Chowberry

Chowberry IN

Chowberry

AI-powered platform reducing food waste by connecting food at risk of loss to vulnerable Nigerian communities at discounted prices.

Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria

Nigeria

Hybrid of for-profit and nonprofit

In Nigeria, food waste is a critical issue: approximately 40% of food produced is lost annually, primarily due to inadequate storage, transportation challenges, and poor supply-chain visibility. This significant waste exacerbates hunger and malnutrition, affecting over 12% of Nigerians who experience severe food insecurity (World Bank). Regionally, across Sub-Saharan Africa, the problem is as pronounced. Roughly 37% of all agricultural output, which is above the global average, is lost before reaching consumers, driven by infrastructure gaps and limited access to efficient post-harvest technologies. As of 2023, approximately 224 million people in the region are chronically undernourished (WHO), and over 170 million face acute food insecurity, highlighting a severe mismatch between food production and consumption (WFP). Globally, food waste amounts to an annual economic loss of over $1 trillion, significantly impacting climate change by releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas (food waste accounts for 8-10% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions)(UNFCCC). Lost agricultural output also strains critical natural resources, including water, energy, and land, affecting global environmental sustainability.

Chowberry is an AI-powered platform that connects food retailers, farmers, and manufacturers with vulnerable communities in Nigeria to reduce food waste and improve access to affordable, nutritious groceries. How it works: - Surplus Identification: The platform uses predictive analytics and real-time inventory tracking to identify surplus or soon-to-expire food across supply chains (farms, factories, supermarkets). - Dynamic Redistribution: Machine learning models forecast demand and adjust pricing dynamically, incentivizing faster turnover. Farms, Retailers and producers list surplus stock, which is routed to low-income households, NGOs, or community organizations. - Digital Access: Beneficiaries receive digital vouchers via NGOs or direct app access, enabling them to claim discounted groceries through a user-friendly interface. - Technology Stack: Cloud-based infrastructure ensures seamless data integration, while secure APIs connect stakeholders for efficient coordination. Chowberry cuts waste by diverting surplus food from landfills to communities, reduces food costs for vulnerable populations, and strengthens supply chain transparency. Its scalable design allows adaptation to other regions in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Target Population: Chowberry serves low-income households (in large urban areas) and conflict-affected internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria, particularly in Northern regions where food insecurity and malnutrition rates exceed national averages. These groups face systemic barriers, namely: - Economic instability: Many cannot afford nutritious food due to inflation and poverty. - Conflict and displacement: IDPs in camps lack reliable access to markets or humanitarian aid. - Supply chain gaps: Rural and conflict zones face frequent food shortages and price spikes. Addressing their needs: - Affordable Nutrition: By redistributing surplus and near-expiry food at 50-70% discounts, households save income while accessing diverse, nutrient-rich groceries (e.g., grains, dairy, produce). - Dignified Aid Delivery: Partner NGOs use Chowberry’s digital voucher system to distribute food directly to IDP camps, ensuring timely, transparent, and stigma-free access. - Resilience Building: Reduced food expenses free up income for healthcare or education, while reliable access to food improves child nutrition and reduces hunger-related illnesses. - Conflict-Zone Reach: The platform bypasses fragmented supply chains, delivering food to regions where traditional markets are inaccessible due to insecurity.