Problem

The community lacks milling facilities for maize flour, causing higher prices and limited availability, which affects food security. This problem comes from the area's rapid growth and lack of infrastructure, plus many residents are low-income and recently moved due to disruptions.

Goals

The project aims to expand local maize flour milling to address the high demand for maize flour in our community. This expansion will ensure a consistent and affordable supply, enhancing food security and economic stability. As the project coordinator, I will oversee its implementation, ensuring that it meets its goals, timelines, and budget. Community members will play a central role, contributing to planning, execution, and daily operations. Collaboration with local government officials will be crucial for securing permits and support, while technical experts will provide essential guidance and training in milling technology. Volunteers will also be needed, particularly in the early stages, to assist with community outreach and training programs.

Plan

The grant funds will be used through a series of planned steps to ensure our maize flour milling project’s success. First, we'll spend 1 to 2 weeks traveling to the countryside to find maize at the best prices, researching regions and mapping routes. In week 3, we'll purchase maize and packaging bags, followed by securing transportation. By week 4, we’ll start milling operations, beginning with cleaning and washing the maize. In week 5, we’ll process the maize into flour, closely monitoring quality and efficiency. By week 6, we’ll scale up production and distribution, focusing on understanding the target market and choosing the best distribution channels, such as direct sales, wholesalers, retailers, or online platforms.

Needs & Funds

To successfully expand the local maize flour milling, we need several material and financial resources. Milling tools will cost approximately $100 and include items like washing and drying sieves, water drums and buckets, shovels, bags and finishing equipment, flour quality testing tools, and safety gear such as gloves, masks, and goggles. We will also require raw materials costing around $230, which includes sufficient quantities of maize from reliable suppliers and packaging materials for the finished flour. Additionally, infrastructure needs, totaling $70, will cover utilities such as electricity, water, and waste management systems. In total, we need $400 to cover these expenses.

Vision

We expect the project to achieve high-quality maize flour production, a strong market presence, and high customer satisfaction through reliable quality and timely delivery. We also aim to implement sustainable milling practices and positively impact the local community by creating jobs and boosting the economy. Long-term, we plan to expand production, innovate milling technology, further support community development, and strengthen our sustainability efforts to minimize environmental impact.

Type: Food.