Overview of the Project
In a move that merges tradition with technology, Toronto-based Convergence.tech has wrapped up a groundbreaking pilot project aimed at helping the nomadic herders of Mongolia track and certify their sustainable cashmere. This innovative supply chain project, in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), utilizes Convergence.tech’s Ethereum-based traceability platform called Backbone. The focus on cashmere herders is particularly poignant given their often perilous working conditions and unstable income sources.
Why Cashmere Herders?
Cashmere production is fraught with challenges — both for the herders and the consumers. The fashion industry is notorious for its lack of transparency, often leaving end-users clueless about the true origins of their luxurious cashmere items. As Convergence.tech CEO Chami Akmeemana elaborates, “The nomadic community is one of immense pride but one with a volatile and unstable income.” This pilot aims to change that narrative using blockchain technology to illuminate the dark corridors of the cashmere supply chain.
Features of the Mobile Application
The centerpiece of this initiative is a mobile app specifically designed for Android devices. This innovative app empowers farmers to register their cashmere bales seamlessly. With the addition of radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags on bales and packing slips, the app enables real-time tracking of product location and status. The collaborative force of this tracking data with the robust capabilities of Backbone allows both sellers and consumers to witness the entire production lifecycle of cashmere.
- Transparency: Users can see where their cashmere originates, ensuring ethical sourcing.
- Environmental Impact: The app generates data that outlines the ecological footprint of cashmere production.
Future Horizons
Reflecting on the impactful findings from the pilot, Akmeemana mentions plans to disseminate their learnings globally. He shared, “Our learnings are pretty significant on this… We’ve been going around the world. We were in Singapore and Bangkok a couple of weeks ago presenting to the UN, USAID, the World Bank, etc.” The potential for this technology to revolutionize the cashmere industry is massive, and the scope for expansion is on the horizon.
Convergence.tech’s Broader Impact
Since its inception in 2018, Convergence.tech has been on a mission to harness blockchain technology for greater social equity and transparency. Their previous endeavors include developing a blockchain-enabled land registry for Haryana, India, and enhancing police payroll systems in Afghanistan. This track record showcases a commitment not just to technological advancement, but to improving lives and communities worldwide. With plans to broaden their reach, including potential projects in Peru, the future looks bright for both Convergence.tech and the herders they support.
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