Postharvest Technology Businesses for MSMEs across sub-Saharan Africa

Key Features

Bountifield addresses the gap in postharvest technology markets and the consequent food loss that occurs from manual labor in processing food throughout Africa.

Our solution is not the sale of one tool, but our ability to develop small-scale agro-processing businesses with: a) a portfolio of Bountifield-approved tools; b) tailored training and services; and c) shared financing and business development. Our solution is both flexible and tailored to local needs. It is based on a one-to-many approach, allowing us to reach millions more people with technology.

In Malawi, technology includes our manual sheller and an imported motorized sheller for peanuts. Our manual sheller has a breakage and efficiency rate of 2% and 85%, respectively, and can shell 40kg/hour. It is portable and designed for household use. The imported motorized sheller has a breakage and efficiency rate at 3% and 90%, respectively, and is able to shell 300kg/hour.

In Senegal and other countries, technology includes our Ewing Multi-Crop Grinder, which is a multi-functional burr mill technology that can be used to produce a variety of value-added products like flour from grain or a creamy paste from roasted nuts. It is designed to be either hand-operated or motorized, making it compatible to the needs and resources of the end-user. Its output ranges from 50kg per hour (manual) up to 300kg per hour (motorized) depending on the type of crop. It is portable and durable.

In Kenya, technology includes an imported motorized multi-crop thresher for sorghum, millet, green grams and pigeon peas, and rice. The thresher’s output is between 450-600kg per hour. We are also collaborating with Kenyatta University to do early testing and commercialization of their solar biomass dryer, primarily for cassava.

With our solution, we are able to greatly increase the supply of nutritious food and income. Farmers benefit directly with time saved and additional income. New employment is created for women and youth as business owners and operators. Food buyers receive more quality supply. Tool suppliers are incentivized through more local demand. Our solution promotes long-term self-sufficiency at the local level rather than dependence and vulnerability to fluctuations in larger food markets. It rebuilds broken food systems and has the potential to benefit hundreds of millions of people.

Social Impact

Bountifield came to its solution after decades of developing tools for smallholder farmers in developing countries. We learned that the biggest challenge to address hunger and poverty is in sub-Saharan Africa, and that food loss is a huge problem. We also learned that women spend hours of their day processing and preparing food for their families. Smallholder farmers need mechanization, but they cannot pay directly for processing equipment. That said, small-scale service operators can purchase equipment and help even more farmers. We have come to understand that gaps in the supply and demand for equipment are a major barrier in poor rural communities. So, we work to fill in the gaps in the technology market – both on the supply side and the demand side. In Kenya, for example, Bountifield has worked with the local private sector to test, procure and place a multi-crop thresher with a female entrepreneur in Western Kenya who, as a result, is now processing for 1,000 sorghum producers. We provide her with technical and business training so that she can continue with her business and expand it with a larger portfolio of tools (business in a box). We are also helping to save more time and labor that would normally be spent through manual processing.

Future Plans

Bountifield has a plan to positively impact 10 million African people by 2030 with its solution. We plan to a) expand the number of Bountifield-approved tools that help to process nutritious, staple crops; b) expand the number postharvest technology entrepreneurs; and c) expand across multiple countries. To do this, we are seeking donor funding and private investment.

Main Target Group

NGOs, governments, food buyers, technology suppliers, MFIs, donors, and investors.

Main User

Small-scale entrepreneurs and farmers.

Price (in USD)

Bountifield-approved tools range from $500-$5,000, and the overall price for a business in a box depends on the price of the tool, the service, and the country context.