Joshua+K+SE

http://www.kickstart.org/ toc
 * KickStart //by Joshua K.// **
 * //WEBSITE//**



=//EXPLANATION//= KickStart is a non-govenrment organization that acts a company. It generally creates products that are cheap and efficient to help the African people out of poverty. The organization was first found by NIck Moon and Martin Fisher who wanted to make a difference in African poverty with their altruistic visions. They weren't together from the beginning, however, met in Kenya coincidentally when they were there for different reasons. After they have united, they worked for a large British aid organization in Kenya carrying on large projects such as building rural water systems, schools, and creating job training programs. Nonetheless, they realized that the efforts that they put in to operate the projects would be found dormant. Both Martin Fisher and Nick Moon did not simply give up, but searched why they failed and finally founded their own company ApproTEC in 1991 (In 2005, it changed its name to KickStart).

KickStart's model was to develop, launch and promote simple tools that poor entrepreneurs can use to create their own profitable businesses. KickStart focused on the fact that 80% of the African population are small-scale farmers and they rely too much on the capricious weather. People's living literally depended on the weather and how much it rains. Thus, KickStart enabled irrigation for the farmers through developing "MoneyMaker Irrigation Pump". It allows farmers to pull water from different water sources - river, pond, or a well - to their farms through a pipe. The pressurized hose pipe pulls the water from down the hill to the top. Farmers were then more flexible on where they can irrigate because the pump was light and small. Moreover, the irrigation led to at most 400% increase in the farmers' profit because they could grow high-yield crops.

It is estimated that more than 95,000 successful businesses have been started in Africa using the Irrigation Pump. In addition, 800 new businesses are continuously created because of the simple invention. Furthermore, more than 473,000 people have been lifted up from the poverty. The new businesses created through KickStart are making more than $95.8 million and creating 68,000 jobs annually. In Kenya, the new revenue equals to the 0.6% of the country's GDP. KickStart expanded into Tanzania and Mali in 2000 and 2004. Although KickStart is only settled in Kenya, Tanzania and Mali, its products are widespread to Uganda, Malawi, Zambia, Sudan and Rwanda through other organizations. KickStart is absolutely improving the lives of Africans in poverty.

=//REAL LIFE EXAMPLES //= Mahmoud Guindo's life has totally changed after he purchased the pump. He was 48 years old, struggling from the debts he had form his friends. He moved to the capital eleven years ago and worked since then but says it is never enough. He worked as a security guard and gardened a 150 sq meter land. His average salary from security guard was $400 per year. Thus he decided to expand his gardening project, however, the way to water the plot was not easy. Just then he saw the Kickstart advertisement selling the irrigation pumps and decided to purchase it with his boss' money. After he expanded his plot with the irrigation pump, the gardening was very profitable and rapidly grew. By October of 2008, he earned $700 per year by selling fruits and vegetables. He is paying off the debt with the profit and at the same time supporting his family.

Daniel Karanja Njenga and Nancy Gathoni also benefited a lot from the MoneyMaker pump. Their house and farm were looted during Kenya's post election violence in March 2008. It was when the big family was living in a government tent that Daniel heard about the MoneyMaker hip pump. He knew right away that it was the way to gain back the looted farm and house. He got the money, $130, from the relief funds from the government and purchased the hoses and the pump. The MoneyMaker pump was light, easy to use, and cheap. He was able to cultivate his small land. While other farms struggled during the dry season, Daniel successfully delivered the water needed with his pump. They are now not only successful, but also helping other people to get back on their feet. Daniel and his family gained enough that now Daniel is planning to further expand his farm. Certainly, MoneyMaker pump was the turning point of Daniel family's life and is providing a solution for poverty in Africa.

=//QUESTIONS//= 1. How would the people afford the MoneyMaker pump if they don't have enough money? 2. If the pump significantly helps the poor people in Africa, why wouldn't Kickstart get donations and give away more pumps? 3. Do people who buy the products always succeed? Are there any negative aspects of this business model? 4. Are there any aids for those who don't farm? What are some possible products? 5. Farming is still dominant in undeveloped regions. Shouldn't Kickstart expand its business throughout the globe?

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