Help us automate iPoP Africa Packaging Process!

I am Dorah Momanyi, a masters graduate in Food Science and Nutrition, on a journey that birthed iPop Africa.

Sorghum, millet, and amaranth cereals are indigenous grains to Kenya but they are forgotten. Many of my peers could not even name them during my academic research in food Science. My research statistics showed deteriorating food and nutrition security while these grains show promising nutritional benefits. This contradiction was the start of my company called iPop Africa.

Problem

Kenya is facing a nutrition transition characterized by consumption of highly processed and fashionable foods rich in oil, salt and sugar fueling the high prevalence of non-communicable diseases and the triple burden of malnutrition.

Indigenous grains, despite their nutrition and economic potential are often deemed as old-fashioned and scorned in favor of their commercially dominant crops such as maize. Maize is non-indigenous and not tolerant to climate change therefore its production is declining. The underutilization of drought tolerant indigenous grains results in post-harvest losses and low income for small holder farmers.

Solution

YET Sustainable and resilient food systems could draw on the local indigenous grains to provide fast-paced Kenyan lifestyles with nutritious, affordable, and convenient foods.

iPoP Africa uses a cereal popping technology to reclaims the sovereignty of these climate-smart indigenous grains by transforming them into modern acceptable snack products. The technology processes grains like sorghum, millet and amaranth into popped ready to eat snack products that are gluten free, minimally processed hence rich in dietary fibre and nutrients and are oil free. Our products are fortified to have higher contents of vitamin A, iron, and zinc through food to food fortification using herbs and spices, seeds and nuts. We source grains from small holder farmers, improving farmers’ incomes and livelihoods.

Need

Currently we employ 4 staff members and pack around 200 products a day by hand. The biggest need for iPoP is a packaging machine. The packing machine will enable us automate our production process and increase efficiency and guarantee food safety. We need your help to raise the amount required for this packaging machine. Join us and support us to ensure everyone everywhere enjoys Healthy, nutritious and delicious African Snacks!

(image is just for an illustrative purpose)

Packaging Machine description

We are seeking to purchase a small Multi-Function Auto Filling Sealing Stand up Pouch Packaging Machine with a packaging capacity of 360 pouches per hour (See photo below). This will reduce our whole day work into one hour. The machine will be purchased at 5,000USD and shipped to Kenya at 3,000USD.