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MOP, a woman-owned business in Uganda, produces organically grown, solar dried fruits for local and international consumption. MOP purchases mango, pineapple, apple banana, paw-paw and jack fruit from local farmers in the Masaka region, then dries the fruit using solar powered drying and heating systems. MOP’s activities guarantee a direct income to at least 250 people. Hundreds of others benefit indirectly through improved farming activities and diminished post harvest loss. Many of these beneficiaries are women who now have increased opportunities to sell their produce.

The Need

The use of solar energy reduces the need to utilize non-renewable forms of energy, or those with negative environmental impact (e.g. wood deforestation), to dry fruits, vegetables and other products. The solar driers represent an opportunity for a sustainable livelihood, preventing people from engaging in non-sustainable activities. This solar dryer is a low cost technology that empowers the local rural economy. With this equipment, farmers supplement their own food consumption with a healthy alternative and have an opportunity to start micro enterprises, creating economic benefits at the lower portion of the socioeconomic scale.

E+Co Value Added

E+Co assisted the company in reorganizing its management structure and creating a five year business plan. Subsequently, it made a US$100,000 investment in the business to increases its processing capabilities and for working capital.