Combatting Food Waste: Sharjah University Launches Thimaar, A Marketplace for Sustainable Agriculture

A team led by a student from the American University of Sharjah (AUS) has created a blockchain-based sustainable marketplace concept, which secured first place at the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (ICESCO) Youth Climate Leaders Camp - Arab Chapter.

Thimmar is set to be showcased in the ICESCO Pavilion at COP29 in Azerbaijan this month. The platform aligns with the UAE Year of Sustainability 2024's focus on responsible consumption and wise planting. It also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly No Hunger and Climate Action. Izma Fatima, an international studies student at AUS, presented the concept on behalf of her team.

The platform offers loyalty points and gifts for collecting organic waste. This waste is then repurposed to benefit local organic farming communities in Sharjah. These efforts align with the UAE’s goal to cut waste by 50 percent by 2030. By focusing on healthy consumer habits rather than flooding markets with low-demand sustainable products, Thimmar targets female homemakers in the region.

The development of Thimmar involved extensive research, including field visits and discussions with organisations like ICESCO, Sheraa, Shajar, and Manbat. These entities provided valuable networks and contacts to support the initiative. Proposed partners for Thimmar include organic farms, sustainability-focused brands, local governments, and markets.

Izma Fatima explained, "Our motto is reach, relive and reward. Through the platform, AI-calculated portions will help our customers to minimise food waste. They will also virtually connect with the farmers who grow their food, experiencing organic farming from home while also supporting the organic agriculture industry through micro-financing." This approach allows users to engage with organic farming practices while supporting local agriculture financially.

The team behind Thimmar consists of seven female students who emphasise a bottom-up approach in promoting sustainable consumer habits. Their strategy involves engaging directly with consumers rather than simply introducing sustainable products into a market that may not demand them.

This innovative project highlights how technology can bridge gaps between consumers and producers while promoting sustainability. By leveraging blockchain technology and AI-driven solutions, Thimmar aims to create a more efficient and environmentally friendly marketplace model.

With inputs from WAM