Shanina Mercedia van Gent’s Post

Sharing this great opportunity with my network! Check the eligibility criteria and apply now: https://lnkd.in/gq5iisvH Last date to apply: 24 May, 2024!

Over the past decade, the rural ecosystem in India has undergone a significant transformation, driven by both governmental and private sector initiatives. From the increasing purchasing power to the surge in rural digitization, agri-tech investments and financial inclusion efforts, there's just too much to unpack! 📈 🚀💡 1. If you could delve deeper into one of these trends OR any other development you've observed, which would you choose? 2. What specific perspectives do you seek to explore further or challenge, requiring detailed qualitative data-driven insights? 3. Are there any assumptions or narratives you believe need to be revisited? Our Insights team is eagerly gearing up for a unique and large-scale research project to be launched this summer, fueled by your insights and observations. It would make a huge difference of you could take 2 minutes to share your idea with us in the survey linked below. Feel free to also comment below. We would love to read diverse perspectives and inputs from professionals, industry leaders and folks in the impact sector! :)

The last mile distribution sector is rapidly evolving but there's still a big problem: many last mile consumers across the globe don't have access to important products and services. The guest article written by the Global Distributors Collective (GDC) and Spring Impact dives deep into innovative approaches and pathways to scale impact in the last-mile distribution sector, offering invaluable insights for organizations committed to making a difference in emerging markets. So, how do last-mile distributors (LMDs) approach scaling their solutions? They typically follow two main pathways. 1) The first involves scaling up solutions to reach more individuals affected by the problem, whether locally, nationally, or internationally. 2) The second pathway focuses on systemic change, aiming to reduce the size of the problem itself. Strategic partnerships play a pivotal role here, as organizations collaborate to deliver solutions collectively. Essmart is highlighted as an example of the latter pathway in the article. In 2022, we forged a strategic partnership with One Acre Fund to enhance access to essential agricultural products for rural farmers in Bihar. This partnership allowed us to deepen our focus on rural end customers, predominantly small-scale farmers, and pilot a shop-enabled farmer model in North India for the first time. Additionally, we’ve taken a distinctive approach by not only tackling access but also promoting product adoption through customized market research tailored for the rural Indian market. Leveraging our extensive network of rural retail shops, FPOs, and millions of end-users, we're well-positioned to provide unique insights for those that seek to push their innovations into the rural market. 💡 Curious to learn more about our approach to scaling impact? Check out the link shared in the article to revisit a recent panel discussion I had the pleasure of hosting, where we discussed our pathway to scaling via market research in more detail.

Super excited to finally share this news! This has been one of the most exciting market insight projects we've undertaken to date. Super proud of our team for conducting a pan-Indian market research project for Sun King, the world's leading off-grid solar provider. Our in-depth study unearthed crucial insights into rural consumer preferences, laying the foundation for impactful solar solutions. Onwards and upwards! 🚀

It was wonderful connecting with a few agri-tech entrepreneurs the other week prior to the Omnivore Social. It's inspiring to chat with entrepreneurs driving change in agriculture and food systems. Totally agree that these gatherings highlight the breadth of impactful work happening. Would honestly love to see more regular meet-ups like this happen in Bangalore 😊

Recently, we wrapped up an interesting market research project, testing the receptiveness of an organic fertilizer product in the Karnataka market. Our approach was hands-on: diving into our extensive network of retail shops, nurseries, and end-users to gain crucial insights. Drawing insights from diverse market segments, we gained a deep understanding of market dynamics, enabling us to craft tailored recommendations for product enhancements and GTM strategy. What truly excites me about leading our new market testing verticle is the opportunity to immerse myself in the rural market and gain a deeper understanding of different sectors, understanding their intricacies firsthand. This project has deepened my appreciation for the agricultural landscape and highlighted the rising significance of organic products in today's market. Witnessing farmers increasingly value organic alternatives and grasp the harmful effects of chemical fertilizers is both intriguing and anticipatory of future impacts. Check out our post below to learn more about our approach and the key insights we uncovered!

The essence of learning lies in embracing stories from the source. By immersing ourselves in the unique narratives of end-users and consumers, we unlock invaluable insights into their aspirations, challenges, and journeys. Check out our latest article where we delve into collaborative research approaches and their significance in driving user engagement and refining data quality - particularly those targeting rural markets.