Small-Scale Spirulina Farms D-Lab Pro I: Final Presentation Chelsea Supawit, Danielle Maillard, Kia Canning, Lauren Chew

Problem Definition Idea: family-based Spirulina operations We determined the feasibility of small-scale spirulina farms in Djibouti. Malnutrition affects the health of many Djiboutians. Idea: family-based Spirulina operations What is the problem we are addressing? Add map of Djibouti https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRTg4fWuz5qeSYlVSIZEHLc5imiiuwWm7kMedS_sdLyvXY4b6YUPw

Project Vision Danielle The type of cement manufactured in Djibouti is Grade 42.5 OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement). It’s located in the région of Ali Sabieh and its packaging is in 50 KG bags ( 50 KG: 6,75 Dollar, 1Ton: 135 Dollar) - usually will use cement but plastic is also used Harvesting - seven days after planting, product is ready to be harvested, Spirulina turned every two hours Harvested crop set to dry for two days

Methodology 01 02 03 04 Needs Assessment & Project Framing Client interviewed households Alternatives Analysis 02 Examining various malnutrition approaches Prior Art 03 Case studies SWOT Analysis 04 Conversations with client and online research Lauren

Results: Needs Assessment & Project Framing 10 households interviewed Project framing changed client’s perspective Moved from urban focus to rural focus Client wants to begin awareness initiative Client became more aware of sourcing challenges Chelsea We had doubts about going straight into design of small scale spirulina farms so we took steps back and encouraged our client to conduct a needs assessment via interviews. After the interviews, she took our recommendation of changing the framing of the project by first creating an awareness campaign

Methodology 01 02 03 04 Needs Assessment & Project Framing Client interviewed households Alternatives Analysis 02 Examining various malnutrition approaches Prior Art 03 Case studies SWOT Analysis 04 Conversations with client and online research Lauren

Alternatives to Spirulina Brainstorm & Initial Elimination Research on malnutrition approaches Elimination Reasons Decision Matrix Rated using criteria Lauren http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8052/8133611372_27f2c269f1.jpg

Methodology 01 02 03 04 Needs Assessment & Project Framing Client interviewed households Alternatives Analysis 02 Examining various malnutrition approaches Prior Art 03 Case studies SWOT Analysis 04 Conversations with client and online research Lauren

Results: Case Studies Kenya: IIMSAM Successful training programs, production Treating vulnerable populations (>200) Financial capital Market constraints India: Murugappa Chettiar Research Centre Resolved inorganic nutrient market constraint Food safety Chelsea: These were the most notable case studies that helped guide our project, both organizations have a successful spirulina production in place Kenya IIMSAM organizes courses on spirulina business ventures, produces and sells spirulina cultures and its consumable forms distributes it to over 200 malnourished children and HIV/AIDS patients in the region. Lacks a reliable & consistent financial capital (dependent on donors) therefore, production cannot keep up with market demand, unable to open up operations in other countries/ sell it (reliable distributors) India: Murugappa Chettiar Research Centre organic nutrient sources like waste effluents to tackle the market constraint of cost and availability of inorganic nutrients. Spirulina is grown in mud pots using the waste effluent medium and stirred by hand by local producers. Using waste effluents means that there's greater risk of contamination of species like e.coli

Methodology 01 02 03 04 Needs Assessment & Project Framing Client interviewed households Alternatives Analysis 02 Examining various malnutrition approaches Prior Art 03 Case studies SWOT Analysis 04 Conversations with client and online research Lauren

Results: SWOT Analysis STRENGTHS -Team experience -Passionate client WEAKNESSES - Limited communication and direct access to community - Lack of startup capital - Lack of construction experience OPPORTUNITIES - Conducive climate - Health need for spirulina -Grants to apply for THREATS - Community members aren’t aware of malnutrition - Lack of community interest - Extreme climate, water scarcity - Lack of local inputs - Not initially income generating Kia Emphasize serious weaknesses and threats IIMSAAM $60,000 for small-scale operation More heavily weighted

Recommendations Community Asset Mapping Education Partnerships Local institutions Citizen associations Individual aspects Education Malnutrition Spirulina’s benefits Partnerships Funding Resources Material Accessibility Chemical input “kits” Find skilled labor (concrete) Danielle

Next Steps The project should not continue into D-Lab II Questions/Ideas Rural vs urban implementation Sourcing materials Building a team, finding credible leaders for education and delivery Funding Developments in semi-nomadic communities Danielle