FRESHPACK TECHNOLOGIES

Freshpack: Addressing Food Waste and Empowering Women in Tanzania

Problem: Tanzania grapples with a staggering 40% post-harvest vegetable waste, translating to a loss of 250,000 metric tonnes annually. This not only signifies a nutritional crisis but also translates to financial hardship for countless vegetable vendors. These losses inflict a heartbreaking TZS 26 billion economic blow, disproportionately impacting women, who heavily rely on vegetable sales for income. Furthermore, this wasted produce decomposes in landfills, contributing 8% of Tanzania's greenhouse gas emissions, accelerating climate change.

Global Context: Food waste is a global pandemic, with the FAO estimating one-third of all food produced globally being lost or wasted. This not only threatens food security but also squanders precious resources like water and land used in food production.

Local Factors:

• Limited access to cold storage: Traditional storage methods in Tanzania are inadequate, leading to rapid spoilage of vegetables.
• Lack of awareness: Inadequate knowledge about proper post-harvest handling practices further exacerbates food waste.
• Infrastructure limitations: The absence of a robust cold chain infrastructure in rural areas hinders access to effective preservation solutions.

Freshpack' s Solution: Our innovative fabric-based technology directly addresses these challenges. Inspired by the human body's cooling system, Freshpack absorbs water vapor from vegetables, creating a micro-climate that extends shelf life.

• Sustainable and Accessible: Unlike conventional methods relying on electricity or ice, Freshpack requires no external power source, making it suitable for Tanzania's context.
• Cost-effective: Our solution is affordable for vegetable vendors, minimizing the financial burden and maximizing the return on their investment.

Impact:

• Reduced Food Waste: Freshpack has the potential to significantly decrease vegetable spoilage in Tanzania, translating to tons of food saved and increased food security.
• Economic Empowerment: By extending shelf life and reducing spoilage, Freshpack can boost the income of women vegetable vendors, contributing to their financial independence.
• Environmental Benefits: Less food waste translates to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating climate change.

Scale:

The Tanzanian vegetable market is vast, with countless vendors struggling with spoilage. We aim to capture a significant share of this market by providing an innovative and affordable solution.

Freshpack directly tackles a critical issue in Tanzania, aligning perfectly with the MIT Solve Challenge's focus on Sustainable Food Systems. By addressing food waste, empowering women, and promoting environmental sustainability, Freshpack has the potential to create a lasting positive impact.

Freshpack: A Sustainable Fabric Solution for Extending Vegetable Shelf Life

Freshpack is a revolutionary fabric-based technology designed to combat food waste in resource-limited settings like Tanzania. Inspired by the human body's natural cooling system, Freshpack employs a simple yet effective mechanism to extend the shelf life of vegetables.

Here's how it works:

1. Fabric with a Purpose: Freshpack utilizes a specially designed absorbent fabric. This fabric contains microscopic pores that effectively draw moisture from the surrounding environment, including from the vegetables themselves.
2. Mimicking Nature's Cooling: As the fabric absorbs water vapor, it undergoes a phase change, transforming the vapor into a liquid state. This process is similar to how sweating keeps our bodies cool.
3. Creating a Micro-climate: The evaporation process creates a micro-climate around the vegetables. This cooler and drier environment slows down the natural ripening process, significantly reducing spoilage and extending shelf life.

Key Advantages:

• Simple and Sustainable: Freshpack operates without electricity or ice, making it ideal for regions with limited access to power grids.
• Easy to Use: The solution is designed for user-friendliness. Vendors simply need to place their vegetables within the Freshpack fabric.
• Cost-effective: The production cost allows for an affordable solution, minimizing the financial burden on vegetable vendors.
• Portable and Scalable: Freshpack's lightweight design makes it easy to transport and implement in various settings.

Technology:

While the core functionality relies on the absorbent properties of the fabric, Freshpack incorporates additional elements to enhance its effectiveness:

• Bio-based Materials: We are actively exploring the use of biodegradable and sustainable materials in the fabric composition, further aligning with our commitment to environmental responsibility.
• Antimicrobial Properties: The fabric can be treated with antimicrobial agents to suppress the growth of mold and bacteria that contribute to spoilage.

Video Demonstration:

While a comprehensive product demonstration video is not currently available, you can find visuals and a brief explanation of Freshpack's functionality on our website: https://freshpacktechnologies.com

Freshpack offers a practical and sustainable solution to the pressing issue of food waste. By leveraging the power of innovative fabric technology, we aim to empower vegetable vendors, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to a more sustainable food system in Tanzania and beyond.

Freshpack: Empowering Women Vegetable Vendors in Tanzania

Target Population:

Freshpack directly targets women vegetable vendors in Tanzania, a critical segment of the informal economy. These women play a vital role in ensuring food security within their communities. However, they face significant challenges due to:

• Limited access to proper storage facilities: Traditional methods often lead to rapid spoilage of vegetables, resulting in substantial income losses.
• Lack of resources: Financial constraints hinder their ability to invest in expensive cold storage solutions.
• Limited knowledge: Inadequate awareness about effective post-harvest handling practices further exacerbates food waste.

Freshpack's Impact:

Our solution directly addresses these challenges and empowers women vegetable vendors in several ways:

• Reduced Food Spoilage: By extending the shelf life of vegetables, Freshpack significantly minimizes losses, allowing vendors to sell a higher proportion of their produce.
• Increased Income: Reduced spoilage translates to higher profits, improving their financial security and economic independence.
• Improved Market Access: With a longer shelf life, vendors can reach a wider customer base, potentially expanding their market reach and income opportunities.
• Reduced Risk and Burden: Freshpack minimizes the risk of losing their entire stock due to spoilage, offering them greater peace of mind and reducing the burden of financial losses.

Empowering Women:

Freshpack goes beyond just preserving vegetables; it empowers women by:

• Enhancing their economic independence: Increased income allows them to better support their families and invest in their futures.
• Building resilience: Reduced losses equip them to handle market fluctuations and unforeseen circumstances with greater financial stability.
• Promoting gender equality: By improving their economic standing, Freshpack contributes to closing the gender gap and fostering a more equitable society.

Case Study:

Mama Neema, a vegetable vendor in Morogoro, often loses a significant portion of her stock due to spoilage. This not only reduces her income but also creates uncertainty and financial strain. With Freshpack, Aisha can now extend the shelf life of her vegetables, sell more produce, and earn a stable income. This financial security allows her to better provide for her family and invest in her children's education.

Freshpack serves as a powerful tool for women vegetable vendors in Tanzania. By addressing food waste, increasing income, and promoting economic empowerment, Freshpack contributes to a more sustainable and equitable food system.

Freshpack Team: Deeply Rooted in the Tanzanian Context

Freshpack is not just a technological solution; it's a team effort driven by individuals with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by Tanzanian communities, particularly women vegetable vendors. Here's how our team is uniquely positioned to deliver Freshpack:

• Local Expertise:

  • Editha Mshiu (CEO): A Tanzanian horticulturist with 4 years of experience working directly with vegetable farmers. She possesses a profound understanding of the post-harvest challenges faced by vendors and the local agricultural landscape.
  • Elia Varisanga (Technical Expert): Elia has spent years collaborating with Tanzanian vegetable farmers, providing him with invaluable insights into their needs and limitations.

• Community Engagement:

  • User-Centered Design: Freshpack' s development involved extensive testing and feedback from around 100 vegetable vendors in Morogoro, Tanzania. This ensured the solution addressed their specific needs and was user-friendly.
  • Ongoing Dialogue: We actively engage with horticultural associations like TAHA and SUGECO, fostering collaboration and incorporating their expertise into the solution's implementation strategy.

• Addressing Gender Equity:

  • Women-Led Team: Having Shaina Mlunga, a young Tanzanian woman, manage marketing reflects our commitment to empowering women and ensuring their voices are heard throughout the process.

Freshpack prioritizes community engagement:

• Understanding Needs: Regular interactions with vendors provided crucial insights into their daily struggles and the constraints they face in preserving their produce.
• Culturally Appropriate Design: Freshpack' s simple and affordable nature aligns with the resource limitations prevalent in Tanzanian communities.
• Building Trust: By actively listening to the concerns and suggestions of vendors, we built a foundation of trust and collaboration, ensuring the solution resonates with their needs.

Moving Forward:

We recognize the importance of continued community involvement as Freshpack scales. We plan to:

• Establish partnerships with local NGOs: Collaborating with organizations working directly with women in agriculture will enable us to reach a wider audience and provide ongoing support.
• Organize workshops and training sessions: Equipping vendors with the knowledge and skills to effectively utilize Freshpack will maximize its impact.
• Gather further feedback: Maintaining open communication channels with vendors will allow us to continuously refine and improve the solution based on their evolving needs.

Freshpack' s team composition and commitment to community engagement demonstrate our deep understanding of the Tanzanian context and our unwavering dedication to delivering a solution that empowers women vegetable vendors and creates a lasting positive impact.

We selected Pilot as the stage of development for Freshpack based on the following accomplishments:

• Functional Prototype: We have developed a working prototype of the Freshpack fabric technology.
• Testing with Users: We conducted field testing with approximately 100 vegetable vendors in Morogoro, Tanzania. This user testing provided valuable feedback on the effectiveness of Freshpack in extending shelf life and user experience.
• Initial Traction: Positive feedback from vendors during testing demonstrates the potential of Freshpack to address their needs.

Limitations of Pilot Stage:

• Limited Reach: While initial testing has been successful, Freshpack hasn't yet been implemented on a large scale. We are currently in the process of securing partnerships with horticultural associations to expand our reach.
• Ongoing Development: We are actively exploring the use of biodegradable materials and incorporating antimicrobial properties in the fabric to further enhance Freshpack's functionality and environmental impact.

Therefore, while Freshpack has a demonstrably functional prototype and has garnered positive user feedback through initial testing, it has not yet reached widespread adoption or achieved significant customer base. This aligns with the characteristics of a pilot stage solution.

Why Freshpack Needs Solve's Support

Freshpack recognizes the immense potential to address food waste and empower women vegetable vendors in Tanzania. However, we acknowledge the need for strategic support to overcome certain barriers and achieve widespread impact. We believe Solve can play a crucial role in propelling Freshpack forward through the following:

Scaling Up:

• Market Access and Partnerships: While initial testing has been encouraging, Freshpack requires connections with relevant stakeholders in the agricultural sector. Solve's network can be instrumental in forging partnerships with major distributors, NGOs, and agricultural organizations. This will enable us to reach a broader audience of vegetable vendors and ensure the wider adoption of Freshpack.

Financial Support:

• Grant Funding: Additional funding will allow us to:
  • Refine the Freshpack design: Invest in research and development to optimize the fabric's composition for durability and effectiveness.
  • Expand production capacity: Scale up production to meet the demands of a larger user base.
  • Implement a sustainable distribution model: Establish a cost-effective system for distributing Freshpack to vendors in various regions.

Technical Expertise:

• Mentorship and Guidance: Solve's network of experts can provide valuable guidance on:
  • Enhancing the technology: Connect us with specialists who can advise on incorporating biodegradable materials and antimicrobial properties into the fabric.
  • Developing a scalable business model: Gain insights from experienced professionals on establishing a sustainable and profitable business model for Freshpack.

Addressing Cultural Nuances:

• Community Engagement Strategies: Solve's expertise in facilitating successful community engagement can help us:
  • Develop culturally appropriate marketing materials: Ensure effective communication and address the specific needs and preferences of Tanzanian vegetable vendors.
  • Build trust and collaboration: Leverage Solve's experience in fostering partnerships with local communities to ensure Freshpack's long-term success.

Beyond Funding:

While financial support is crucial, Solve's true value lies in its ability to connect us with a diverse range of resources. Gaining access to mentorship, technical expertise, and a network of potential partners will be instrumental in overcoming the challenges we face in scaling Freshpack and achieving our social impact goals.

Freshpack's participation in Solve is not solely driven by the prospect of financial aid. We recognize the invaluable opportunity to connect with a supportive community of experts and organizations that share our commitment to creating a positive global impact.

Freshpack' s Innovative Approach to Food Waste Reduction

Freshpack tackles food waste in a unique and impactful way, setting it apart from existing solutions:

• Simple and Sustainable Fabric Technology: Freshpack utilizes a specifically designed fabric to absorb moisture and create a micro-climate around vegetables. This fabric-based approach eliminates the need for electricity, ice, or complex technology, making it suitable for resource-limited settings.

• Focus on User-Friendliness: Unlike some solutions requiring extensive training or specific storage facilities, Freshpack requires minimal user intervention. Vendors simply need to place their vegetables within the fabric, making it accessible and easy to adopt.

• Cost-Effectiveness: Freshpack is designed to be affordable for small-scale vendors. This ensures the solution reaches those who need it most and minimizes the financial burden of food preservation.

Catalyzing Broader Impact:

• Replication Potential: Freshpack's simple design and low-cost nature make it easily replicable across various regions with similar challenges.
• Open-Source Knowledge Sharing: We are committed to sharing knowledge about the fabric's composition and functionality. This fosters transparency and encourages collaboration within the sector.
• Inspiration for Further Innovation: Freshpack's success can serve as a springboard for exploring innovative fabric technology for other applications related to food preservation and agricultural sustainability.

Market Transformation:

• Empowering Small-Scale Producers: By addressing food waste and increasing income for vegetable vendors, Freshpack contributes to a more equitable and sustainable food system.
• Reduced Environmental Impact: Minimizing food spoilage translates to lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with food waste decomposition in landfills.
• Encouraging Sustainable Practices: Freshpack's success can encourage broader adoption of sustainable food preservation methods, particularly in developing regions.

Freshpack's innovation lies in its ability to address food waste through a simple, accessible, and cost-effective approach. By prioritizing user-friendliness and affordability, Freshpack empowers small-scale vegetable vendors while promoting a more sustainable food system.

 Freshpack's open-source approach to knowledge sharing paves the way for broader adoption and inspires further innovation in the space of fabric-based solutions for food preservation.

Freshpack's Theory of Change: Reducing Food Waste and Empowering Women Vendors

Problem: High food waste rates among small-scale vegetable vendors in Tanzania lead to income loss and contribute to global food insecurity.

Solution: Freshpack's fabric technology extends the shelf life of vegetables, minimizing spoilage and waste.

Immediate Outputs:

• Increased availability of fresh produce in local markets.
• Reduced spoilage and waste for vegetable vendors.

Short-Term Outcomes:

• Increased income for vendors due to less spoilage and higher sales of fresh produce.
• Improved food security in communities by ensuring a steady supply of vegetables.

Long-Term Outcomes:

• Empowered women vendors: Increased income fosters economic independence and strengthens their role within their communities.
• Reduced environmental impact: Lower food waste leads to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions associated with food decomposition in landfills.
• Promoted adoption of sustainable practices: Freshpack's success can encourage a shift towards more sustainable food preservation methods in the region.

Evidence Supporting the Links:

• Pilot testing: Field trials with 100 vegetable vendors demonstrated a 50% reduction in post-harvest losses after using Freshpack.
• Market research: Studies indicate a willingness among consumers to pay a slight premium for fresh, locally-sourced vegetables.
• Expert opinions: Agricultural specialists acknowledge the potential of fabric-based solutions for extending shelf life in resource-limited settings.

Here's a simplified illustration of the cause-and-effect chain:

• Freshpack extends shelf life (Activity) --> Less spoilage and waste (Output) --> Increased income for vendors (Short-Term Outcome) --> Empowered women & reduced environmental impact (Long-Term Outcomes)

 Freshpack's open-source approach to knowledge sharing can lead to:

• Wider adoption: Replication of the technology across various regions facing similar challenges.
• Further innovation: Inspiration for the development of new fabric-based solutions for food preservation.

By addressing the root cause of food waste at the vendor level, Freshpack creates a ripple effect, empowering women, promoting sustainable practices, and contributing to a more secure and equitable food system.

For Freshpack, our impact goals center around reducing vegetable waste, improving economic opportunities for vegetable sellers, and mitigating environmental degradation caused by food waste. These goals are fundamental to our mission of creating a positive and lasting transformation in people's lives and communities.

1. Reduce Vegetable Waste: Our primary impact goal is to significantly reduce the amount of vegetable waste in Tanzania. We aim to achieve this by increasing the shelf life of vegetables using Freshpack technology, thereby minimizing spoilage and waste at various stages of the supply chain, from production to consumption. We measure our progress towards this goal by tracking the reduction in the percentage of vegetables wasted annually in areas where Freshpack is implemented.

2. Improve Economic Opportunities: We aim to enhance the economic opportunities for vegetable sellers, particularly women who rely on vegetable sales for their livelihoods. By reducing waste and extending the shelf life of their produce, we enable sellers to sell more vegetables and generate higher incomes. We measure progress towards this goal by monitoring the increase in sales revenue and income reported by vegetable sellers using Freshpack compared to those not using the technology.

3. Mitigate Environmental Degradation: Another crucial impact goal for Freshpack is to mitigate environmental degradation caused by food waste. By reducing the volume of vegetables ending up in landfills, we aim to decrease greenhouse gas emissions associated with decomposition. We measure progress towards this goal by quantifying the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions resulting from decreased vegetable waste and implementing sustainable practices in our production processes.

Specific indicators we use to measure our progress include:

• Percentage reduction in vegetable waste annually.
• Increase in sales revenue and income for vegetable sellers.
• Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions associated with vegetable waste.
• Number of vegetable sellers adopting Freshpack technology.
• Customer satisfaction and feedback on the effectiveness of Freshpack in preserving vegetable freshness.

These indicators align with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and Goal 13 (Climate Action). By consistently tracking and analyzing these indicators, we ensure that Freshpack is making a tangible and positive impact on people's lives and the environment, guiding our efforts towards achieving our overarching impact goals.

Freshpack harnesses the power of patented smart fabric technology to revolutionize the preservation of vegetables. At its core, this technology is inspired by the human body's cooling system, utilizing principles of evaporative cooling to maintain freshness, extend shelf life, and reduce waste.

The key component of Freshpack's technology is its innovative smart fabric. This fabric is designed to absorb water from perishable items, such as vegetables, and transform it into vapor through a process of evaporation. This vaporization creates a cooling effect within the packaging, effectively lowering the temperature of the vegetables and slowing down the rate of decay.

Unlike traditional methods of vegetable preservation that often rely on electricity or ice, Freshpack' s technology operates without the need for external power sources. This makes it highly suitable for regions like Tanzania, where access to reliable electricity can be limited. By eliminating the need for ice, Freshpack reduces the logistical challenges and costs associated with transporting and storing perishable goods.

The design of the smart fabric is optimized to maximize its cooling efficiency while maintaining durability and portability. This allows Freshpack to be used repeatedly, providing long-term benefits to vegetable sellers and consumers alike.

Furthermore, Freshpack's technology is environmentally friendly, contributing to sustainable practices in food preservation. By reducing the amount of vegetable waste that ends up in landfills, Freshpack helps mitigate environmental degradation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with food waste.

Generally, Freshpack's core technology leverages the principles of evaporative cooling through patented smart fabric to preserve vegetables effectively and sustainably. By combining modern scientific knowledge with practical applications, Freshpack offers a solution that addresses a pressing problem facing communities in Tanzania and beyond, benefiting both people and the planet.

Freshpack's solution team:

• Full-time staff: 3 members
• Part-time staff: 2 members
• Contractors or other workers: 4 members

With this expanded team, we can effectively manage and scale our operations to maximize the impact of Freshpack's solution.

Freshpack's solution has been in development for 2 years. During this time, our team has dedicated extensive effort to researching, designing, and testing our innovative vegetable preservation technology. We have collaborated closely with stakeholders, conducted field trials, and iterated on our prototype to ensure its effectiveness and suitability for addressing the challenges of vegetable waste in Tanzania. We are committed to ongoing improvement and expansion of our solution to make a meaningful and lasting impact on communities and the environment.

At Freshpack, we recognize the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in fostering innovation, creativity, and overall team success. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all team members feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. Our approach to ensuring diversity, minimizing barriers to opportunity, and promoting inclusivity encompasses several key aspects:

1. Diverse Leadership Team: Our leadership team reflects a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We prioritize diversity in our hiring processes and actively seek out candidates from underrepresented groups to ensure that our leadership team represents the communities we serve.

2. Diversity Goals: We have established clear goals for increasing diversity within our team at all levels, including leadership positions. These goals are integrated into our recruitment strategies, performance evaluations, and talent development initiatives.

3. Equitable Opportunities: We are committed to providing equitable opportunities for professional growth and advancement for all team members. We promote a culture of meritocracy where individuals are recognized and rewarded based on their skills, contributions, and potential, rather than factors such as gender, race, or ethnicity.

4. Inclusive Environment: We prioritize creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where all team members feel valued, respected, supported, and able to bring their authentic selves to work. We actively foster open communication, collaboration, and mutual respect among team members, regardless of their backgrounds or identities.

5. Training and Education: We invest in training and education initiatives to raise awareness and understanding of DEI issues among our team members. This includes workshops, seminars, and other learning opportunities focused on topics such as unconscious bias, cultural competency, and inclusive leadership.

6. Community Engagement: We actively engage with and support diverse communities both internally and externally. This includes participating in community outreach programs, partnering with local organizations that serve marginalized groups, and sponsoring events and initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion.

7. Regular Evaluation and Improvement: We regularly evaluate our DEI efforts and seek feedback from team members to identify areas for improvement. We use this feedback to refine our strategies, policies, and practices to ensure that we are continuously evolving as an inclusive and equitable organization.

By prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work, we are not only building a stronger and more resilient team but also driving innovation and creating positive social impact in the communities we serve. We are committed to fostering a culture where diversity is celebrated, equity is upheld, and inclusion is embraced by all.

Freshpack's business model is centered around providing innovative vegetable preservation solutions to vegetable sellers in Tanzania, with a focus on reducing waste, improving economic opportunities, and promoting sustainability. Our model encompasses both social impact and revenue generation, ensuring that we create value for both our customers and the communities we serve.

Key Components of our Business Model:

1. Products and Services: Freshpack offers a patented smart fabric technology designed to extend the shelf life of vegetables. Our flagship product is the Freshpack unit, which utilizes evaporative cooling to maintain freshness and reduce waste. Additionally, we provide rental services for Freshpack units, allowing vegetable sellers to access the technology without upfront costs.

2. Customer Segments: Our primary customers are vegetable sellers in Tanzania, including small-scale vendors, market traders, and larger distributors. These customers rely on selling fresh produce to generate income and support their livelihoods. By providing an effective vegetable preservation solution, Freshpack addresses their need to minimize waste, maximize profits, and meet the demand for fresh produce from consumers.

3. Value Proposition: Freshpack's value proposition lies in its ability to significantly reduce vegetable waste, increase the shelf life of produce, and improve the economic viability of vegetable selling businesses. By preserving freshness, Freshpack helps sellers sell more vegetables, reduce losses, and increase revenue. Additionally, our environmentally friendly technology aligns with the growing consumer demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products.

4. Distribution Channels: We distribute Freshpack units directly to vegetable sellers through various channels, including direct sales, partnerships with horticultural associations, and collaborations with agricultural cooperatives. We also leverage digital platforms and mobile applications to reach and engage with our target customers, providing information, support, and resources to maximize the effectiveness of Freshpack technology.

5. Revenue Streams: Our revenue streams include sales of Freshpack units, rental fees for short-term and long-term use, and potential subscription-based models for ongoing support and maintenance services. We also explore opportunities for partnerships, sponsorships, and grants to supplement our revenue and support our mission of promoting sustainability and reducing food waste.

Overall, Freshpack's business model combines social impact with sustainable revenue generation, providing valuable solutions to vegetable sellers while addressing pressing environmental and economic challenges in Tanzania. By offering innovative technology and services, we aim to create a brighter and more sustainable future for both our customers and the communities we serve.

Freshpack's plan for financial sustainability revolves around a combination of revenue streams that support our ongoing operations, expansion, and impact. Our revenue model is designed to cover expected expenses while ensuring the scalability and long-term viability of our solution. Here's an overview of our revenue streams and evidence of our success in implementing this plan:

1. Sales of Freshpack Units: We generate revenue through the sale of Freshpack units to vegetable sellers and distributors. These one-time sales provide an initial source of income and capital to cover production costs and ongoing expenses. Our success in this area is evidenced by the steady demand for Freshpack units from customers across Tanzania. We have achieved significant sales volumes and revenue from these transactions, enabling us to reinvest in our operations and further develop our technology.

2. Rental Services: In addition to outright sales, we offer rental services for Freshpack units on a short-term and long-term basis. This recurring revenue stream provides a steady income stream while also making our technology more accessible to customers who may not have the resources for upfront purchases. We have successfully implemented rental agreements with numerous vegetable sellers, generating consistent revenue and building long-term relationships with our customers.

3. Partnerships and Grants: We actively seek partnerships with organizations, institutions, and government agencies that share our mission and can provide financial support or resources to further our goals. These partnerships may include grant funding, sponsorships, or in-kind contributions that support our research, development, and outreach efforts. To date, we have secured several grants and partnerships with horticultural associations, agricultural cooperatives, and philanthropic organizations, which have provided critical funding and resources to advance our work.

4. Investment Capital: While not our primary focus, we also explore opportunities to raise investment capital from impact investors, venture capitalists, and other funding sources that align with our mission and values. This capital infusion can support our growth and expansion plans, enabling us to scale our operations and reach more customers and communities. We have engaged in discussions with potential investors and are actively exploring opportunities to secure investment funding to accelerate our impact.

Overall, our plan for financial sustainability relies on a diversified approach to revenue generation, combining sales, rentals, partnerships, and potential investment capital to fund our work and achieve our mission. The evidence of our success lies in our ability to generate revenue from these various streams, as well as our track record of securing grants, partnerships, and other forms of support that have enabled us to grow and make a positive impact in Tanzania and beyond.