a light, portable endoscopy prototype for a fraction of the price of existing solutions. At the MIT Global Challenge at: http://globalchallenge.mit.edu/teams/view/186
The document discusses The Watt Campaign, a holistic program that empowers students to lead energy efficiency campaigns in their schools. It combines guidance, community, measurement, and incentives to initiate and sustain efficiency programs. The Watt Campaign's tools and resources help students start with a "Vampire Energy Hunt" and continue long-term efficiency efforts. If successful, such behavioral programs could achieve energy savings of 10-30% with no capital costs, freeing up funds that could be used to hire teachers or buy textbooks and computers.
Implement a large scale, affordable, modular, removable and multi-functional rain catchment system. At the MIT Global Challenge: http://globalchallenge.mit.edu/teams/view/170
This document outlines a proposal to develop low-cost math and science lesson plans for blind students in developing countries. The curriculum aims to be implemented cheaply using locally available materials, in order to give blind students access to education. Examples of adaptations include cutting ridges into rulers and cardboard grids that students can feel. The proposal involves examining curricula from schools for the blind, adapting materials, testing sections in summer camps, and distributing the curriculum internationally to help blind students succeed in their education.
Bring cost-effective medical instrument sterilization to district hospitals in Nepal. At the MIT Global Challenge at: http://globalchallenge.mit.edu/teams/view/213
The document summarizes MIT's Global Challenge program which aims to apply MIT's talent to solving humanitarian issues. It discusses using prizes to incentivize innovation in areas where markets fail like agriculture, education, energy, health and more. Students propose solutions which judges may nominate for implementation grants to deploy their ideas in developing countries for a year. Examples are provided of past award winning teams and their projects in areas like eye care in India and energy in Tanzania. Partnerships with communities are said to be critical to the program's success.
The MIT^2 project aims to develop affordable and flexible assistive technology hardware and software that can be used with any Android or laptop device. The Mobile Independence Toolkit allows people with severe physical disabilities to control their environment, communicate, and be entertained through various input methods. In an open source model, the toolkit opens up access to assistive apps for functions like communication, recreation, and environmental control. The goal is to provide a more affordable and customizable alternative to traditional closed and single-function assistive technologies. The team is partnering with an assisted living facility to test using the toolkit to allow residents to control devices like elevators and doors via the facility's wireless environmental control system.
Empowering girls in rural India with the knowledge and skills to navigate their futures. At the MIT Global Challenge: http://globalchallenge.mit.edu/teams/view/142
Identify inner Mongolia system sustainability issue on maintaining grassland for conventional farming behaviors. At the MIT Global Challenge: http://globalchallenge.mit.edu/teams/view/174
1) Over 1.8 million people, mostly children under 5, die each year from water-borne diseases due to a lack of access to clean water and proper testing methods. Communities rely on contaminated water sources like open wells.
2) Current water testing methods are too complicated, expensive, and require resources like electricity that are unavailable in remote areas. Safe Water World is developing affordable, easy-to-use microbial water testing kits for use in field settings.
3) The kits contain tests to detect the presence of bacteria and allow for easy, on-site testing without the need for incubation or expensive equipment. This will empower communities to identify contaminated water sources and seek improvements to access clean water.
This document summarizes a proposed product called iHear, which is an intelligent hearing assistant designed to provide low-cost, accessible hearing diagnosis and enhancement using a smartphone and earbuds. It describes iHear's business model and technology, which includes a free diagnostic hearing test app and a paid hearing enhancement app that creates personalized hearing profiles. The document also introduces the founding team behind iHear.
The document discusses constraints and opportunities for increasing competitiveness in cocoa agriculture by 2020. It outlines IFC's value proposition in agricultural finance through a combination of investment and advisory services. IFC promotes an integrated approach including supply chain linkages, farmer training, and agricultural finance to improve smallholder farmer access to markets, technology, and financing. Supply chain finance differs from traditional agriculture lending by basing lending on cash flows rather than assets and improving risk assessment through supply chain information.
Mobile Apps in Small Scale Agriculture - Matthew de GaleSAFIPA
The document discusses several mobile apps being developed and used in small scale agriculture in Africa to address issues like lack of access to market information, poor livestock recording, and inefficient agro-dealers. It provides details on apps being implemented by partners in Kenya and Zambia to provide services like peer-to-peer market data, community livestock records, and agro-input management that have led to benefits like increased farmer incomes and reduced costs. Critical factors for the success and scaling of these mobile agriculture solutions are also examined.
ANIS2012 workshop_e_agriculture-cross sectoral collaboration for social impactngoinnovation
The document discusses Grameen-Intel's eAgro initiative, which uses an ICT-enabled platform and social entrepreneurship model to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. The initiative addresses farmers' lack of access to inputs, knowledge, financing and markets. It trains local entrepreneurs to collect farm data via software and connect farmers to suppliers, advisors, markets and other services. Early results show increased incomes for farmers and entrepreneurs. The model has potential for replication to benefit farmers, stakeholders and rural communities worldwide.
The HydroHarvest team is seeking funding to install a rainwater harvesting system at the Maranyundo school in Rwanda. The system would provide clean water to 200 students and staff. It would pay for itself in under 3 years through savings from not purchasing water and firewood. It would also provide health benefits and training for the students. If successful, the model could be expanded to other schools in Rwanda run by the Benebikira sisters organization.
Sulico is social venture to provide community-centric solar energy production and distribute energy as a service in rural Africa. At the MIT Global Challenge: http://globalchallenge.mit.edu/teams/view/125
The Innovation in Diagnostics Initiative aims to address the fragmented and inefficient process of translating point-of-care diagnostic ideas into products for resource-poor settings. The initiative will focus on advancing proof-of-principle devices through prototyping and field testing to help more ideas make it from R&D to adoption and distribution. A diverse team of experts from various backgrounds in engineering, business, medicine, and global health will work with cross-sector partners to rigorously assess technologies and help ensure financial sustainability and market fit.
Using frugal innovation techniques we developed a light, portable endoscopy prototype for a fraction of the price of existing solutions. At the MIT Global Challenge at: http://globalchallenge.mit.edu/teams/view/186
The document discusses The Watt Campaign, a holistic program that empowers students to lead energy efficiency campaigns in their schools. It combines guidance, community, measurement, and incentives to initiate and sustain efficiency programs. The Watt Campaign's tools and resources help students start with a "Vampire Energy Hunt" and continue long-term efficiency efforts. If successful, such behavioral programs could achieve energy savings of 10-30% with no capital costs, freeing up funds that could be used to hire teachers or buy textbooks and computers.
Implement a large scale, affordable, modular, removable and multi-functional rain catchment system. At the MIT Global Challenge: http://globalchallenge.mit.edu/teams/view/170
This document outlines a proposal to develop low-cost math and science lesson plans for blind students in developing countries. The curriculum aims to be implemented cheaply using locally available materials, in order to give blind students access to education. Examples of adaptations include cutting ridges into rulers and cardboard grids that students can feel. The proposal involves examining curricula from schools for the blind, adapting materials, testing sections in summer camps, and distributing the curriculum internationally to help blind students succeed in their education.
Bring cost-effective medical instrument sterilization to district hospitals in Nepal. At the MIT Global Challenge at: http://globalchallenge.mit.edu/teams/view/213
The document summarizes MIT's Global Challenge program which aims to apply MIT's talent to solving humanitarian issues. It discusses using prizes to incentivize innovation in areas where markets fail like agriculture, education, energy, health and more. Students propose solutions which judges may nominate for implementation grants to deploy their ideas in developing countries for a year. Examples are provided of past award winning teams and their projects in areas like eye care in India and energy in Tanzania. Partnerships with communities are said to be critical to the program's success.
The MIT^2 project aims to develop affordable and flexible assistive technology hardware and software that can be used with any Android or laptop device. The Mobile Independence Toolkit allows people with severe physical disabilities to control their environment, communicate, and be entertained through various input methods. In an open source model, the toolkit opens up access to assistive apps for functions like communication, recreation, and environmental control. The goal is to provide a more affordable and customizable alternative to traditional closed and single-function assistive technologies. The team is partnering with an assisted living facility to test using the toolkit to allow residents to control devices like elevators and doors via the facility's wireless environmental control system.
Empowering girls in rural India with the knowledge and skills to navigate their futures. At the MIT Global Challenge: http://globalchallenge.mit.edu/teams/view/142
Identify inner Mongolia system sustainability issue on maintaining grassland for conventional farming behaviors. At the MIT Global Challenge: http://globalchallenge.mit.edu/teams/view/174
1) Over 1.8 million people, mostly children under 5, die each year from water-borne diseases due to a lack of access to clean water and proper testing methods. Communities rely on contaminated water sources like open wells.
2) Current water testing methods are too complicated, expensive, and require resources like electricity that are unavailable in remote areas. Safe Water World is developing affordable, easy-to-use microbial water testing kits for use in field settings.
3) The kits contain tests to detect the presence of bacteria and allow for easy, on-site testing without the need for incubation or expensive equipment. This will empower communities to identify contaminated water sources and seek improvements to access clean water.
This document summarizes a proposed product called iHear, which is an intelligent hearing assistant designed to provide low-cost, accessible hearing diagnosis and enhancement using a smartphone and earbuds. It describes iHear's business model and technology, which includes a free diagnostic hearing test app and a paid hearing enhancement app that creates personalized hearing profiles. The document also introduces the founding team behind iHear.
The document discusses constraints and opportunities for increasing competitiveness in cocoa agriculture by 2020. It outlines IFC's value proposition in agricultural finance through a combination of investment and advisory services. IFC promotes an integrated approach including supply chain linkages, farmer training, and agricultural finance to improve smallholder farmer access to markets, technology, and financing. Supply chain finance differs from traditional agriculture lending by basing lending on cash flows rather than assets and improving risk assessment through supply chain information.
Mobile Apps in Small Scale Agriculture - Matthew de GaleSAFIPA
The document discusses several mobile apps being developed and used in small scale agriculture in Africa to address issues like lack of access to market information, poor livestock recording, and inefficient agro-dealers. It provides details on apps being implemented by partners in Kenya and Zambia to provide services like peer-to-peer market data, community livestock records, and agro-input management that have led to benefits like increased farmer incomes and reduced costs. Critical factors for the success and scaling of these mobile agriculture solutions are also examined.
ANIS2012 workshop_e_agriculture-cross sectoral collaboration for social impactngoinnovation
The document discusses Grameen-Intel's eAgro initiative, which uses an ICT-enabled platform and social entrepreneurship model to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. The initiative addresses farmers' lack of access to inputs, knowledge, financing and markets. It trains local entrepreneurs to collect farm data via software and connect farmers to suppliers, advisors, markets and other services. Early results show increased incomes for farmers and entrepreneurs. The model has potential for replication to benefit farmers, stakeholders and rural communities worldwide.
The document discusses India's agriculture sector and ITC's e-Choupal initiative. Some key points:
- Agriculture is the backbone of India's economy, contributing 26% to GDP. However, the sector faces issues like fragmented land holdings and lack of infrastructure.
- ITC launched e-Choupal in 2000 to address these issues. It is a virtual marketplace that allows farmers to sell directly to buyers. Over 4 million farmers in 40,000 villages benefit.
- E-Choupal's success is due to its business model that combines services like weather forecasts and market prices with an effective procurement system. It reduces costs for farmers and increases their incomes.
This document discusses approaches to addressing food insecurity among the poor through microcredit and improved agriculture. It notes that most of the world's poor live in rural areas and rely on agriculture for their livelihoods. New business models and financial products are needed to help small farmers compete in expanding agricultural markets. Microfinance institutions can play a role by providing specialized loans, insurance, and other services tailored to farmers' needs. The use of technologies like mobile phones and innovations in farmer groups can also help reduce costs and improve access to finance for rural agriculture.
This document discusses approaches to addressing food insecurity and rural poverty through microcredit and improved agriculture. It notes that most of the world's poor live in rural areas dependent on agriculture. New business models are needed to make agriculture more competitive and profitable for small farmers. Microfinance institutions can help by providing diverse financial products tailored to farmers and other actors in agricultural value chains. Innovations like mobile phones and improved farmer organizations can also help reduce costs and risks. Partnerships across sectors are important to provide both financial and technical support to small farmers.
The document discusses market led agriculture, including its evolution, key concepts, dimensions, institutions, issues and policies. It provides an introduction to market led agriculture and how the focus has shifted from production-led agriculture to making farmers producers and sellers. It outlines the objectives and roles of extension workers in market led agriculture. It also discusses some of the key institutions, issues around quality standards, infrastructure and information gaps, and different government policy initiatives and future directions.
The document discusses eKutir, a proposed "one stop shop" platform to help meet the credit and knowledge needs of smallholder farmers in India. Currently, smallholder farmers face inadequate and untimely credit from banks and money lenders, lack of concern for their needs, and no value-added services. eKutir would provide online advisory services, inputs, and a credit system to help farmers increase productivity and incomes while reducing risks and costs for banks, micro-finance institutions, traders, and other stakeholders. The proposed approach includes farmer registration and voucher systems, credit cards, risk analysis tools, and monetization of the platform's services.
This document discusses strategies for improving access to financial services for agricultural value chains in Africa. It notes that while over 60% of Africa's population lives rurally and engages in agriculture, the agricultural sector lacks large-scale investment and access to financing. The document outlines challenges like risk, lack of infrastructure and weak market structures that impede agricultural financing. It then discusses various innovations and tools for managing risk and financing along commodity value chains, including microfinance, value chain financing, futures markets, warehouse receipts and using movable assets as collateral. The goal is to develop sustainable and holistic solutions that link smallholder farmers to markets and financial services.
This document summarizes BASIX's experience with agri value chain finance in India. BASIX has provided over $230 million in financing to over 1.05 million customers for agriculture. It uses a "collaborative polygon" model bringing together financial services, technical assistance, input suppliers, output markets, and farmer groups/cooperatives. Some examples discussed are BASIX partnering with Reliance Dairy to finance and provide services to dairy farmers, working with Frito Lays to finance potato farmers, and organizing cotton farmers and providing credit plus services for the cotton value chain. The document also notes some challenges including procurement and default risks, input and crop failures, and sustainability implications.
This document summarizes information about access to agricultural finance. It notes that agriculture accounts for a large percentage of GDP and employment in many developing countries but remains underfinanced. There is a large gap between the demand for smallholder credit and what is available. Productivity and sustainability in the agricultural sector needs to increase to meet growing global food demands. Producer organizations require access to finance, markets, inputs and services to invest in their farms and increase production. The document discusses barriers on both the demand and supply sides of agricultural finance and proposes using assessments of producer organization professionalism to link them to various services and gradually improve their access and performance.
BASIX is a microfinance institution in India that aims to promote sustainable livelihoods for rural communities. It provides integrated financial services and technical assistance. Over time, BASIX transitioned from receiving soft loans and grants to raising commercial equity and debt. It focuses on agri value chains by identifying subsectors, addressing bottlenecks through collaboration, and scaling interventions. BASIX works with farmers, producer organizations, enterprises and markets. It delivers services like credit, training, inputs, and market linkages. Major constraints include access to quality seeds, production issues, post-harvest losses, lack of market information, and processing challenges. BASIX collaborates with partners across the value chain.
The document summarizes ITC's e-Choupal initiative to transform rural agriculture in India. Key points:
- Agriculture faces issues like unfair systems, unprofitability for farmers.
- ITC introduced e-Choupal, using IT kiosks (managed by local leaders) to provide farmers price info, order farm supplies, sell to ITC.
- This allows farmers higher prices, lower input costs, and economic/social development of villages.
- Issues include maintaining commercial volumes, scaling the model, and addressing challenges from shifts in technology/competition.
The document discusses how farm management will change in the 21st century. Future farm managers will need strong decision-making, financial management, and technology skills to adapt to larger farm sizes, more competition, sophisticated consumers, and environmental/health regulations. They will rely heavily on information systems, precision tools, and form alliances/specialize to remain profitable in the changing agricultural landscape.
The document outlines a small-holder poultry farming model to help poor families participate in and benefit from the growing poultry industry in India. It describes organizing small farmers into cooperatives for shared access to inputs, technical support, and marketing. Individual farmers raise 400-700 birds and can earn Rs. 15,000-20,000 annually. The model has demonstrated success in increasing incomes and has potential for further scale and impact.
Digging in deep round 1, thursday, effective partnerships, acumen fundSeas of Change
This document summarizes Acumen Fund's agriculture portfolio. It shows that over 600 million people in Acumen's geographies depend on agriculture for livelihood but earn very low incomes due to low agricultural productivity. Acumen has increased its agriculture investments over 5 years, with the portfolio representing 22% of its total portfolio and 40% of recent investments. The $14.9 million portfolio includes 9 companies receiving both debt and equity investments. Key learnings include challenges in scaling due to farmer dispersion, difficulties adopting new technologies, and a lack of investible seed-stage opportunities in agriculture enterprises.
This document outlines a vision for the future of Moroccan agriculture through 2030. It proposes a strategy called "Green Morocco" to unlock agriculture's potential for socioeconomic development and environmental sustainability. The strategy has two pillars: 1) supporting smallholder farmers as businesses, and 2) developing robust commercial agriculture. It also establishes operating principles and cross-cutting reforms, including improving land tenure, water resources, trade policies, and the business environment. The strategy aims to reliably increase food production using fewer resources through technology and partnerships among stakeholders.
This document discusses key learnings for successful inclusive business models from examples like Grundfos Lifelink, Cemex, ITC eChoupal, and MyC4. Nearly 200 business models have been documented that range from multinational companies to social enterprises. Some benefits of inclusive business models include tapping large, attractive BOP markets, leveraging local innovations globally, and driving resource efficiency innovations. Successful models often involve product or delivery innovations, adapting to local infrastructure conditions, building trust-based relationships, and forming partnerships with non-traditional partners. Overcoming constraints within large organizations requires an intrapreneurial approach of creatively combining limited resources.
Use of It in Agriculture. There are several examples but for example one is addressed. For another green revolution IT is must and farmers should be educated.
15 Years: 15 Lessons in Social EntrepreneurshipRebecca Obounou
In honor of the 15th Anniversary of MIT IDEAS, we've asked our past teams to share their best advice for young social entrepreneurs. Illustrations by Nathan Cooke. http://www.chefcooke.com/
The document summarizes an invitation and agenda for the Generator Dinner on February 21, 2013. It provides information on past winners of the $10,000 team awards and $1,500 community choice awards who will serve on a winners panel. Details are given on eligibility criteria and what the judges will look for in proposals. The event will include opportunities for 60 second pitches and networking at themed tables.
Speed Mentoring with Bose Corporation + MIT IDEAS Global ChallengeRebecca Obounou
The document provides information about several speed mentoring sessions at MIT Sloan on November 14, 2012. It includes details about organizations seeking advice on topics like defining brands, marketing strategies, distribution approaches, and feedback on educational programs. Summaries of individual mentoring sessions are provided on developing natural products in remote communities, creating a used sari marketplace, designing an educational space in China, and an adjustable prosthetic socket technology.
MIT IDEAS Global Challenge Generator Dinner - Fall 2012Rebecca Obounou
The document provides information about the Fall Generator Dinner at MIT that is seeking innovative ideas that can positively change the world. Teams can apply for up to $10,000 in funding and several $1,500 community choice awards. It outlines what the judges will look for in proposals, including team composition, innovation, impact, feasibility, and provides details on how to apply and resources available to help develop proposals.
The document provides information about the Spring Generator Dinner, which funds creative ideas for projects that create positive change globally or locally. Teams can receive up to $10,000 and there are additional community choice awards. Special focus this year is on projects related to waste. Guidelines are provided on assembling a team, developing an idea, and submitting a proposal. Resources and events are also listed to help teams develop their ideas and proposals.
The Global Challenge is an annual competition that has awarded over $300,000 to 78 teams since 2001 to support innovative projects focused on entrepreneurship and public service in 28 countries. Winning teams have developed solutions such as affordable eye exam technologies in India, sustainable lighting in Tanzania, and workshops teaching Android app development to spur social enterprises in India. The application and review process provides guidance to student teams on developing and strengthening their proposals with a focus on innovation, feasibility, impact, and resources.
The document summarizes the MIT Global Challenge, an annual competition that awards up to $10,000 in development grants to student teams working on international development projects. Since 2001, 78 teams have been awarded over $300,000 to work in 28 countries on challenges in various fields. The competition process involves an initial scope statement and development grant submission in November, a full proposal submission in January, and a final presentation and judging session in April where awards are given out. Resources for the competition are also listed.
We held our first ever Throw it Against the IDEAS Wall - a big brainstorming session to discuss the futures worth creating, the problems worth solving and the ideas worth spreading. We're hoping this is a starting point for more.
A unique approach to educating rural subsistence farmers about low-cost agricultural technologies specifically designed to thrive in the harsh central Mexican environment.
On the MIT Global Challenge at: http://globalchallenge.mit.edu/teams/view/214
The document summarizes an education project in Mexico that aims to improve the livelihoods of subsistence farmers through low-cost agricultural technologies. The project focuses on a poor region in Mexico where 300 rural farming communities face issues like poverty, lack of access to information, and low crop yields. The proposed solution is to build small-scale biodigester-greenhouse systems near schools for farmers and students, to generate biogas for cooking and heating greenhouses to increase and diversify crop production year-round.
Shower system unit without dependence on electricity or water grid. Provides safe, comfortable showering experience for user, complete with amenities. Implementation in Kibera, Nairobi, Kenya.
On the MIT Global Challenge: http://globalchallenge.mit.edu/teams/view/139
To bridge the technical divide between those who design appropriate energy technologies and those who utilize them
On the MIT Global Challenge:
http://globalchallenge.mit.edu/teams/view/138
1) Over 1.8 million people, mostly children under 5, die each year from water-borne diseases due to contaminated water sources in many communities. Current water testing supplies are too complicated, expensive, and require resources not available in remote areas.
2) Safe Water World has developed field-ready kits for microbial water testing that are low-cost, easy to use, portable, and do not require incubation. The kits include various tests and materials packaged for use in remote areas.
3) The kits improve upon current testing methods by being lower cost and easier to use while still providing accurate results. Safe Water World aims to empower communities to test their own water and seek improvements, and help organizations identify contaminated water
A new product called the ZimbaPlus system aims to provide safe drinking water from wells to individuals by addressing issues with existing chlorine dispensers. The ZimbaPlus system includes a small storage tank with a tap that holds 5 liters of treated water, allowing individuals to access clean water in small volumes without the inconvenience and waste of typical high-flow dispensers.
This document outlines a proposal to develop low-cost math and science lesson plans for blind students in developing countries. The curriculum aims to be implemented cheaply using locally available materials, in order to give blind students access to education. Examples of adaptations include cutting ridges into rulers and cardboard into grids that students can feel, to allow graphing functions using push-pins. The proposal involves examining curricula from schools for the blind, adapting materials, testing sections in summer camps, and distributing the curriculum internationally to help blind students succeed.
The document describes the InnoBox Science and Engineering Kit, which aims to address educational needs in South Africa. It contains over 50 science and engineering experiments covering various disciplines like biology, physics, chemistry, and engineering. The experiments are designed to be conducted in resource-limited environments using supplies provided. An initial implementation will take place at a school in South Africa to assess the InnoBox and enhance its sustainability and contents. The goal is to provide a multidisciplinary STEM education using a low-cost, portable kit.
The document summarizes a project that tracks the routes of informal recyclers ("catadores") in São Paulo using GPS to understand their foraging strategies. This information could then be turned into an online platform to help catadores formalize and scale up their recycling services by improving coordination between cooperatives and establishing relationships of trust with companies and residents. The goal is to help catadores take advantage of a new Brazilian law recognizing them and leverage technology to strengthen the recycling system through participatory management.
The document proposes using art therapy techniques to help children in Pakistan cope with trauma from the 2010 floods. Over 14 million people were affected by the floods, with 1/5 of the country under water. Art therapy has been shown to be effective for trauma and could help the millions of children suffering from disease, deprivation, and witnessing horrific destruction from the floods. The proposed solution is to use self-sustaining, lightweight, and rapidly deployable art therapy sessions led by local community partners to help children process trauma and accelerate community rebuilding.
MIT Challenge mMitra aims to reduce maternal and child mortality in rural India through mobile phone messages. It will send weekly/monthly text, voice, and animated messages on preventive care and emergency interventions to pregnant women and mothers of children under 5. These culturally appropriate messages in local languages will be developed based on clinical evidence and user feedback. An initial study in 100 villages will test the impact of messages focused on the perinatal period and first month after birth, with the goal of eventually reaching over 5,500 villages across 8 states in India. Revenue from government, organizations, and advertising is estimated to be over $196,000 per year after 6 years of operation.
The document summarizes a proposal to address problems in the rural village of Yele in Sierra Leone by deploying renewable energy and building a community bazaar. Key issues in Yele include lack of electricity, unemployment, food insecurity, and lack of access to healthcare. The proposal involves refurbishing a local hydro power plant to provide electricity, and constructing a central market equipped with electricity, water, refrigeration, internet, and other facilities to enable local entrepreneurs to start businesses and generate income. The community bazaar is expected to boost the local economy, create jobs, improve access to food and medicine, reduce disease and migration to cities. A team of experts will implement and oversee the project.
1. AGROBALANCE
Unleashing Agricultural Productivity through Financial Inclusion
April 2011
Help us transform the lives of 500,000 small farming
households in India by 2016, by empowering them to
access markets and affordable capital (~$200 MM)
AGROBALANCE Team: Meetu Kapur, Susana Ortega-Valle, Lucinio Muñoz
Community Partner: eKutir Rural Management Services Pvt.
0
2. INDIA unmet need - a large financing gap in Agriculture
CONTEXT(1) THE PROBLEM
– Stagnating Agricultural productivity, 2.5% v/s 5% potential
Small Farmers – Limited access to agri-inputs, technology and markets
No leverage to growth – ~100 MM small farmers have no access to formal credit
– Local money lender rates hover at 150%
– Mandate to lend to the Agricultural sector
• 50% of Banks cannot comply to this mandate
• $2 Bln shortfall in mandated agricultural lending “Huge financing gap due
Financial Institutions
– Cost pressure to the lack of viable
Changing Regulation • Interest Rates capped at 24% v/s 31-50%
models enabling financial
– Changing portfolio mix requirements
• Lending for income generating purposes from 25% to 75% inclusion”
SOLUTION - A TWO STEP APPROACH
What? Introduction of efficiencies in the supply chain to improve small farmers’ productivity
• cost-effective aggregation at the farmer level,
• access to quality agri-inputs
1 De-Risk the
Farmer Base
• access of markets, and
• capability building
How? ICT platform + Digitized Agri-Intelligence + Viable Business Model
What? Integrated offering also enabling Financial Institutions access farmers at lower cost by
• enabling individual farmer risk assessment,
2 Enable Farmers
Access Capital
• introducing risk mitigating tools, and
• providing monitoring capabilities
How? Farmer’s data collection + Analytics + Financial Innovation
(1) NABARD; Reserve Bank of India - Priority Sector Lending Status 2009-10; Reserve Bank of India 2011- Malegam Comittee
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(2) Community partner - eKutir, a grass root organization backed by Grameen-Intel Social Venture
3. Step 1 – De-Risk the Farmer Base
Introduction of supply chain efficiencies at the farmer level by leveraging ICT technologies
Demonstrated positive impact on productivity (farmer income) and economical viability
STEP 1: De-Risk the Farmer Base ENABLERS
FARMER ENTREPRENEUR eAGRO System - ICT Platform & Digitized Agri-
Intelligence enabling
Farmer discusses procurement of inputs,
problems, needs,
land status, income
advisory services and
& expenses with the market linkages
Entrepreneur
Business Model - ownership at every level
Profit shared among the entrepreneur, the farmer
The Entrepreneurs enter static
and dynamic data into the community and eKutir
Advisory services and agri- eAgro system
inputs are delivered by the
entrepreneur to the RESULTS – COMMERCIAL PILOT SINCE 2009
Farmer, the farmer pays for
these services eAgro SYSTEM
Size and Impact
eKutir BACKEND 12 entrepreneurs, 6,000 farmer catchment area
40 to 400% income increase per farmer
Financials
Entrepreneurs breakeven in 6 months
Requests are routed to $50K+ turnover per entrepreneur
relevant players or $5K+ entrepreneur profitability
directly answered by the $2.4K+ profit share per entrepreneur
system
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4. Step 2 – Enabling Access to Affordable Capital + Bundled Solution
Develop risk assessment & mitigation tools to help Banks and MFIs service small farming households
Creation of a BUNDLED SOLUTION blending Step 1 and Step 2
STEP 2: Enable Access to Capital BUSINESS MODEL: Bundled Solution (Step 1&2)
STREAM 1 – ICT Tools Licensing (from step 1)
Customer – Companies servicing farmers
Contract farming agents (e.g: Global Agri Systems)
Data NGO’s (e.g: Nageshwar Charitable Trust)
Capture Value Proposition
Reduction of operational costs & traceability of produce
Commodity Prices Value Added Services (VAS) enabled for end customers
(farmers) – agri advisory services, access to credit
Crop Insurance Revenue Model
Risk Analytics & License fee for the use of the ICT tools
Weather Risk
Monitoring Engine Usage fee on VAS
Management
STREAM 2 – Financial Services (from step 2)
“Portfolio of credit worthy
Customer – Financial Institutions
customers accessible at Banks (e.g: ICICI)
lower acquisition & MFIs (e.g: BASIX)
servicing costs” Value Proposition
+ Monitoring Services
Access to new customer base
Reduction in acquisition and servicing cost
Regulatory compliance
Revenue Model
Fees to access customer data & on monitoring services
Commission on credits disbursed
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5. Value Creation
For FARMERS (end customer) For FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
• Demonstrated improvement in yield (~20%) • Access to new customer base
• Demonstrated improvement in income (40-400%) • Reduction in acquisition and servicing costs (2 to 5%)
• Access to affordable capital • Regulatory compliance
STEP 2: Enable Access to Capital Regulatory
Shrinking footprint
Profitability
Farmer protection
Volume
+
Money Lenders
MFI’s
Interest Rates
Banks
-
- Access to Farmer’s Customer Base +
Access to Capital = Multiplier Effect on Agricultural Productivity
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6. Implementation Plan
6 months 12 months
Product
Gap Assessment Product Design
Development Commercial Pilot
Size & expected impact
Risk Assessment Prototype 2,000 farmers, 2 locations
$400,000 in farmer lending
Solution Delivery Farmer income expected to increase ~2X
• MIT Team: 10+ years experienced professionals in Financial Services & ICT
Project Team
• eKutir: 20+ years experienced professionals in Agricultural Lending
• National Bank of Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in India
Strategic Partner
• World Bank Agricultural Risk Management Team
Outreach
• MIT Poverty Action Lab
• Global Agri Systems: leading contract farming player in India
Pipeline of
• Nageshwar Charitable Trust: leading NGO in credit linkages for women
Customers self -help groups in rural India
• Prototype Development ~$ 430 K
Funding Needs
• Commercial Pilot ~$800 K
~$1.3 MM funding needed to get to commercial readiness in 18 months
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