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Project Update: Our Kenyan partners are so excited about aquaponics that they are investing their own money into the project. Consequently, we no longer need the full $15,000! We appreciate your support in making this collaboration happen.
Do you ever wonder where
your donations go? We’ve seen trillions of dollars go towards aid in Africa,
yet the results seem ambiguous. Is there a way to help those living in poverty
to help themselves, and do it in a way that lasts?
We think business-oriented
solutions are the key to real economic change in Africa. Through the creation
of businesses and investing in local business leaders, we can foster improved
food security, nutrition, income generation, environmental responsibility and
create self-propagating businesses.
Aquaponics is a food
production system that grows fish and vegetables together. Fish waste produces
fertilizer and plant roots filter out that water. The water then returns to the
fish, cleaned and oxidized so the fish can thrive. Everything grows organically
with less space and less water, using no soil whatsoever. The only inputs are
fish food, water and a marginal amount of electricity. Aquaponics is the
farming technology of the future, and we think it needs to be pioneered in
developing countries where food security, malnutrition, drought and
overpopulation are the worst.
The Model
Our plan is to use
aquaponics to help people grow their own food and create profitable businesses.
We will teach people to improve their health and food security while creating
self-sustaining income in the poorest communities around the world. This is not
a charitable hand-out. Instead, we are creating access to an innovative
technology by fulfilling a genuine need for food. We will build a viable supply
of locally grown food to empower local farmers, orphanages, schools and
organizations so that they can reliably generate more of their own food and
personal income, while reducing their dependence on foreign aid and donations.
Pilot Greenhouse - We will build a medium-sized greenhouse in Nairobi, Kenya
where we will introduce the construction, operation and management of running
an aquaponics business. All the proceeds from the pilot will be used to pay the
operating costs of the greenhouse and salary of the local Kenyan manager. This
pilot is where we need your help!
Commercial Aquaponics
Center- Following the
success of our initial pilot project, we will build a larger, commercial-scale
greenhouse in Kenya that sells produce to restaurants, hotels, and grocery
stores. We will employ local farmers, train them in aquaponics and help them
save money to invest in their own aquaponics farm.
The commercial center acts
as a central collection and aggregation point. We will take local produce to
niche markets, fetching a higher price and reducing farmers' costs. The center
will also serve as a training site to teach the business and technical skills
farmers need to be successful. We are creating a coalition of local farmers who
will have the skills, expertise and network to build a better life for
themselves.
Global Partners- There are thousands of farmers, orphanages, schools,
organizations and businesses around the world that could benefit from having a
profitable aquaponics business. After proving our model in Kenya, we will
develop training programs to share what we've learned. We will pro-actively
partner with existing groups wanting to incorporate aquaponics into their
specific goals and missions. This strategy will allow us to expand access to
this technology and business model far more effectively.
Our Ask
Our goal is to raise
$7,500 to build our very first pilot aquaponics greenhouse in Nairobi, Kenya. The greenhouse will be based at a local organization doing
microfinance and business training. Food from the greenhouse will be sold to
build the business and support the local community. Our objective is to
break-even on the operating expenses for the greenhouse within one year.
$7,500 (plus our Kenyan partners' investment) pays for the greenhouse materials, construction, operation, fish,
plants, electricity, training and one year of salary for a local Kenyan manager
who will oversee the entire project.
Jump on board with us, and
be a part of this exciting opportunity!
Our Philosophy
Jacquie and Daniel
co-founded The Food Source (www.The-FoodSource.com) to introduce aquaponics as a new technology to improve
food security, generate income and develop new businesses as a weapon against
poverty. They are passionate about creating abundance around the world!
Why and How?
Check out this short clip
developed by our friends at Earthwise Ventures (www.EarthWiseVentures.com). We are grateful that they let us share it with you because it
does a great job of showing you a key element of our philosophy:
Get to Know Us
Daniel Moore, Co-founder
Daniel is Co-founder of
both The Food Source and Earthwize Foods (www.earthwizefoods.com), providing turn-key aquaponics solutions to customers in
Colorado. He is a graduate of Azusa Pacific University with a degree in
International Business. In 2011, Daniel moved to Kenya and worked for The Paradigm Projectpromoting energy-efficient cookstoves in East Africa. The
next year, Daniel saw a need for high-quality water filtration products in the
Kenyan market and began Safi Solutions Africa, importing water filters for the
middle-class market. Daniel grew up in Japan for 16 years and loves to travel.
He recently launched www.coloradoadventuretour.com, giving Japanese and international tourists authentic Colorado
adventure experiences.
Jacquie Fedo, Co-founder
Jacquie has over 23 years
of business experience primarily in the medical device industry working with
Fortune 500 companies. She is skilled at facilitating complex yet collaborative
business models that drive new market development and real business growth.
Jacquie is a Professional Coach and Founder of www.Coaching410.com, focusing on business and leadership development of
high-potential medical device sales leaders and representatives. She also has a
genuine passion for developing leaders within the social entrepreneur and
non-profit sectors. Jacquie acquired her deep love for Kenya providing access
and opportunities to orphans and people living in poverty through her work with
www.LightUpHope.org and The 1010 Project, now www.tventures.worldventures.com. In September, she co-launched the inaugural S.T.E.P. in
East Africa (Sustainable Transformation through Empowerment and Profitability)
Conference. Jacquie is married with two young children. They enjoy playing
together in Colorado: skiing, hiking, camping and mountain biking.
Thank You!
Thank you for supporting us! Special thanks to our
graphic designer, Bevan Binder (bevanjbinder@gmail.com) and film maker Ty
Tuin (www.tytuin.com). Their help was indispensable in putting together this
project.
Risks and challenges
Doing a
project in Africa is difficult. We face corruption, unstable infrastructure,
delayed delivery times, and theft, among other problems. But the founders of
The Food Source have both spent time in Kenya and realize the difficulties. A
critical success factor is selecting trustworthy Kenyan partners with a proven
track record. We will communicate daily with our Kenyan team, make sure there
is plenty of accountability, and be in-country to ensure this project's
success. The challenges are daunting but by building this aquaponics greenhouse
in Kenya, we know our impact will be substantial and long-term.
Looking for more information?Check the project
FAQ
Receive a personal e-thank you for being a part of our project
Estimated Shipping
January 2014
3 claimed
Food Source Sticker
$20 USD
Get a Food Source sticker to put on your Nalgene, refrigerator or laptop as well as a personal e-thank
Estimated Shipping
January 2014
2 claimed
Food Source T-Shirt
$35 USD
Get a Food Source T-shirt, sticker and a personal e-thank you for coming on board
Estimated Shipping
January 2014
6 claimed
Personal Letter
$50 USD
Receive a Food Source T-shirt, website mention on our Supporters page, and a personal letter from someone in Nairobi benefitting from the aquaponics greenhouse
Estimated Shipping
June 2014
3 claimed
2 Food Source T-Shirts
$50 USD
Get two Food Source T-shirts and a website mention on our Supporters page
Estimated Shipping
January 2014
6 claimed
Photo Album
$75 USD
Receive a photo album straight from Nairobi! We'll take pictures of the location, construction, growing food, and people benefitting from the greenhouse so you can remember that you were a part of making it all happen!
Estimated Shipping
June 2014
4 claimed
The Combo
$100 USD
Receive a photo album, Food Source T-shirt, sticker and personal letter from Kenya!
Estimated Shipping
June 2014
7 claimed
Organic Produce
$150 USD
Get a delivery of organic produce right to your door and remember how you helped someone else eat healthy food
Estimated Shipping
January 2014
1 claimed
Aquaponics Kit
$175 USD
Receive a Back to the Roots aquaponics kit to start growing your own food! We'll include a Food Source T-shirt and a website mention on our Supporters page
Estimated Shipping
January 2014
1 out of 10 of claimed
More Organic Produce!
$250 USD
Receive a larger delivery of organic produce, a photo album and a Food Source T-shirt
Estimated Shipping
June 2014
1 claimed
Dinner with the Founders
$300 USD
Have dinner with the founders in Colorado. Be entertained for an evening, eating organic food and hearing more about the project
Estimated Shipping
January 2014
1 out of 10 of claimed
Spend a Day with the Founders
$500 USD
We will take you to aquaponics facilities in Colorado Springs and Denver to learn more about what we do. Enjoy lunch, dinner and an evening of entertainment
Estimated Shipping
January 2014
1 out of 10 of claimed
Weekend Adventure
$1,000 USD
Experience a weekend Colorado adventure with the founders, courtesy of Colorado Adventure Tour. Learn about Kenya, aquaponics and think together about how to make this project transformational. May include mountain biking, golf, rock climbing, hiking or whitewater rafting. Does not include airfare
Estimated Shipping
June 2014
1 out of 5 of claimed
Join us in Kenya
$3,000 USD
Join us in Kenya and be a part of the experience! We will take you around the country, introduce you to our partners, teach you about aquaponics and share our vision. Does not include airfare