Soymilk production expansion  REMIX 

We do small-scale production of soymilk and soy ice cream. We buy locally-farmed soy beans at the market in Tamale, the capital of the Northern Region in Ghana. We distribute soy products to local schools and the Tamale Nutrition Center, which specializes in treating malnourished children. We started producing soy products in 2004, begining with an average of 70 bottles per week and growing to 360 bottles per week. We distributed the soy milk and ice cream to local "Keep Fit" clubs, businesses, offices, schools, rest stops, and an internet cafe. Due to nation-wide power rationing in 2006, we realized there was a need to improve the shelf-life of the products. The soy milk went bad in a short time because it was not pasteurized.

The use of appropriate technology (e.g. - pasteurizer) would increase the quantity and quality of the soy products, increasing the shelf-life and distribution capabilities. It would also financially benefit the local community and fit into UNICEF's overall goal of survival, development and protection of women and children in Ghana, especially the Northern Region.

Soya is high in protein and amino acids, which are both lacking in the local diet. Children are especially vulnerable to protein deficiency in their diet. According to NewsinGhana.com, one-third of Ghanaian children's growth has been stunted because of poor nutrition; poor nutrition could result in 250,000 childhood deaths in the next 5 years; and Ghana could lose nearly 300 million dollars in future productivity.

The project will also create employment opportunities for those who will be distributing and retailing the products. With the expansion, the company could employ 20 people within 6 months of receiving the grant. The employees would be selling and distributing the product throughout the Tamale region.

Required Resources

In order for this project to be successful, the following items will be purchased:

1 Stainless steel Pasteurizer - $8,800

1 Heavy Duty Corking Machine - $950

1 Stainless Steel Table-$2400

1 Industrial Thermometer-$100

1 Refractometer-$450

Building for factory-$7000

These funds will help expand the project to the Tamale Region.  In order to expand the project throughout Northern Ghana and beyond more funding will be required.

Plan and Execution

Month One:  Start production to the schools within Tamale.  This would initially employ 12 people.  Start searching for a market for the by-products of the soybeans.  Livestock farmers will buy the chaff to feed to their animals.

Month Two and Three:  Building location would be secured.  Final approval for business would be granted  by the Ghana Standards Board and Food and Drugs Board.

Months Four, Five, and Six:  Purchase the remainder of the equipment.  Begin production to areas outside the city of Tamale.  This would employ eight additional people.

Six Months to a Year:  Alternative soybean products will need to be developed.  This is due to the possibility of competitors copying the product.  Identify specific farmers to work with to supply the soybeans. Once the production expansion is running smoothly, we will look into ways to use the soya by-product to create compost and return it to the farmers who provide me with the soya beans.

The results we hope to achieve will be improved nutrition for the local population, a market for the local farmers, employment for at least 20 individuals in Northern Ghana, and promotion of the concept as a business opportunity to other communities in the Northern Region of Ghana.