The GSMA Innovation Fund for Climate Resilience and Adaptation (launched in 2022) was designed to help accelerate the testing, adoption and scalability of digital innovations that enable the world’s most vulnerable populations to adapt, anticipate and absorb the negative impacts of climate change. 12 successful start-ups from 10 countries were selected for our first round of the Fund. This case study shares lessons and outcomes from the project with J-Palm – a start-up based in Liberia, and supported by the GSMA Innovation Fund for Climate Resilience and Adaptation.
J-Palm is a startup based in Liberia that manufactures natural health and beauty products using palm kernels. They are using blockchain technology for improved traceability of the palm oil supply chain..
Liberia’s rural smallholder farming communities lack access to processing machinery and markets for their palm kernels. As a result, they largely throw away the palm kernels, losing thousands of dollars in potential income. This technology gap has caused these communities to miss out on significant economic development opportunities.
J-Palm has introduced mini mills to replace manual palm oil extraction, assisting smallholder farmers and harvesters in Liberia to become more efficient by enabling them to produce more oil and reduce processing time and water use. Additionally, they have also developed and launched a traceability app that has enhanced supply chain transparency and laid a solid foundation for the company’s long-term commercial sustainability.
J-Palm Liberia is one of the start-ups supported by the GSMA Innovation Fund for Climate Resilience and Adaptation, which was launched in 2022. This initiative is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and is supported by the GSMA and its members.
