We specialize in Agriculture, Food, Nutrition, Healthcare and Base Of The Pyramid Strategy.

Typical assignments for these areas are pictured below.

Agriculture – Food

Doubling your yield

Thorough analysis and leapfrogging

Agriculture is the backbone of many developing and emerging countries; yet farmers and other actors in the chain are not able to harvest the full potential of their crop. Low germination rates, poor soils and non-optimized logistic chains hamper yield and earnings.

Thorough analysis at Sprout Economics identifies bottlenecks, and highlights opportunities in the agro value chain. And we act accordingly. For instance by introducing new vegetable seed varieties and affordable machinery.

We strengthen the backbone.

Making agriculture measurable

Technology & calculations

Sprout Economics ‘makes agriculture measurable’ and uses ‘technology for the better’.

  • We calculated the Return on Investment for a potato planting machine in Pakistan.
  • The germination rate of sunflower has improved for Zambian farmers, thanks to high yield seed varieties and better farming practices.
  • We have benchmarks of rice yield and tomato farming from practices in Vietnam and Bangladesh.

We learn, interconnect and scale. Figures and new technologies are the basis.

Satellites support farmers

Catching up with the West

Food safety, indoor farming and the use of satellite data helps bring Asian and African farmers on par with those in Europe. Vietnam is industrializing its agriculture and Ethiopia has a state-of-the-art Dutch seedling farm.

International exchange of innovation brings the latest technology and farming practices to African farmers’ doorstep. The recycling of nutrients and pesticide-free vegetables are but two examples of the success stories.

LEARN MORE THROUGH THE USE OF THE AGRO VALUE CREATOR

Agriculture assignments at Sprout Economics

  • Analysis of agro value chain with the Agro Value Creator; this consistently results in 3-5 attractive business options/interventions.
  • Introduction of improved vegetable seed and bio fertilizer in Vietnam doubles the profit
  • Optimizing of a fish nursery farm in Bangladesh creates extra income

Nutrition

Small investment, big rewards

Nutrition as game changer

Many leading economists list ‘Nutrition’ in their top 3 global issues to be resolved. Investments in nutritional products and nutrition programs pay off in the form of lower healthcare costs, a better quality of life for families, and greater economic participation.

Along with DSM and Indofood we launched a ‘Healthy snacking program’ via schools in Indonesia. This was very successful among children, parents and teachers alike, while showing how better nutrition and profit go hand-in-hand. Improved nutrition at product level, supply chain level, and policy level have proven to be a winning formula in decreasing instances of stunted growth and brain deficiencies among children.

First 1000 days determines your future

Fact, not a fairy tale

During the first 1000 days of a child (from conception until the child is 2 years old), the body, brain and organs undergo their most crucial development. During this period, irreversible damage can be done, or a big leap can be made. It is essential to provide the pregnant and lactating mother with tasty and nutritious food, full of the right blend of vitamins and minerals for the developing child. And good nutrition does not need to be expensive.

The next challenges are the age-windows of 2-5, 6-12 and 13-18 years old.

Recognition of these facts by policy makers, last-mile distribution, and education on food habits are key success factors on the bumpy road towards healthy lives.

Nutrition

Nutrition assignments at Sprout Economics

  • Development of a complete nutrition concept for youth in Vietnam
  • Introduction of a tasty and affordable nutritious dairy drink in Zambia.
  • Set up of a commercial distribution chain for micro nutrient powders in Ghana

Healthcare

Self diagnosis for less than $0.10

Technology as catalyst

Global health services are booming, and emerging countries are making great strides to bring healthcare to more and more families. Basic health services, health insurance, and efficient clinics are important building blocks in this process. Technology and digitalization are the differentiators which support diagnostics, cost-analysis, speed, and scaling.

Sprout Economics crafts hybrid healthcare solutions together with companies, NGOs and governments, and with micro clinics helping to reach the grass roots level

Avoid high medical bills

Prevention & insurance as safety nets

People in countries like Zambia and Nepal can prosper as long as they are healthy. Preventive healthcare and affordable health insurance are the safety nets for many families, and the proximity of doctors and clinics to home is key. Vaccination, appropriate medicines and information on diseases are needed but all-too-often unavailable.

Big leaps can be taken in prevention and health insurance. For example, a greater density of clinics and pharmacies in Ghana bridges the last mile to many families, making Ghana a frontrunner in Africa. A good healthcare system directly benefits country’s economy.

Healthcare assignments at Sprout Economics

  • Together with Philips we assessed and optimized medical equipment in Kenyan health clinics, which improved the uptime of equipment from 65% to 90%.
  • Development of a quantitative business model for a malaria diagnosis app.
  • A distribution model for affordable health services in urban and rural India implemented together with an NGO.

Base of the Pyramid

Mobile phone or third meal?

Strategy at the Base of the Pyramid

More people have a mobile phone than have access to a proper toilet or third daily meal.

40% of people in Asia and Africa live on less than $2,50 a day. This is the so-called Base of the Pyramid (BoP). Companies, social enterprises and NGOs aim to activate the potential of these families and communities to the benefit of the mainstream economy. Hybrid models of donation and investment are needed to tackle issues in healthcare, education, nutrition and WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene). Micro finance functions as an accelerator, and micro insurance as a safety net.

Sprout Economics develops BoP-strategies, calculates sustainable interventions, and scales proven concepts.

  • In a village with limited electricity sources, a solar lamp is a proven game-changer for young Indian school kids, who wish to continue with their homework after sunset.
  • Training a local entrepreneur in Vietnam to build toilets boosted sanitation in Central Vietnam.

The BoP comprises a wealth of potential economic power, from consumer to employee to entrepreneur. Our goal at Sprout Economics is to unlock this potential through local and affordable solutions.

Macheo School

Base of the Pyramid assignments at Sprout Economics

  • Developing a sustainable childcare model for the garment industry in Bangladesh
  • Program for building toilets and safe drinking water facilities in Central Vietnam
  • Improving schooling concepts in India