Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Developing sustainable agriculture practices and technologies for East Africa's small-scale farmers."

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

JOWSH Agritech: A revolutionary startup that utilizes Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae to convert food waste into sustainable, nutritious fish feeds. Our innovative approach addresses the following challenges: Our mission is to empower sustainable aquaculture practices, while promoting a circular economy and reducing environmental waste. Food waste reduction: By utilizing organic waste as a feedstock, we minimize the environmental impact of food waste disposal. Sustainable aquaculture: Our fish feeds are rich in protein, fiber, and micronutrients, promoting healthy fish growth and reducing the reliance on conventional fishmeal and fish oil. Economical and scalable: Our process is cost-effective and can be scaled up to meet the growing demand for sustainable aquaculture feeds. Environmental benefits: The BSF larvae process produces a nutrient-rich compost that can be used as organic fertilizer, further reducing the environmental footprint of our operations.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

Main Problem: Our startup, JOWSH Agritech, aims to address the challenges faced by the aquaculture industry in East Africa, where: Cheap fish feeds: Low-quality fish feeds are prevalent, leading to poor fish health and reduced harvest yields. High transportation costs: Importing high-quality fish feeds from distant regions is expensive, making them inaccessible to many farmers. Increased good fish harvest: The industry struggles to produce high-quality fish due to the use of substandard feeds. Our solution: We convert food waste into sustainable, nutritious fish feeds using Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae, reducing costs, improving feed quality, and promoting healthy fish growth.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

Major Benefits: Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly: Our fish feeds are made from food waste, reducing waste disposal costs and environmental impact. Improved Fish Health and Harvest: Our high-quality feeds promote healthy fish growth, increasing harvest yields and reducing disease incidence. Cost-Effective: Our local production process eliminates transportation costs, making our feeds more affordable for farmers and reducing the industry's carbon footprint. By using JOWSH Agritech's fish feeds, aquaculture farmers can increase their profitability, reduce environmental waste, and promote a sustainable food system.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Targeted Beneficiaries: Our startup, JOWSH Agritech, aims to serve the following: Aquaculture Farmers: Small-scale and medium-scale farmers in East Africa, who are struggling to produce high-quality fish due to limited access to affordable and nutritious fish feeds. Fish Feed Producers: Local fish feed manufacturers who want to reduce their reliance on imported feed ingredients and improve the quality of their products. Fisheries Cooperatives: Cooperatives that work with small-scale farmers to promote sustainable aquaculture practices and improve the livelihoods of rural communities. By serving these targeted beneficiaries, we aim to increase the profitability and sustainability of the aquaculture industry in East Africa, while promoting a more circular and environmentally friendly food system.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-05-03

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

5

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

3

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Co-Founders' Profile: Nicholas Kisambo: Co-Founder and CEO - Aquaculture, experienced in fish feed production and sustainable aquaculture practices. Mr. Samuel Owino: Co-Founder and CTO - B.Sc. in Food Science and Technology, experienced in food processing and quality control. Key Skills and Experience: Clementine Wangwe : 5+ years of experience in aquaculture research, fish feed production, and sustainability. Macrine Otieno: 8+ years of experience in food processing, quality control, and product development. Shared Vision: Together, we aim to create a sustainable and profitable aquaculture industry in East Africa by providing high-quality fish feeds made from locally sourced food waste. Our diverse skillset and expertise enable us to drive innovation and growth in the company.

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shikukujohn-wabwire-311101287/

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: Circular Sustainable agriculture

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Our startup, JOWSH Agritech, aims to alleviate poverty by providing sustainable aquaculture solutions to small-scale farmers in East Africa. By offering locally sourced, nutritious fish feeds made from food waste, we empower farmers to: Increase productivity: By using high-quality feeds, farmers can increase their yields and incomes, improving their livelihoods. Reduce costs: Our feed solution reduces reliance on imported feed ingredients, saving farmers money and increasing their profit margins. Enhance food security: By promoting sustainable aquaculture practices, we help ensure a stable and nutritious food supply for local communities. Create employment opportunities: Our startup will create jobs and stimulate local economic growth, helping to reduce poverty and increase income inequality. By addressing the challenges faced by small-scale farmers in East Africa, our startup contributes to the elimination of poverty and promotion of economic development

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Our startup, JOWSH Agritech, addresses food insecurity by providing sustainable aquaculture solutions to small-scale farmers in East Africa. Our locally sourced fish feeds made from food waste: Increase food availability: By promoting sustainable aquaculture practices, we increase the availability of nutritious fish products in local markets. Improve food access: Our affordable fish feeds and training programs empower small-scale farmers to produce high-quality fish products, making them more accessible to low-income communities. Enhance food utilization: By promoting the use of locally sourced ingredients, we reduce food waste and increase the utilization of available food resources. Support sustainable agriculture: Our feed solution promotes sustainable agriculture practices, reducing the environmental impact of agriculture and ensuring a long-term food suppl

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

Our startup, JOWSH Agritech, addresses health concerns by providing sustainable aquaculture solutions to small-scale farmers in East Africa. Our locally sourced fish feeds made from food waste: Improve nutritional value: Our fish feeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, essential amino acids, and other micronutrients, enhancing the nutritional value of fish products for local communities. Reduce chemical use: Our feed solution reduces the reliance on chemical-based fish feeds, minimizing the risk of environmental pollution and promoting a healthier aquatic ecosystem. Enhance food safety: Our feed production process ensures high-quality feed products, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses and improving overall food safety. Support healthy lifestyles: By promoting sustainable aquaculture practices, we encourage healthy lifestyles and reduce the risk of chronic diseases associated with poor diet and environmental degradation.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

2

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

While our startup, JOWSH Agritech, primarily focuses on sustainable aquaculture solutions, we indirectly support quality education by: Empowering farmers: Our training programs and workshops educate small-scale farmers on sustainable aquaculture practices, enabling them to increase their productivity and income. Promoting STEM education: By developing innovative solutions for aquaculture, we promote the importance of STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) in addressing real-world challenges. Encouraging entrepreneurship: Our startup's success story can inspire young entrepreneurs to pursue careers in agriculture and sustainability, promoting a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Our startup, JOWSH Agritech, addresses gender equality by: Empowering women farmers: Our training programs and workshops specifically target women small-scale farmers, providing them with skills and knowledge to improve their livelihoods. Promoting women's economic empowerment: By increasing their income and productivity, we enable women farmers to take on more significant roles in their households and communities. Fostering inclusive decision-making: Our project involves women farmers in decision-making processes, ensuring that their perspectives are valued and considered. Addressing gender-based barriers: We address gender-based barriers, such as limited access to education, healthcare, and financial resources, by providing equal opportunities for women and men farmers.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

2

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

Jowsh Agrtich Foods and Feeds' mission to provide sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural solutions aligns with the importance of clean water and sanitation Ecosystem preservation: Our focus on eco-friendly practices can help maintain healthy ecosystems, which are crucial for maintaining clean water sources and promoting overall environmental well-being.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

5

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

Jowsh Agrtich Foods and Feeds' innovative approach to sustainable agriculture can significantly contribute to the global effort to achieve affordable and clean energy. Here's why: Renewable energy sources: Our startup's focus on eco-friendly practices can help transition the agricultural sector away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and biogas. Energy-efficient solutions: By promoting efficient farming practices, Our products can reduce energy consumption and minimize waste, leading to a more sustainable energy profile.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Job creation: our startup's products can create new job opportunities in the agricultural sector, contributing to local economic growth and development. Increased income: By promoting sustainable farming practices, our products can increase farmers' income and reduce their reliance on external inputs, improving their overall economic well-being. Economic diversification: our startup's focus on sustainable agriculture can help diversify local economies, reducing dependence on a single industry or crop, and promoting a more resilient economy. Value addition: our products can add value to agricultural products, enabling farmers to earn a better price for their produce and contributing to economic growth. Entrepreneurship: our startup's innovative approach can encourage entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector, fostering a culture of innovation and risk-taking.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

4

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Innovative solutions: Our startup's focus on developing eco-friendly farming practices, such as vertical farming and precision agriculture, can drive innovation in the agricultural sector. Infrastructure development: Our products can help develop sustainable agricultural infrastructure, such as greenhouses, irrigation systems, and biogas facilities, which can increase productivity and reduce waste. Supply chain modernization: Our startup's focus on efficient farming practices can help modernize the agricultural supply chain, reducing food waste, and improving food safety and quality. Data-driven decision-making: Our products can provide valuable insights and data to farmers, enabling them to make data-driven decisions, optimize their operations, and increase their yields. Collaboration and partnerships: Our startup's innovative approach can foster collaboration and partnerships between farmers, researchers, and industry stakeholders, driving innovation and growth in the sector.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Jowsh Agrtich Foods and Feeds' innovative approach to sustainable agriculture can contribute to reducing inequalities. Here's why: Inclusive business model: our startup's focus on working with small-scale farmers, including women and marginalized groups, can help reduce income inequality by providing them with access to new markets and training. Sustainable farming practices: our products can promote sustainable farming practices that reduce environmental degradation, benefiting marginalized communities and promoting social justice. Capacity building: our startup's training programs and workshops can help build the capacity of small-scale farmers, particularly women and youth, to improve their livelihoods and reduce economic inequalities.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Jowsh Agrtich Foods and Feeds' innovative approach to sustainable agriculture can significantly contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Here's why: Urban-rural connectivity: By promoting sustainable agriculture, your startup can improve the connectivity between urban and rural areas, ensuring that cities have access to fresh, locally-sourced produce, reducing transportation emissions and promoting food security. Green infrastructure: our products can promote the development of green infrastructure in urban areas, such as community gardens, green roofs, and urban agriculture projects, which can improve air quality, mitigate the urban heat island effect, and increase biodiversity.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

5

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

Jowsh Agrtich Foods and Feeds' innovative approach to sustainable agriculture can significantly contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. Here's why: Reduced waste: By promoting sustainable agriculture practices, our startup can reduce food waste by increasing the availability of fresh, locally-sourced produce and reducing post-harvest losses. Efficient use of resources: our products can promote efficient use of resources, such as water and energy, by adopting sustainable agriculture practices that reduce environmental impact. Circular economy: our startup's focus on upcycling and repurposing agricultural waste can promote a circular economy by reducing waste and increasing the value of resources.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Jowsh Agrtich Foods and Feeds' innovative approach to sustainable agriculture can significantly contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Climate Action. Here's why: Carbon sequestration: By promoting sustainable agriculture practices, such as regenerative agriculture, your startup can help sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, mitigating climate change. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: our products can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by promoting efficient use of resources, reducing synthetic fertilizers, and increasing the use of renewable energy. Climate-resilient agriculture: our startup's focus on climate-resilient agriculture practices can help farmers adapt to climate change, ensuring food security and reducing the risk of crop failures. Soil conservation: our products can promote soil conservation by reducing soil erosion, increasing soil health, and promoting soil carbon sequestration.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

6

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

Jowsh Agrtich Foods and Feeds' innovative approach to sustainable agriculture can significantly contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water. Here's why: Water conservation: By promoting efficient irrigation practices, our startup can reduce water consumption and protect aquatic ecosystems. Soil conservation: our products can promote soil conservation by reducing soil erosion, increasing soil health, and preventing soil runoff into waterways. Aquatic ecosystem protection: our startup's focus on sustainable agriculture practices can reduce pollution from agricultural runoff, protecting aquatic ecosystems and the biodiversity they support. Marine conservation: By promoting sustainable agriculture practices, our startup can help reduce the impact of agricultural activities on marine ecosystems, such as overfishing and habitat destruction.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Jowsh Agrtich Foods and Feeds' innovative approach to sustainable agriculture has a significant impact on achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15: Life on Land. Here's why: Conservation and restoration: our startup's focus on sustainable agriculture practices, such as regenerative agriculture and agroforestry, can help conserve and restore ecosystems, promote biodiversity, and mitigate climate change. Sustainable land use: our startup's commitment to sustainable land use practices, such as reducing deforestation and promoting agroecology, can help protect ecosystems and promote ecosystem services. Biodiversity conservation: our startup's efforts to promote biodiversity conservation through the cultivation of diverse crops and pollinator-friendly practices can help protect endangered species and maintain ecosystem health.

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

6

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

Jowsh Agrtich Foods and Feeds' innovative approach to sustainable agriculture can significantly contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. Here's why: Community engagement: our startup's community engagement and education programs can promote social cohesion, reduce conflict, and foster a sense of shared responsibility among farmers, consumers, and other stakeholders. Fair labor practices: By promoting fair labor practices and reducing exploitation, our startup can contribute to a more just and equitable society. Transparency and accountability: our startup's transparent business practices and commitment to accountability can help build trust among stakeholders and promote a culture of integrity. Collaboration and partnerships: our startup's partnerships with local communities, farmers, and other stakeholders can promote collaboration, cooperation, and mutual understanding

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Jowsh Agrtich Foods and Feeds' innovative approach to sustainable agriculture is well-positioned to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Here's why: Collaborative partnerships: our startup's partnerships with local farmers, researchers, and other stakeholders demonstrate a commitment to collaborative problem-solving and collective impact. Multi-stakeholder engagement: our startup's engagement with government agencies, NGOs, and private sector organizations demonstrates a willingness to work with diverse stakeholders towards a common goal. Inclusive business models: our startup's focus on sustainable agriculture practices and community engagement can help promote inclusive business models that benefit local communities and promote economic development. Knowledge sharing and transfer: our startup's commitment to knowledge sharing and transfer through research and development, training, and capacity building can help promote the exchange of b

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

4

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

1 - Strongly Disagree

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

2

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

5

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

4

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

1 - Strongly Disagree

06.08 Justification for my startup

strongly agree with the statement, as my startup's innovative approach is rooted in its unique blend of traditional services and digital solutions. Our hybrid model combines the strengths of human expertise with the efficiency of AI-powered tools, allowing us to streamline processes and deliver personalized services to our customers. What sets us apart is our ability to integrate these digital solutions seamlessly into our operations, making us more agile and responsive to changing market conditions. This fusion of traditional and digital approaches enables us to offer a more comprehensive and effective service that is not easily replicable by competitors. Our innovative approach also allows us to collect and analyze data in real-time, providing valuable insights that help us refine our services and improve customer satisfaction. This data-driven approach is a key differentiator for our startup and sets us apart from competitors who may rely on traditional methods.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main potential competitors are established businesses in the region that offer similar services. However, we stand out from them in several ways: Unique Business Model: Our startup offers a hybrid model that combines traditional services with innovative digital solutions, making us more agile and efficient. Local Focus: We prioritize local sourcing and community engagement, which sets us apart from competitors who may prioritize cost savings or efficiency over local impact. Social Responsibility: Our commitment to being a responsible and socially responsible business in the region is unparalleled, making us a leader in the industry. Personalized Approach: We focus on building strong relationships with our customers and partners, offering personalized solutions that cater to their unique needs.

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Yes, I am initiating actions within my community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs. Here are a few examples: Hosting workshops and seminars on entrepreneurship and leadership, specifically targeting women who are interested in starting their own businesses. Partnering with local organizations that support women's empowerment and entrepreneurship, to provide resources and mentorship to female entrepreneurs. Creating a network of female entrepreneurs and mentors to share knowledge, resources, and experiences, and provide a platform for women to connect and support each other. Organizing events and campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of female entrepreneurship and the challenges that women face in the business world. Offering scholarships and grants to female entrepreneurs who are just starting out, to help them overcome financial barriers and achieve their goals.