OasisFeeds

In Tanzania, cattle farming is a vital occupation for rural communities, providing meat, milk, income, and cultural significance. However,  Climate change has led to an increase in drought frequency and intensity in the drylands thereby limiting water and eventual pasture availability. For example, in the droughts of 2021-2022 over 92,000 livestock (mainly cattle, sheep, and goats) died due to a lack of water and pasture in one semi-arid pastoral district in Northern Tanzania. Frequent droughts are affecting livestock production and hence food security and livelihoods. In Tanzania, the poverty rate in 2018 was estimated at 30% among agricultural households (livestock keepers included) which was four points above the national average (26%). In the country, poor people are considered to be those living on less than 1.90 USD per person per day and unable to meet their basic consumption needs including proper meals, clothing and shelter. Additionary, average cattle milk yields are very low in the traditional extensive systems, ranging from 0.6 to 0.8 litres/cow/day in the dry seasons and 1.5 to 2.0 litres/cow/day in the wet seasons. In improved systems (commercial), yields can reach 6.5 to 12.3 litres/cow/day during the dry and wet seasons, respectively. The cattle milk yields in Tanzania are very low compared to those of dairy cattle in the developed world, for example the United Kingdom where the average yield is about 21 litres /cow/day. To address these challenges, we've developed a solution that incorporates hay and other agricultural byproducts into livestock feed. This helps farmers sustain their livestock during dry seasons when grazing land is limited. Additionally, reallocating grazing land poses a major challenge that our solution aims to mitigate. 

By providing a sustainable feed option and tackling the issue of grazing land scarcity, we aim to improve livestock productivity and resilience, ultimately enhancing food security and livelihoods in Tanzania.

OasisFeeds is a concentrated feed specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of cattle, offering a sustainable and affordable solution to the challenges faced by traditional livestock farming in Tanzania. Our feed is made from a blend of hay and agricultural byproducts, utilizing locally available resources to create a high-quality feed option for livestock.

The process begins with sourcing hay and agricultural waste from local farmers, reducing waste, and providing an additional source of income for agricultural communities. The materials are then processed and mixed to create a concentrated feed pellet rich in essential nutrients and vitamins necessary for cattle health and productivity.

Our feed offers several advantages over traditional feeding methods. Firstly, it provides a consistent and balanced nutrition profile, ensuring that livestock receive the necessary nutrients regardless of seasonal variations in grazing land availability. This helps to maintain the health and productivity of cattle throughout the year, reducing the risk of livestock loss during droughts.

Secondly, our feed is highly concentrated, meaning that smaller quantities can meet the nutritional needs of livestock compared to traditional forage-based diets. This not only reduces feed costs for farmers but also makes storage and transportation more efficient, particularly in remote rural areas with limited access to resources.

Our solution, OasisFeeds, primarily serves rural livestock farmers in Tanzania, particularly those facing challenges due to climate change-induced droughts and feed scarcity. These farmers rely heavily on cattle farming for their livelihoods, with cattle providing meat, milk, income, and cultural significance. However, they are currently underserved by traditional feeding methods that struggle to meet the nutritional needs of livestock, especially during dry seasons when grazing land is limited.

The target population includes traditional herders and smallholder farmers who lack access to high-quality feed options and struggle to maintain livestock health and productivity throughout the year. Many of these farmers live in remote rural areas with limited access to resources and face significant challenges in sustaining their livestock during periods of drought.

Our solution directly addresses the needs of these farmers by providing a sustainable and affordable feed option that boosts livestock resilience in the face of climate change. By offering a concentrated feed made from hay and agricultural waste, we ensure that farmers can sustain their livestock even when grazing land is scarce. This helps to prevent livestock loss during droughts and enhances the overall productivity and profitability of cattle farming.

Our team, led by Prosper Renald Shayo, is well-positioned to design and deliver agricultural solutions to the target population for several reasons. Firstly, each member of our team brings a unique set of skills and experiences that are directly relevant to the challenges faced by the communities we aim to serve.

Mr. Renald, our Team Lead, has extensive experience in agribusiness projects, including those focused on cattle value chains. His background in agroeconomics equips him with the knowledge necessary to assess the economic viability of agricultural interventions and ensure their sustainability. Additionally, his past work with NGOs and research institutions demonstrates his commitment to community development and his understanding of the importance of engaging with local stakeholders.

Richard Elsha Magana, a professional agronomist and horticulturist, possesses practical expertise in agronomy and fodder production, crucial for improving cattle feed quality. With experience in both governmental and non-governmental sectors, Richard brings a comprehensive understanding of the agricultural landscape and the specific needs of farmers.

Athumani Said Ndaki, with a background in animal nutrition and extensive experience working with ruminants, adds valuable insights into developing nutritionally balanced feed formulations for cattle. His familiarity with government ranches and various farms gives him firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by livestock producers, enabling us to tailor our solutions to meet their needs effectively.

James David, our financial expert, ensures the financial sustainability and accountability of our projects. His experience in managing funds for organizations and proficiency in accounting software guarantees efficient resource allocation and transparent financial management, crucial for the success of any agricultural initiative.

Moreover, our team is guided by Dr. Kayeke, an esteemed agronomist with over two decades of experience in Tanzania. His expertise in weed management, soil fertility, and crop production, combined with his extensive research background, provides invaluable mentorship and technical guidance to our projects. Dr. Kayeke's close ties to the Ministry of Agriculture and his involvement in farmer training initiatives ensure that our solutions are informed by the latest agricultural research and responsive to the needs of local communities.

We selected the pilot stage for our solution because we have already built and tested the OasisFeeds with tangible results. During the dry season of 2023, we successfully sold over 5000 units of concentrated feed to more than 100 farmers in the Pawani region of Tanzania. This initial deployment demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of our solution in addressing the challenges of feed scarcity and low livestock productivity during droughts.

Furthermore, we have taken proactive steps to scale our operations for future growth. We have secured additional areas for hay production, rented equipment to streamline the processing of agricultural byproducts, and established reliable supply chains for sourcing raw materials. These investments in infrastructure and logistics position us to meet the increasing demand for our product in the coming seasons.

Based on our initial success and the growing interest from farmers, we anticipate doubling our customer base and sales volume in the upcoming seasons. This demonstrates the scalability and potential impact of our solution in addressing the needs of rural livestock farmers in Tanzania.

We are applying to Solve because we believe in the power of collaboration and collective action to address complex global challenges. While we have made significant progress in developing and deploying the OasisFeeds, we recognize that there are still barriers that we face in scaling our impact and reaching more communities in need.

Specifically, we hope that Solve can help us overcome financial, technical, and market barriers that may hinder our ability to expand our operations and reach. While we have been successful in securing initial sales and serving a significant number of farmers, scaling our production and distribution requires additional resources and expertise. Solve's network of partners and resources can provide valuable support in accessing funding opportunities, and building strategic partnerships to accelerate our growth.

Our solution stands out for its innovative processing technology that efficiently transforms hay and various agricultural waste and byproducts, including food peels and trimmings, into high-quality and affordable feed for cattle, particularly dairy cows. This technology addresses the pressing issue of feed scarcity and tackles food waste in the agricultural value chain. By repurposing underutilized resources, we offer smallholder farmers a sustainable and cost-effective means of boosting farm productivity while cutting down feed costs by a significant margin, approximately 35-45%. This substantial reduction in feed expenses empowers farmers to enhance profitability and resilience in the face of climate change-induced challenges. Moreover, our solution contributes to broader positive impacts by promoting sustainability and circular economy principles. By minimizing food waste and reducing environmental degradation, we pave the way for a more environmentally friendly and economically viable livestock farming sector. Furthermore, our innovative approach has the potential to catalyze transformative changes in the market landscape, driving increased demand for sustainable feed options and shifting traditional farming practices towards more sustainable alternatives. Ultimately, our solution addresses immediate challenges faced by farmers and  fosters long-term sustainability and resilience, benefiting both farmers and the environment while enhancing food security and livelihoods for rural communities.

Our solution, OasisFeed, is expected to have a significant impact on the problem of feed scarcity and low livestock productivity faced by rural farmers in Tanzania. By utilizing our innovative processing technology to convert hay and agricultural waste into cost-effective feed for cattle, we aim to achieve the following outcomes:

Immediate Outputs: Our activities involve sourcing hay and agricultural waste, processing them using our specialized technology, and distributing the resulting feed to farmers. The immediate outputs of these activities include the production and delivery of high-quality, low-cost feed for cattle.

 Short-Term Outcomes: In the short term, we expect our solution to directly benefit farmers by reducing their feed costs by approximately 35-45%. This cost savings allows farmers to allocate resources to other essential needs, thereby increasing their overall profitability and resilience. Additionally, by providing nutritious feed to their cattle, we anticipate improved livestock health and productivity, leading to increased milk production and meat yields.

Medium-Term Outcomes: Over time, the adoption of our solution is expected to lead to broader positive impacts within the farming communities. As farmers experience improved productivity and profitability, they are likely to reinvest in their farms, further enhancing productivity and sustainability. Additionally, reduced reliance on conventional feed sources may alleviate pressure on natural resources and contribute to environmental conservation efforts.

Long-Term Outcomes: In the long term, we anticipate significant transformative changes in the agricultural sector and rural livelihoods. By promoting sustainable farming practices and circular economy principles, our solution has the potential to catalyze broader market transformation towards more environmentally friendly and economically viable livestock farming. This shift not only enhances the resilience of farming communities but also contributes to overall food security and sustainable development in Tanzania.

 Our theory of change is supported by evidence from our initial pilot programs, which have demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of our solution in improving livestock productivity and reducing feed costs for farmers. Furthermore, feedback from farmers and stakeholders has highlighted the tangible benefits of our feed product, reinforcing our confidence in its potential to create meaningful impact on the ground.

Our impact goals for OasisFeeds are focused on improving the livelihoods of rural farmers, enhancing food security, and promoting sustainability in the agricultural sector. Specifically, our impact goals include:

1. Increased Livestock Productivity: We aim to increase milk production and meat yields for cattle farmers by providing them with high-quality and nutritious feed. Our progress towards this goal is measured through indicators such as average milk yield per cow, meat production per animal, and overall livestock health and well-being.

2. Reduced Feed Costs: We strive to reduce feed costs for farmers by 35-45%, thereby improving their profitability and economic resilience. We measure our progress towards this goal by tracking farmers' expenditure on feed before and after adopting our solution, as well as conducting cost-benefit analyses to assess the financial impact of our feed product.

3. Environmental Sustainability: We seek to promote environmental sustainability by repurposing agricultural waste and reducing reliance on conventional feed sources. To measure our progress, we monitor indicators such as the amount of agricultural waste diverted from landfills, the carbon footprint associated with feed production, and the overall environmental impact of our solution.

4. Improved Food Security: Our solution aims to enhance food security by ensuring consistent access to affordable and nutritious food of animal origin, such as meat, and milk, particularly for low-income earners. Progress towards this goal is assessed through indicators such as household dietary diversity, nutritional status of community members, and overall food availability and accessibility.

The core technology driving our solution, OasisFeeds, is a sophisticated processing system that transforms hay and agricultural waste into high-quality, nutritious feed for cattle, with a particular focus on dairy cows. This technology operates through a series of meticulously designed steps: sourcing raw materials from local farmers and food processors, preparing and sorting these materials for processing, and subjecting them to a combination of mechanical grinding, enzymatic treatments, and precise formulation to achieve optimal nutritional content. The processed feed is then pelletized for ease of storage, transportation, and feeding. This innovative approach leverages modern agricultural engineering principles and scientific advancements to maximize feed quality, palatability, and digestibility, while also minimizing waste and environmental impact, our solution integrates elements of traditional knowledge and practices, ensuring cultural relevance and resonance with rural farming communities. By harnessing the power of technology in this way, OasisFeed addresses the immediate challenge of feed scarcity and also contributes to broader goals of sustainability, resilience, and prosperity in the agricultural sector.

6 People Including Co-founder 

Two years 

At OasisFeed, we are deeply committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace environment. We recognize that diversity within our team not only enriches our perspectives and ideas but also reflects the communities we serve. Our leadership team is intentionally diverse, encompassing individuals from different backgrounds, experiences, and identities. We prioritize diversity in our hiring practices, actively seeking out candidates from underrepresented groups and ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants.  We believe that creating a welcoming and inclusive environment is essential for fostering collaboration, creativity, and innovation within our team. To further promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, we regularly engage in training and workshops on unconscious bias, cultural competency, and allyship. We also encourage open dialogue and feedback from team members to continuously improve our practices and foster a sense of belonging for all. Our team's goals for the future include expanding our recruitment efforts to reach more diverse talent pools, implementing inclusive leadership practices, and embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into all aspects of our organization's culture and operations. Through these efforts, we are committed to creating a workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents towards achieving our mission.

Our business model revolves around providing value to rural livestock farmers in Tanzania by offering high-quality, nutritious feed for cattle through our OasisFeeds. Our key customers are smallholder farmers and traditional herders who rely on cattle farming for their livelihoods. We provide them with cost-effective and sustainable feed options that help to increase farm productivity, reduce feed costs by 35-45%, and improve livestock health and resilience. Our products are formulated using advanced processing technology that transforms hay and agricultural waste into pelletized feed, ensuring ease of storage, transportation, and feeding. Farmers want and need our feed products to address the challenges of feed scarcity, enhance their profitability, and mitigate the impacts of climate change on their livestock operations. In addition to providing value to farmers, our business model generates revenue through the sale of our feed products, which are priced competitively to ensure affordability for our target market. Additionally, we may explore partnerships with agricultural cooperatives, government agencies, and NGOs to distribute our feed products more widely and leverage their networks for increased market reach. Overall, our business model is centered around creating a positive impact for rural farmers while generating sustainable revenue streams to support the continued growth and scalability of our solution.

Our plan for becoming financially sustainable revolves around a combination of revenue streams, including selling our OasisFeed products, securing grants and funding from donors and government agencies, and potentially raising investment capital from impact investors.

To date, we have successfully generated $21,000 in revenue through the sale of our feed products to rural farmers in Tanzania. By offering cost-effective and high-quality feed options, we have been able to capture a significant portion of the market, resulting in steady revenue streams that cover our operational expenses. Additionally, we have secured $10,000 in grants from private individuals. These grants have provided essential support for our research and development efforts, as well as for scaling our operations and expanding our market reach.

Looking ahead, we plan to further diversify our revenue streams by exploring opportunities for service contracts with governments and NGOs, as well as by raising investment capital from impact investors who align with our mission and values. These additional funding sources will enable us to invest in further research and development, expand our production capacity, and reach even more farmers with our innovative feed solutions.