Distribution of spirulina - Uganda

Spirulina to be proposed as part of this program will be imported.

It will be broadcasted in two types of distribution channels:

• via structures involved in the field of nutritional rehabilitation, including children and pregnant and lactating women at health centers, nutrition centers, pediatric services, NGOs working in the field of nutrition or childhood etc …
• through commercial distribution channels: Dietary stores or cosmetics, food stores and wellness, supermarkets, fitness centers, sports clubs etc …

According to the distribution circuit spirulina may be proposed but unprocessed dried (powder or flakes), integrated into RUTF (Ready to Use Therapeutic Foods)  as fortified cereal bars or meal. But also in powder, flakes, tablets, or incorporated into products such as drinks, cereal bars, treatment masks etc.

By selling at the market price we will generate revenue to subsidize the nutritional distribution to the poorest , a priority objective of this program. Commercial sales will make self-sufficient structure. A follow because it is a new model we put in place. Faced with the drop in donations linked to the current crisis, we had to find another way to fund our programs and projects …

• creation of a local structure that will carry the program. This structure will contain an employee and will initially be built around Anne-Gaëlle Olivier Beucher and the origin of the project.
• information and awareness of the authorities concerning the interest of Spirulina in the nutritional rehabilitation of the poorest people in Uganda.
• involvement of stakeholders in the health and childhood: responsible for health centers and home child structure, NGO representatives, etc …
• identification of network marketing of spirulina and implementation of an appropriate marketing strategy
• spirulina promotion and creating events for better visibility.
• importing 300 kg of spirulina Year 1, 500 kg of the 2nd and the 3rd year 1000 kg. This program will cover 100% of spirulina imported the first year and 50% of the imported spirulina the 2nd year. The third year, the structure must be able to finance itself spirulina it needs.
• implementation of the distribution according to the two schemes outlined above
• evaluation at the end of the first and second year.

An exploratory mission was carried out by our Technical Director in February 2015. After the GO Board of Directors in June 2015 a marketing study was launched in Kampala.

It was decided to conduct the program in 2 phases:

• Phase 1: Spirulina will be imported initially validating the market.
• Phase 2: Spirulina will be produced locally in a second stage, if there is a market.

The budget for the first year is € 24,000 of which € 10,000 already acquired. It remains to find € 14,000

Michel our project manager for Uganda is coming back from a field mission. The country is emerging from an election period that blocked our project for about two months. The results of a survey on the ground suggest the existence of a potential market for Spirulina. The first commercial distribution of 5 kg of imported spirulina in 2 weeks are particularly encouraging. Currently under clearance 50 kg of spirulina and good news Anne-Gaelle has orders awaiting delivery. We know that Uganda are not used to being asked to change their diet, so we will have to make a marketing and communication effort to create a stable demand.

In addition to commercial distribution, distribution of humanitarian tests are underway since February. They are held under the Child Restoration Outreach (C.R.O). The study focused on children aged 8 to 12 years. A teaspoon of spirulina daily added in the basis for children who come to dine C.R.O.

The first results at March 10, 2016 after 4 weeks of distribution show:

• a visible improvement in the skin of children (missing buttons, small wounds, clearer skin)
• more responsive immune system: reducing respiratory infections and intestinal

       • observation of greater vitality in some of these children which should enable better learning and more concentration