VitaGoat Rural Micro-Enterprise
This entry has been selected as a finalist in the
Improved Nutrition: Solutions through Innovation competition.
The VitaGoat program improves nutrition in rural areas of developing countries – where malnutrition rates for children are typically over 50%. VitaGoat equipment produces low-cost whole protein from soy; micro-nutrients are added to address the most vital aspects of malnutrition: a sustainable micro-enterprise that needs neither electricity nor running water.
About You
Section 1: About You
First Name
Hart
Last Name
Jansson
Website
Organization
Malnutrition Matters
Country
Section 2: About Your Organization
Organization Name
Malnutrition Matters
Organization Website
Organization Phone
1-613-742-6888
Organization Address
748 Rivershore Cres, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1J 7Y7
Is your organization a
Non‐profit/NGO/citizen sector organization
Organization Country
Canada
Your idea
Name Your Project
VitaGoat Rural Micro-Enterprise
Country your work focuses on
Describe Your Idea
The VitaGoat program improves nutrition in rural areas of developing countries – where malnutrition rates for children are typically over 50%. VitaGoat equipment produces low-cost whole protein from soy; micro-nutrients are added to address the most vital aspects of malnutrition: a sustainable micro-enterprise that needs neither electricity nor running water.
Website URL
Innovation
What makes your idea unique?
The VitaGoat consist of a multi-fuel boiler (gas, firewood, coal or biomass driven) which generates super-heated steam, a 20L pressure cooker, a filter press, a tofu box and a pedal-powered grain mill / fruit mill. The use of simple yet efficient technology that does not require electricity or running water to alleviate severe malnutrition in remote areas in a sustainable manner, that does not require continuous donation, is rare if not unique. The VitaGoat equipment is built in India to keep costs down and quality high. The use of soymilk, cooked with super-heated steam, allows delivery of not only whole protein (the only vegetable source of whole protein, according to the WHO), but also serves as a hygienic low-cost vehicle to deliver a micro-nutrient pre-mix. The soymilk, or other derivative products like soy curds or soy paneer (tofu) can be delivered in bulk by bicycle, without the need for refrigeration, which keeps costs to a minimum. These soyfoods can be used as part of school-feeding programs, which in some countries would provide a revenue source. The equipment can be operated by unskilled women, for example members of a Self-Help Group.
There are over 100 VitaGoats installed in over 20 countries around the world.
See picture and videos.
Do you have a patent for this idea?
Impact
This Entry is about (Issues)
What impact have you had?
With the 110 VitaGoat systems currently installed in over 20 developing countries, we have improved and continue to improve, the nutrition of over 50,000 people daily, mainly children, with substantial and visible improvement to their health and physical development. The cooked soy products from the VitaGoat typically double the amount of protein in the diet of the beneficiaries. We have helped some beneficiaries living with HIV/AIDS: their condition demands higher protein intake and more easily digestible food.
We have created permanent employment for about 400 people, mainly unskilled women in rural areas, increasing their family income by 50 to 100%. We have also created employment for 5 mechanical workers in India who fabricate the VitaGoat, and hope to create more such employment as the technology is transferred to other countries for fabrication.
We have contributed to health education in the areas of nutrition and disease for thousands of beneficiaries and their families.
We have helped some small-plot farmers in various regions in Africa to increase their income by growing and selling soybeans instead of other crops.
Problem
Children in rural areas of developing countries often suffer a 50% or higher rate of chronic malnutrition that impedes or stunts their physical development and induces a state of vulnerability to disease that increases the death rate. Even in rapidly advancing countries such as India the rate of malnutrition in rural areas remains high, and the availability of electricity and running water is very low, which means only simple technologies can be implemented. Knowledge of nutrition and its linkage to disease is minimal, so people don’t understand how important protein and micronutrients are in the diet.
Actions
Providing access to VitaGoat equipment, training and project design and supervision, in conjunction with motivated local partners in over 20 countries around the world. Working with local partners to educate communities about nutrition and relation to disease. Partners include AMPATH (Kenya), Africare (multiple countries), BISWA (India), CGIAR/TSBF (Kenya), First Steps (Korea), Gateway Baptist Church (Thailand/ Myanmar), Humana (Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe), Naandi Foundation (India), Rotary Clubs (multiple countries), World Vision (Zambia), UMCOR (Congo) and UNIDO (Tanzania).
Results
Over 100 VitaGoat systems installed over a 5 year-period in 20 countries, with installations doubling every year. Over 50,000 beneficiaries benefiting from improved nutrition and lower incidence of disease. Over 400 people have gained permanent employment. Many VitaGoat sites are being run in a sustainable manner, without the need for donations. Some VitaGoat sites serve PLWHA, whose diet requires increased amounts of protein that are easily digested. In some cases, small plot farmers have increased income due to their ability to plant and sell a soybean crop – soybeans used on these projects are purchased locally.
VitaGoat Training and Support Centres have been established in Faridabad, India – Lusaka, Zambia – Bergville, KwaZulu Natal – Cotonou, Benin.
As the VitaGoat sites increase in number, and large scale projects are implemented, the number of beneficiaries could increase by orders of magnitude, as well as the employment created for unskilled women in rural areas.
What will it take for your project to be successful over the next three years? Please address each year separately, if possible.
First year – engagement of larger donor and partner agencies that see the benefit and large-scale potential of a sustainable nutrition-improvement program that provides low-cost whole protein, and a vehicle for micro-nutrient delivery as well as nutrition and health education, as well as a complementary small-plot farming benefit. Additional engineering development to explore a lower-cost lower-output version of the VitaGoat, as well as a more versatile version of the pedal-powered grinder.
Second year – expansion of Malnutrition Matters staff to enable 1) additional technology transfers so that VitaGoat equipment can be built and/or supported in more countries 2) large-scale replication of existing moderate-sized projects in India, Zambia and Kenya 3) additional training and support centres 4) development and maintenance of additional partnerships.
Third year – establishment of one local MM office in Africa, one in south/east Asia and possibly one in Latin America to better address the needs of partners in those regions.
What would prevent your project from being a success?
Inability to engage larger partner agencies and/or donor agencies that could implement projects on a larger scale.
How many people will your project serve annually?
More than 10,000
What is the average monthly household income in your target community, in US Dollars?
Less than $50
Does your project seek to have an impact on public policy?
Yes
Sustainability
What stage is your project in?
Operating for 1‐5 years
In what country?
Is your initiative connected to an established organization?
Yes
If yes, provide organization name.
Malnutriton Matters
How long has this organization been operating?
More than 5 years
Does your organization have a Board of Directors or an Advisory Board?
Yes
Does your organization have any non-monetary partnerships with NGOs?
Yes
Does your organization have any non-monetary partnerships with businesses?
Yes
Does your organization have any non-monetary partnerships with government?
No
Please tell us more about how these partnerships are critical to the success of your innovation.
1) non-monetary partnerships with NGOs: Soy in Southern Africa Alliance. This collection of NGOs and private companies are educating various communities about the benefits of soy foods and soy-based micro-enterprises in South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, Zambia and Malawi, thereby increasing interest in using the VitaGoat to improve nutrition.
2) non-monetary partnerships with businesses: partnership between MM and YES Bank is increasing awareness in India about the benefits of the VitaGoat and soymilk in alleviating malnutrition amongst the poor in India.
What are the three most important actions needed to grow your initiative or organization?
First year – engagement of larger donor and partner agencies that see the benefit and large-scale potential of a sustainable nutrition-improvement program that provides low-cost whole protein, and a vehicle for micro-nutrient delivery as well as nutrition and health education, as well as a complementary small-plot farming benefit. Additional engineering development to explore a lower-cost lower-output version of the VitaGoat, as well as a more versatile version of the pedal-powered grinder.
Second year – expansion of Malnutrition Matters staff to enable 1) additional technology transfers so that VitaGoat equipment can be built and/or supported in more countries 2) large-scale replication of existing moderate-sized projects in India, Zambia and Kenya 3) additional training and support centres 4) development and maintenance of additional partnerships.
Third year – establishment of one local MM office in Africa, one in south/east Asia and possibly one in Latin America to better address the needs of partners in those regions.
The Story
What was the defining moment that led you to this innovation?
Realization that small-scale soymilk equipment could cost-effectively address malnutrition in remote rural areas, without the need for electricity in 2002.
Tell us about the social innovator behind this idea.
Frank Daller and Brian Harrigan co-founded Malnutrition Matters, a Canadian non-profit, in the year 2000. Harrigan and Daller, who continues to head MM today, had previously worked in private industry involved in small-scale soy equipment manufacturing. Malnutrition Matters started off helping larger NGOs implement versions of an electric small-scale soy machines. Harrigan and Daller, after determining that most malnutrition occurs in remote rural areas and can only by tackled by solutions that are local to the problem, developed the VitaGoat non-electric version using simple, inexpensive parts suited for Third World villages without electricity. Daller has continued with MM, with the help of partners Hart Jansson and Charles Lauzon. There are now over 100 VitaGoats installed in over 20 countries, with interest growing rapidly.
How did you first hear about Changemakers?
Personal contact at Changemakers
If through another, please provide the name of the organization or company
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Comments
Excellent idea, it sounds very interesting and impact so far is impressive, congratulations!
It looks as if this could be easily replicated in other areas. The question here, is what are the channels that can make it easier to finance and distribute the equipment and also train the main users?
Also, could this product be sold to other parties? This could also become a revenue stream for VitaGoat allowing it to finance equipment to new areas. Being financially sound will definetely reduce the dependence on alliances.
Finally, I would question how easy is it getting a hold of soybean supplies? Is price a problem when market prices are high? If so, could an alliance with a major soy trader such as Bunge, Cargill or ConAgra be interesting?
Good luck!
Dear Moises,
Sorry to take so long to reply - just back from an extended trip to India. Yes, this system can be replicated in many areas. The best channels that we have identified to facilitate finance, distribution and training are NGOs with a substantial presence in their region. We do have several training and support centres in southern and eastern Africa and in India which minimize training and support costs.
The food products could definitely be sold in the open market to subsidize the costs for disadvantaged beneficiaries, and this is in fact the case for a number of our sites. One of our main criteria for establishing a site is sustainability.
We have found that soybeans are grown in every country in Africa and SOuth Asia, and that purchasing soybeans in the local market is almost always possible. For sites with higher production volumes, a wholesale (local) purchase is of course more cost effective. We are trying to foster local cultivation of soybeans, so are doubtful that large American traders would support that objective - if you have a different perspective we are eager to understand it.
thanks for your input,
Hart
Hello Hart,
I really enjoyed reading your entry. Have you considered patenting this idea? Would it be possible for you to upload some photos to your entry in order to give the community some visuals of your work? You mention that you would like to have an impact on public policy. How so? What kind of public policy impact do you have in mind? Congratulations on your awards, keep up the great work and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Dana
Dear Dana,
Sorry for taking so long to reply. I have been in India for the last 2 weeks, in rural areas mostly, with limited e-mail access. I have uploaded one photo - I haven't figured out how to do more. Also, please view the 2 videos I have posted (worth a thousand pictures?). The public policy impact I would like to have is to provide or improve government-funded school-feeding programs. In most African countries, such programs do not exist. In India, they exist, but are often not well implemented (ie, child malnutrition in rural areas still often exceeds 50%)and in many cases very little protein or micro-nutrients are provided.
regards,
Hart
Thanks for a great entry! We really like your holistic approach to training, and working with local partners. Would you mind providing some more information about your target population as well as details of your production mechanisms? Also, we’d like to hear more about the costs related to this kind of technology. How do operators pay for this technology and distribute it?
- Naveen Shakir, Ashoka’s Changemakers
Dear Naveen,
Sorry for not answering earlier, I just returned from a trip to our projects in India. The target population is those communities hardest hit by malnutrition, which is typically the more remote rural areas in South Asia and Southern Africa. We also have a large set of projects in North Korea where malnutrition is both severe and widespread. For details of production, the best way to get a quick understanding is to watch the videos I posted with the application (click on the video tab near the bottom of the page). One example shown is the project in Orissa, where SHGs are operating the VitaGoat, with delivery of the soymilk in bulk by bicycle to village schools. The cost of the VitaGoat is about $4,000 depending on the country, taxes etc. They are fabricated in India. Operators can get loans from MFIs (as per Orissa project).
More documentation is available via spreadsheets which detail the economic model and various PowerPoint presentations.
regards, Hart
On January 18, 2010 the judges reviewed the entries for the Changemakers Improved Nutrition: Solutions through Innovation competition and would like to pass on the following feedback (listed below) for your entry. Thank you for applying and for your hard work in the field. We are excited to archive your entry to serve as a leading solution for the worldwide community of innovators. We wish you continued luck with your innovative, sustainable, and socially impactful initiatives.
All the best, The Changemakers Team
“This is a low-cost, efficient, and easy to install initiative that operates in a sustainable manner. It’s very interesting, and it’s great that they’ve already replicated the model in 20 countries. I would really like to hear more about how they are planning on increasing their impact.”
“This is a very innovative initiative, and quite interesting. I’d be interested in learning more about how much the technology costs, and what kind of training is needed. Would there be a problem with the provision of raw materials in these areas as well? Also, it might be helpful to know more about what could go wrong, and how the entrant plans on dealing with those situations?”
- Changemakers Improved Nutrition: Solutions through Innovation Judges
Thank you judges for all your hard work. We plan to increase our impact by engaging with larger well-established NGOs in numerous countries - we can train them to be trainers of this technology. This will best leverage our ability to quickly scale the number of systems. We are seeing that a cluster of systems, such as in Zambia or Malawi, increases demand for these systems resulting in a snow ball effect. We now have between 6 and 12 systems in five countries in southern Africa and over a dozen in India and Korea. Each system costs about $4,500. We have support centers in Zambia, Kenya, Benin and South Africa that can either provide training at their centers or send technicians to provide the needed one to two-day training. We always use locally grown soybeans to support the farmers. Virtually every country grows their own soybeans. Supply problems can occasionally arise, but these can be overcome with good supply management. Soybeans can keep for one year.
The system is designed in a robust manner, so mechanical problems are few and far between , and spares are provided. The biggest challenge is often to find the type of soyfood that fits the local diet best, what flavoring to use, etc. We have over 100 soy recipes specific to various regions and cultures. Please visit the malnutrition.org website and search for VitaGoat on Youtube for two fascinating videos.
Hart
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