Task: Pitching about a startup mobile application (product) for any development project
Course Code and Name: MSJ3261 ICT for Development
Project Name: “OrganicFoodChainBD” – Empowering Organic Farmers of Bangladesh and Generating a Food Chain Management from Farmers to Consumers.
Project Date: Summer 2023
Project Type: Individual
Project Completed on Semester No: 11
CI Theme of the Term: Group Polarization
Project Description:
The course MSJ3261 ICT for Development included ICT based development projects in which the students had to create a startup pitch deck about any product. In this regard, I have chosen the topic “OrganicFoodChainBD” – Empowering Organic Farmers of Bangladesh and Generating a Food Chain Management from Farmers to Consumers. The “OrganicFoodChainBD” project required developing a mobile application with the intention of empowering organic farmers in Bangladesh by way of connecting directly with consumers. It is an e-marketplace; transparently and sustainably generating a food value chain with no intermediaries for equitable trade. The app contributes to the socioeconomic development of the farmers by encouraging organic farming and improving their access to markets, while providing consumers with healthier, chemical-free food options.
Project Justification:
The “OrganicFoodChainBD” app addresses several critical issues faced by Bangladeshi organic farmers, such as low market prices due to middlemen, lack of access to price information, and inadequate infrastructure. The application helps the farmers and consumers interact directly, hence increasing market transparency and enabling equitable prices to encourage organic farming. It helps farmers have economic power by catering to emerging consumers’ demand for safe and organic food. This is aligned with the Group Polarization CI theme of dealing with systemic inequities within agricultural markets.
DEPARTMENT OF MEDIA STUDIES AND JOURNALISM
Course Name: ICT for Development
Course Code: MSJ3261
Term: Summer 2023
Section: 01
Assignment: Startup
Total Marks: 20
Submitted To
Dilshad Hossain Dodul
Senior Lecturer
Bachelor of Social Science
Media Studies and Journalism Department
University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB)
Delivered By:
Zakia Sultana Sanam
ID: 201012045
Date of Submission: Tuesday, July 25, 2023, 12:00 AM
Start-up Instructions
01. About Target audience (service provider/s, Client/s), how are they going to involve in the app)
About the Product (Including Funding, Distribution and Promotion).
03. Design Interface and a brief discussion about the Features of the app
04. Presentation
Assessment Rubric:
01. Product Idea and Target Audience: 5
02. Features and Interfaces: 10
03. Presentation: 5
Deadline: September 3rd
Executive Summary
OrganicFoodChainBD is a mobile application designed to empower and economically develop organic farmers in Bangladesh. The app aims to promote organic farming practices, connect farmers with consumers, and create a sustainable marketplace for organic food items. By leveraging technology, OrganicFoodChainBD will contribute to the social and economic development of organic farmers while promoting healthy and sustainable food choices across Bangladesh.
The Idea
Our mission is to empower organic farmers in Bangladesh by connecting them with consumers through a mobile application that promotes organic farming and offers access to organic food items. Our vision is to create a sustainable ecosystem where farmers are economically empowered and consumers have easy access to organic food items. We aim to support growth and development by providing technological support, training, and direct connections between farmers and consumers, increasing demand and quality of organic products while improving farmers’ livelihoods.
Motivation
The motivation behind the application is to empower poor farmers of Bangladesh. Bangladesh has experienced significant economic growth over the past few decades. While poverty rates have declined in Bangladesh, a significant portion of the population still lives below the poverty line. Income inequality remained an issue, with a concentration of wealth in urban areas and among certain segments of the population. Agriculture is a vital sector in Bangladesh, employing a large portion of the population. Rice is a staple crop, and the country has made progress in achieving self-sufficiency in rice production. Other crops like jute, tea, and vegetables also contribute to the agricultural economy. The agricultural market in Bangladesh often involves intermediaries, or middlemen, who buy crops from farmers and then sell them to wholesalers or retailers. These middlemen may manipulate prices in their favor, resulting in farmers receiving lower prices for their produce. Farmers of Bangladesh also have other several issues like lack of price information, infrastructure and transportation issues, Lack of Storage and Processing Facilities, Limited Access to Credit, and obviously lack of technological knowledge. This app will solve all these problems of Bangladeshi farmers and provide a healthy and eco-friendly food chain from farmers to consumers of Bangladesh. Another motivation behind the app is to ensure safe and natural foods for the consumers and help them to live healthy and long lives. Food safety, nutrition, and food security are closely linked, as unsafe food can cause over 200 diseases, including diarrhea, cancer, and long-term health issues. The World Health Organization estimates that 600 million people worldwide fall ill after eating contaminated food, with 420,000 dying every year. This leads to a loss of 33 million healthy life years and a loss of US$ 110 billion in productivity and medical expenses. The app aims to promote sustainable agriculture, responsible consumption, and the well-being of both people and the planet.
The Big Problem and Current Situation
The issue of farmers in Bangladesh not receiving fair prices for their crops can be attributed to a combination of factors, many of which are complex and interconnected. Here are some of the key factors contributing to this problem:
Key Factors:
01. Market Dynamics and Middlemen: The agricultural market in Bangladesh often involves intermediaries, or middlemen, who buy crops from farmers and then sell them to wholesalers or retailers. These middlemen may manipulate prices in their favor, resulting in farmers receiving lower prices for their produce. Lack of transparency in pricing and limited access to direct markets can exacerbate this issue.
02. Lack of Price Information: Many farmers in Bangladesh lack access to reliable and timely market information that would help them understand the demand and supply situation and make informed decisions about when and where to sell their crops. This information gap can leave farmers vulnerable to exploitation by middlemen.
03. Infrastructure and Transportation: Inadequate infrastructure, including transportation and storage facilities, can lead to post-harvest losses and reduced market access. This can force farmers to sell their crops quickly and at lower prices to avoid spoilage.
04. Limited Bargaining Power: Small-scale farmers often lack bargaining power when dealing with larger buyers, including middlemen and traders. This power imbalance can result in farmers accepting lower prices due to their limited ability to negotiate.
05. Price Fluctuations: Agricultural markets are prone to price fluctuations due to factors like weather conditions, supply and demand imbalances, and global market trends. These fluctuations can lead to situations where farmers sell their crops at lower prices during periods of oversupply.
06. Lack of Storage and Processing Facilities: Many farmers lack access to proper storage and processing facilities, which can lead to spoilage and decreased quality of crops. This limits their ability to wait for better prices and puts pressure on them to sell quickly.
07. Lack of Agricultural Diversification: Overreliance on a few crops, such as rice or jute, can lead to price volatility if market conditions for these crops become unfavorable. Diversifying crops could help mitigate the impact of price fluctuations.
08. Limited Access to Credit: Farmers’ limited access to credit can force them to sell their crops immediately after harvest to meet immediate financial needs. This rush to sell can result in lower prices.
09. Policy and Regulatory Issues: Government policies related to agricultural pricing, subsidies, and trade can influence the prices farmers receive for their crops. If policies are not effectively implemented or are skewed in favor of certain stakeholders, farmers might not benefit equitably.
10. Lack of Farmer Organizations: Strong farmers’ organizations can play a role in collective bargaining and advocating for fair prices. In some cases, the absence of such organizations can make it difficult for farmers to voice their concerns effectively.
11. Growing demand for organic food: There is an increasing awareness and preference for organic food among consumers in Bangladesh.
12. Limited access to organic markets: Organic farmers face challenges in reaching a wider consumer base due to limited distribution channels.
13. Lack of information and resources: Organic farmers lack access to comprehensive information, resources, and networks to enhance their farming practices and market reach.
- reach.
Impacts on Food and Lands:
Again, excessive use of insecticides and fertilizers in Bangladesh can lead to various forms of pollution, affecting both the environment and food safety. Here are some of the ways in which this issue impacts Bangladeshi foods and lands:
01. Water Pollution: Insecticides and fertilizers can leach into the soil and contaminate groundwater and surface water bodies such as rivers and lakes. This pollution can affect the quality of drinking water and aquatic ecosystems. Pesticides like organophosphates and herbicides like glyphosate are of particular concern.
02. Soil Contamination: The overuse of fertilizers can lead to soil degradation and loss of soil fertility. Chemical residues from pesticides and fertilizers can accumulate in the soil over time, disrupting natural soil processes and impacting soil health.
03. Food Contamination: Residues of pesticides and fertilizers can remain on crops even after they are harvested. If not properly washed or treated, these residues can enter the food chain and pose risks to human health. Consuming foods with high pesticide residues can lead to acute or chronic health issues.
04. Health Risks: Excessive exposure to pesticides can lead to health problems among agricultural workers and communities living in close proximity to farms. This includes skin disorders, respiratory issues, and more serious health conditions in the long term.
05. Biodiversity Loss: Pesticides can harm non-target organisms, including beneficial insects, pollinators, and soil microbes. This can disrupt ecosystems and harm biodiversity, impacting the overall health of agricultural systems.
06. Resistance and Pest Outbreaks: Overuse of pesticides can lead to the development of resistance in pests, making them less susceptible to the chemicals. This can result in pest outbreaks that are difficult to control, leading to increased pesticide use and exacerbating the problem.
07. Environmental Degradation: Pollution from pesticides and fertilizers can contribute to broader environmental degradation, including the degradation of aquatic ecosystems, soil erosion, and disruption of natural cycles.
08. Lack of Integrated Pest Management: A lack of knowledge and awareness about sustainable agricultural practices, such as integrated pest management (IPM), can contribute to the excessive use of chemicals. IPM involves a combination of strategies to manage pests while minimizing the use of pesticides.
Necessity of Food Chain Network
The necessity of establishing an organic food chain network in Bangladesh is driven by the urgent need to address the issues of food contamination caused by excessive chemical use in agriculture. This network would focus on promoting organic farming practices and creating a sustainable and safer food production and distribution system. Here are several reasons why such a network is essential:
01. Health Concerns: The excessive use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers can lead to residues in crops, which can have adverse health effects when consumed by humans. Organic farming avoids the use of synthetic chemicals, resulting in food that is healthier and safer for consumers.
02. Consumer Demand: There is a growing consumer demand for safe and chemical-free food products. Establishing an organic food chain network can cater to this demand and build trust among consumers that the food they are buying is free from harmful chemicals.
03.Environmental Conservation: Organic farming practices prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and reduced environmental impact. By avoiding chemical inputs, organic agriculture helps preserve ecosystems, maintain water quality, and mitigate pollution.
04. Soil and Water Quality: Chemical-intensive farming practices can degrade soil quality and contaminate water bodies through runoff. Organic farming focuses on improving soil health and reducing water pollution.
05. Biodiversity Protection: Organic farming encourages the use of diverse crops, crop rotation, and natural pest control methods. This approach supports biodiversity by creating habitats for beneficial insects, birds, and other organisms.
06. Reduced Pesticide Resistance: Organic farming’s emphasis on integrated pest management helps prevent the development of pesticide-resistant pests, which can become a major problem in chemical-intensive farming.
07. Economic Sustainability: Organic farming can lead to improved livelihoods for farmers by reducing input costs and enhancing the value of organic produce in the market.
08. Climate Resilience: Organic farming practices, such as agroforestry and improved soil management, can contribute to climate resilience and carbon sequestration.
09. Export Opportunities: Organic products are often in demand in international markets. Developing an organic food chain network could open up export opportunities for Bangladeshi farmers.
10. Government Initiatives: Many governments worldwide are promoting organic agriculture as part of sustainable development strategies. Establishing an organic food chain network aligns with global sustainability goals.
Necessary Actions
To establish an effective organic food chain network, several actions are necessary:
👉 Awareness and Training: Farmers need training and support in transitioning to organic farming methods.
👉 Certification and Standards: A robust certification system is needed to verify organic practices and ensure the integrity of organic products.
👉 Research and Extension: Investment in research and extension services can provide farmers with knowledge about effective organic practices.
👉 Market Development: Developing markets for organic products through consumer education and marketing initiatives is crucial.
👉 Policy Support: Government policies should support organic farming through incentives, research funding, and regulatory frameworks.
Project Objectives
The objectives of this project are:
01. To create a user-friendly mobile application that connects organic farmers with consumers and technological stuff (e.g. local NGOs, local Government organization, hired staff, local organization staff).
02. To provide a platform for organic farmers to showcase and promote their products.
03. To ensure the authenticity and quality of organic farms and products through verification and certification processes.
04. To educate and raise awareness among consumers about the benefits of organic farming and organic food items.
05. To facilitate direct transactions between organic farmers and consumers, eliminating intermediaries and ensuring fair prices for both parties.
06. To foster a community of organic farmers and consumers, encouraging knowledge sharing and collaboration.
07. To contribute to the social and economic development of organic farmers in Bangladesh by increasing their income and improving their living conditions.
Target Market
Our target market includes organic farmers, consumers who are interested in organic food items, and businesses that support organic farming.
Features of the Mobile Application:
01. Farmer Profiles: OrganicFoodChainBD will allow farmers to create profiles showcasing their farms, products, and farming practices. This will help consumers learn about the farmers and build trust in their products.
02. Product Listings: Farmers can list their organic food items, including fruits, vegetables, dairy products, grains, and more. Consumers can browse and purchase these items directly from the app.
03. Online Marketplace: OrganicFoodChainBD will provide a platform for farmers to sell their products online, eliminating the need for intermediaries and ensuring fair prices for both farmers and consumers.
04. Certification and Verification: The app will verify and certify farmers who follow organic farming practices, ensuring that consumers can trust the authenticity of the products they purchase.
05. Education and Resources: OrganicFoodChainBD will offer educational materials, articles, and resources about organic farming practices, helping farmers improve their techniques and stay updated with the latest trends.
06. Community and Networking: The app will facilitate networking and communication among organic farmers, allowing them to share knowledge, experiences, and collaborate on projects.
07. Delivery and Logistics: OrganicFoodChainBD will partner with logistics companies to provide efficient and reliable delivery services for farmers to reach their customers across Bangladesh.
08. Admin Panel: The app will include an admin option for the maintenance and verification of organic farms, farmers, and their products. The admin panel will allow for the verification and approval of organic farms and farmers, ensuring that they meet the necessary organic farming standards. Additionally, the admin panel will be responsible for monitoring and maintaining the app, ensuring its functionality and security.
09. Farmer’s Corner: The app will provide a farmer’s corner which will include the education and resources section. Farmers can have one to one communication with the technological staff. They will get several other supports from this section.
Marketing and Revenue Generation
01. Partnerships: Collaborate with organic farming associations, NGOs, and government agencies to promote the app and gain support.
02. Social Media Marketing: Utilize social media platforms to create awareness about organic farming, the app, and the benefits of organic food.
03. TV Commercials: TV commercials can be made for frequent and mass advertisement.
04. In-App Advertising: Offer advertising space to organic food businesses, promoting their products to app users.
05. Subscription Model: Offer premium features and services to farmers and consumers through a subscription-based model.
06. Commission on Sales: Generate revenue by charging a small commission fee on each transaction made through the app.
07. Sponsorship: Seek sponsorship from companies and organizations aligned with the mission of OrganicFoodChainBD.
08. Premium features: Additional features, such as enhanced product visibility or marketing services, can be offered to farmers for a subscription fee.
09. Influencer marketing: Collaborate with influencers and bloggers in the organic food and farming niche to endorse the app.
Financial Projections and Cost Estimation
👉 Development and maintenance costs: Estimating the cost of app development, server maintenance, and regular updates.
👉 Marketing and promotion expenses: Allocating a budget for digital marketing, influencer collaborations, and offline promotional activities.
👉 Revenue projections: Estimating revenue based on the expected number of transactions, commission fees, and potential premium feature subscriptions.
Estimating the cost for a startup mobile application involves considering various factors that contribute to development, design, testing, launch, and ongoing maintenance. Again, estimating the cost for creating an organic food chain network involves considering various aspects related to sourcing, production, distribution, retail, and operational expenses.
Initially, we can start with a budget of 20 lacs taka and conduct a pilot project with the app. After evaluating the outcomes from the pilot project, we can set our work scope and estimate the complete project cost.
Funding
The OrganicFoodChainBD app can be funded through various sources such as grants, investments, sponsorship, and crowdfunding campaigns. Additionally, partnerships with organic farming organizations and government initiatives can also provide financial support.
Distribution
The app can be distributed through popular app stores such as Google Play Store and Apple App Store. It can also be promoted and distributed through organic farming events, workshops, and collaborations with organic farming associations.
Promotion
The promotion of the OrganicFoodChainBD app can be done through various channels. This includes online marketing through social media platforms, tv commercials, organic farming blogs, and websites. Offline promotion can be done through print media, organic farming conferences, and word-of-mouth referrals. Additionally, partnerships with organic food stores and restaurants can also help in promoting the app.
App Implementation
Creating a startup mobile app involves several steps, from ideation to development, testing, and launch. Here’s a general overview of the steps of app implementation:
👉 Design and User Experience (UX/UI): Designing the app’s user interface (UI) and user experience (UX). Creating wireframes, mockups, and prototypes to visualize the app’s design.
👉 Technical Feasibility: Determining the technology stack required for the app (e.g., native, cross-platform, web app).
👉 Development: Hiring a development team and developing the app’s front-end and back-end components.
👉 Testing and Quality Assurance: Conducting thorough testing to identify and fix bugs and issues. Testing the app on various devices and platforms to ensure compatibility.
👉 App Store Guidelines: Preparing the app to meet the guidelines of app stores (e.g., Apple App Store, Google Play Store). Creating app store listings, icons, and screenshots.
👉 Deployment: Submitting the app to the respective app stores for approval. Preparing a marketing plan for the launch.
👉 Marketing and Promotion: Developing a marketing strategy to promote the app. Utilizing various channels such as social media, content marketing, paid advertising, and PR.
👉 Launch: Releasing the app on the respective app stores when approved. Monitoring user feedback and addressing any issues promptly.
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Process Implementation
Implementing the process of creating an organic food chain network involves several steps and requires careful planning and execution. Here’s the steps of the process implementation:
01. Sourcing and Farming: Establishing partnership with organic farms or farmers that meet our standards. Implementing organic farming practices, including soil management, pest control, and crop rotation, to ensure the quality of the product.
02. Processing and Manufacturing: Setting up processing and manufacturing facilities if needed, adhering to organic processing guidelines. Sourcing organic ingredients and materials for processing. Implementing quality control measures to maintain organic integrity.
03. Distribution and Logistics: Developing a distribution network that ensures the freshness and quality of your organic products. Investing in refrigerated storage and transportation to maintain product integrity. Establishing partnerships with distributors and retailers to reach a wider audience.
04. E-commerce Platform: We will use the app as the e-commerce platform.
05. Marketing and Branding: Developing a strong brand identity that emphasizes the organic and sustainable aspects of your products. Implementing marketing strategies to raise awareness and educate consumers about the benefits of organic food. Considering certifications and labels, such as USDA Organic, to enhance trust and credibility.
06. Personnel and Training: Hiring and training staff who are knowledgeable about organic farming and processing methods. Ensuring that all employees are aware of and adhere to organic standards.
07. Supply Chain Management: Implementing effective supply chain management practices to reduce waste and minimize environmental impact. Establishing relationships with suppliers and partners committed to sustainability.
08. Customer Engagement: Engaging our customers through various channels, including social media, newsletters, and educational content. Gathering feedback and adapting your products and services based on customer preferences.
09. Scaling and Expansion: Monitoring the performance of our organic food chain network and preparing to scale up operations or expand into new markets as demand grows.
10. Continuous Improvement: Regularly reviewing and improving processes, product offerings, and sustainability practices. Staying informed about industry trends and emerging technologies.
Modules of the App
The interface of the mobile application will have multiple modules to provide a comprehensive experience to users. Some potential modules could include:
01. Home: Providing an overview of the app’s features and updates.
02. Organic Farms Directory: Listing verified organic farms and their details.
03. Product Catalog: Showcasing organic food items available for purchase.
04. Ordering and Payment: Allowing users to place orders and make secure payments.
05. Delivery Tracking: Enabling users to track the status of their orders.
06. Farmer Profiles: Highlighting the stories and achievements of organic farmers.
07. Education and Resources: Providing information on organic farming practices and resources.
08. Community Forum: Facilitating discussions and knowledge-sharing among users.
09. Ratings and Reviews: Allowing users to rate and review organic farms and products.
10. Notifications: Sending updates, offers, and reminders to users.
11. Admin Panel: Accessible only to the admin for managing and verifying farms, farmers, and app maintenance.
These modules can be customized based on the specific requirements and priorities of the start-up.
Primary and Secondary Stakeholders
The primary stakeholders may include –
01. OrganicFoodChainBD team: The developers, designers, project managers, and other members directly involved in the app’s development and maintenance.
02. OrganicFarmers: Farmers who will use the app to manage their organic farming practices, access information, and connect with buyers or suppliers.
03. Consumers: Individuals or businesses interested in purchasing organic products through the app.
The secondary stakeholders may include –
01. Suppliers: Companies or individuals who provide organic farming supplies, equipment, or services to organic farmers using the app. E.g. Bengal Organics, Biofarms Bangladesh, Organic Farming Bangladesh.
02. Service providers: These can include delivery personnel, packaging suppliers, and other professionals who offer services related to organic farming and food production. They are secondary stakeholders as the app may provide them with opportunities for business and collaboration. E.g. Pathao delivery, Uber delivery.
03. Government Agencies: Organizations responsible for regulating and supporting organic farming practices in the region. E.g. Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Ministry of Food.
04. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs): NGOs working in the field of sustainable agriculture and rural development may have an interest in supporting and collaborating with the OrganicFarmBD mobile application. E.g. Practical Action Bangladesh, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Grameen Krishi Foundation (GKF), Bangladesh Organic Agriculture Network (BOAN), BRAC.
05. Environmental Organizations: Non-profit or advocacy groups focused on promoting sustainable agriculture and organic farming methods. E.g. Ministry of Environments and Forests, Nayakrishi, Bangladesh Environmental Network (BEN)
06. Financial Institutions: Banks or investors who may have a financial interest in supporting the app’s success. E.g. Grameen Bank, Bangladesh Bank, BRAC, ASA.
07. Investors: They are stakeholders as they provide financial support for the app’s development and expect returns on their investment. E.g. Bangladesh Venture Capital Limited (BVCL), Startup Bangladesh.
08. Technology partners: Companies or individuals involved in the development and maintenance of the app are also stakeholders as they contribute to the success and functionality of the platform. E.g. Grameen phone, Robi Axiata Limited, Banglalink.
09. Competitors: Other companies or apps in the organic farming or food industry may have an interest in monitoring the progress and impact of OrganicFarmBD.
10. Local communities: They can be stakeholders as the app’s success may have a positive impact on the local economy and environment, promoting sustainable practices and supporting local farmers.
11. Payment gateway providers: These are the companies or platforms that facilitate secure online transactions between the consumers and the organic farmers. Examples include mobile banking services, online payment gateways, or digital wallet providers. Such as, Rocket, Nagad, Bkash.
Strategies of the App
Some potential strategies for the app could include:
01. Building a user-friendly interface: Creating an intuitive and easy-to-use interface for both farmers and consumers to navigate and access relevant information.
02. Partnering with organic farming associations: Collaborating with established organic farming associations to gain credibility and access a wider network of organic farmers.
03. Implementing a robust verification process: Developing a thorough verification process to ensure that organic farms and farmers meet the necessary standards and certifications.
04. Providing educational resources: Offering educational resources and guides on organic farming practices, certifications, and benefits to encourage more farmers to adopt organic practices.
05. Facilitating direct communication: Enabling direct communication channels between farmers and consumers to build trust and transparency in the organic farming supply chain. Also enabling direct communication between farmers and technological staff is important to enhance the development of the organic farming industry.
06. Implementing feedback and rating system: Incorporating a feedback and rating system to allow consumers to provide reviews and ratings for organic farms, helping others make informed decisions.
07. Marketing and promotion: Utilizing digital marketing strategies, social media campaigns, and partnerships with relevant influencers or organizations to raise awareness about the app and its benefits.
08. Continuous improvement and updates: Regularly updating the app with new features, improvements, and bug fixes based on user feedback and changing industry needs.
Some Key Aspects of Designing the App
Designing the OrganicFoodChainBD app involves considering several key aspects:
01. User Interface (UI): Creating an intuitive and user-friendly interface will allow easy navigation and access to different features.
02. Visual Design: Using colors, typography, and graphics that align with the organic farming theme, conveying a sense of nature and sustainability.
03. Information Architecture: Organizing content and features in a logical structure, ensuring users can easily find what they need, such as farm listings, product information, and educational resources.
04. Features and Functionality: Including features like farm search and filtering options, product listings with descriptions and reviews, secure payment options, and interactive tools for farmers (e.g., crop management, weather updates).
05. Responsiveness: Ensuring the app is optimized for different devices and screen sizes, providing a seamless experience across smartphones, tablets, and desktops.
06. Accessibility: Designing the app to be accessible to users with disabilities, adhering to accessibility guidelines and incorporating features like text-to-speech or larger font options.
07. Performance: Optimizing the app’s performance to ensure fast loading times, smooth transitions, and minimal downtime.
08. Security: Implementing robust security measures to protect user data, secure transactions, and safeguard against potential threats.
09. Feedback and Support: Including features for users to provide feedback, report issues, or seek assistance, ensuring prompt customer support and continuous improvement.
10. Testing and Iteration: Conducting thorough testing to identify and fix any bugs or usability issues, and iterate the design based on user feedback and analytics data.
Contribution to Economic and Social Development
The OrganicFoodChainBD app can contribute to economic and social development in several ways:
01. Economic development: By promoting organic farming practices and connecting consumers directly with organic farmers, the app can stimulate the growth of the organic farming industry. This can lead to increased employment opportunities, income generation, and economic growth in rural areas.
02. Social development: The app can empower farmers by providing them with a platform to showcase and sell their organic products. This can improve their livelihoods, enhance their social status, and strengthen rural communities.
03. Environmental sustainability: Organic farming practices promoted through the app are generally more environmentally friendly, reducing the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This can contribute to sustainable agriculture, conservation of biodiversity, and protection of natural resources.
04. Health and well-being: By facilitating access to organic products, the app can promote healthier food choices and improve the overall well-being of consumers. Organic farming practices also prioritize animal welfare, which can have positive social impacts.
Alignment with SDGs
The OrganicFoodChainBD app aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
👉 SDG 2: Zero Hunger: The app supports the goal of ending hunger by promoting organic farming practices, increasing access to nutritious and sustainable food, and connecting consumers with local organic farmers.
👉 SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The app can contribute to economic growth by supporting the livelihoods of organic farmers, creating employment opportunities, and facilitating fair trade practices.
👉 SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The app encourages responsible consumption by promoting organic and sustainable farming practices, reducing the use of harmful chemicals, and supporting environmentally friendly production methods.
👉 SDG 13: Climate Action: By promoting organic farming, which relies on natural and sustainable practices, the app contributes to mitigating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
👉 SDG 15: Life on Land: The app supports the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems by promoting organic farming methods that protect biodiversity, reduce soil degradation, and preserve natural resources.
Training
We will implement several training modules for farmers, staff and operators. We will train them to get acquainted with the process and the app.
A Conceptual Framework
01. User Segments: Different user segments such as farmers, consumers, and agricultural experts.
02. Features and Functionalities:
👉 Farmer’s Dashboard: Includes features like crop management, pest control, weather information, and market prices.
👉 Consumer’s Dashboard: Includes features like finding organic produce, recipes, and nutritional information.
👉 Expert’s Dashboard: Includes features like knowledge sharing, forums, and consultations.
👉 Marketplace: Connecting farmers and consumers for direct sales.
👉 Educational Resources: Providing information on organic farming techniques, best practices, and certifications.
03. Data and Integration:
👉 Integration with weather APIs for real-time weather updates.
👉 Integration with market APIs for up-to-date price information.
👉 User-generated data on crop yields, pest control methods, and farming practices.
04. Sustainability and Impact:
👉 Monitoring and reporting environmental impact, such as reduced pesticide usage or increased biodiversity.
👉Tracking the number of farmers adopting organic practices.
👉 Measuring consumer awareness and consumption of organic products.
05. User Experience and Interface:
👉 Simple and intuitive user interface for easy navigation.
👉 Personalized recommendations based on user preferences and location.
👉 Interactive and engaging features to encourage user participation.
06. Partnerships and Collaborations:
👉 Collaboration with organic farming associations, certification bodies, and research institutions.
👉 Partnerships with local farmers’ markets, organic food stores, and delivery services.
07. Evaluation and Feedback:
👉 Feedback mechanisms for users to report issues, suggest improvements, and provide testimonials.
👉Regular evaluation of app performance, user satisfaction, and impact on organic farming practices.
farming practices.
Conclusion:OrganicFoodChainBD aims to revolutionize Bangladesh’s organic farming industry by connecting farmers with consumers through a mobile application. This app empowers farmers, promotes sustainable practices, and connects consumers with high-quality organic food items. By leveraging technology, the app contributes to the social and economic development of organic farmers and promotes healthier, sustainable food choices across the country.
App Interface Design Sample:
Presentation Slides:
Learnings and Outcomes (Self-reflection):
👉 Gained insight into organic farmers’ problems and the lack of efficiency in the existing agricultural market.
👉 Practical experience in the development of a mobile application for use in developing contexts, with graphical user interface design and the integration of proposed features into the prototype.
👉 Gained key knowledge about problems faced in marketing, e.g., market transparency and farmer access to resources, with the creation of solutions for the same.
👉 Learned how technology can empower people economically, bringing greater efficiency to markets by improving their conditions for marginalized groups.
👉 Increased awareness of organic farming for health and environmental sustainability.
👉Valued the building of communities with technology to enable knowledge sharing and collaboration amongst actors.
👉 Understood the role that technology can play in bridging gaps between producers and consumers, enhancing efficiency and fairness in the supply chain of food.