Drawing inspiration from my personal journey and professional background as a Nutritionist, I founded Plumbee with a deep understanding of the transformative power of nutrition in a child's development. Having experienced the harsh realities of food insecurity during my upbringing, I also recognized the need for a business model that not only provides high-quality, affordable food for children but also addresses the systemic barriers that hinder access to nutrition, especially for mothers from low-income backgrounds.
One of our pioneering strategies involves actively engaging women in various aspects of our operations. We collaborate with women as producers of the ingredients used in our products, sourcing locally and directly from women farmers. This not only ensures freshness and quality but also enhances the economic prospects of these women.
Moreover, we go beyond sourcing and organize the women into productive groups and equipping them with the necessary training to lead our primary processing activities. This empowerment not only amplifies their skills and income but also solidifies their pivotal role as catalysts for improving access to nutrition for children.
We firmly believe that elevating women's incomes is key to combating malnutrition. However, our efforts are not without challenges, particularly in regions like Kenya, where gender disparities in agriculture persist despite women forming the majority of the workforce. As a company, we are committed to advocating for policies and initiatives that promote gender equality and women's empowerment in agriculture.
Our holistic approach to combating childhood malnutrition serves as a compelling example of business as a force for social good. By centering women in our strategy, we not only transform lives but also ignite a ripple effect of positive change within communities. As Plumbee continues to grow and expand its impact, I remain steadfast in the belief that empowering women is not just morally imperative but also essential for building a healthier, more prosperous future for everyone.
Credit: In 2023, Plumbee secured a grant from GIZ 's SEFFA Innovation Fund to incorporate the use of renewable energy technologies to improve farming and processing activities of our farmers. This support has played a pivotal role in piloting our partnership model with smallholder rural women.
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