Tanzania - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

The need for clean energy and sustainable agriculture can be achieved through the Agri & Energy Sustain project. Which aim to produce algae bioproducts such as biofuel, animal feeds, and biofertilizers by cultivating algae using wastewater and CO2 (GHG).

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

The project aims to tackle the dual challenges of clean energy and sustainable agriculture by mass-producing algae using wastewater and CO2 (greenhouse gases) to produce valuable bioproducts. These include biofuel, animal feed, and biofertilizers. Algae can rapidly grow using nutrients found in wastewater, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, and capture atmospheric CO2 through photosynthesis. The resulting algal biomass contains high lipids, which can be extracted and processed into biofuels such as biodiesel or aviation fuel. Also, due to its protein richness (45–65%), vitamins, and minerals, algal biomass has the potential to be used as a non-food protein source in formulating nutritious animal feeds for livestock farming and aquaculture. Moreover, algae are effective at fixing atmospheric nitrogen, so their biomass can be harvested, dried, and used directly as a biofertilizer that provides essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, to crops, enhances soil health, and promotes plant growth.

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

The increasing world population is leading to a rise in the use of non-renewable energy sources. This is causing environmental pollution and an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. There is also a high demand for agricultural production to feed the growing population, leading to the use of chemical fertilizers that have harmful effects on both human health and the environment. Livestock and fish farming are facing pressure to increase production at a low cost. They mostly depend on high-cost grains and fishmeal, which are also used for human consumption as protein sources to produce feed. The Agri and Energy Sustain Project aims to address these issues by creating sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to fossil fuels and agricultural practices. This includes the development of clean, renewable energy biodiesel, environmentally friendly biofertilizers, and high-protein-rich algal biomass for animal and fish feeds. It will reduce environmental impacts and promote a greener future.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

The Agri and Energy Sustain Project will offer several major benefits and advantages: 1. Environmental Sustainability: Producing biofuel from algae cultivated using wastewater and CO2 reduces reliance on fossil fuels, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. aids in wastewater purification and resource recycling. 2. Agricultural Enhancement: Algal-based high-protein-rich animal feeds provide sustainable, non-food protein sources, a high-quality, nutrient-rich alternative to conventional feeds based on human foods grains and fishmeal and supporting healthier livestock. Moreover, environmentally and eco-friendly biofertilizers from algal biomass improve soil fertility and support healthier plant growth without the harmful effects like those caused by synthetic chemical fertilizers. 3. Economic Viability: The project promotes local production, reducing costs associated with importing energy, agricultural and farming inputs. It will create new job opportunities in the green economy sector.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

The Agri and Energy Sustain Project is aimed at serving: 1. Farmers and Agricultural Sector: By serving them with sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural inputs including biofertilizers, particularly for wetland rice farmers and high protein-rich algal biomass-based animal and fish feeds. 2. Energy Consumers: Industries and individuals seeking renewable and cleaner energy alternatives to reduce their carbon footprint. 3. Environmental Advocates: Organizations and communities dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainable resource management. These targeted beneficiaries will directly experience the project’s positive impacts on their practices, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-04-01

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

3

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

1. Mr. Filimon Pangras Nzahuye He has a diploma in Crop production and three years of working experience as an Agriculture officer with Tanganyika Christian Refugee Service (TCRS) - Kibondo Kigoma and two years as an area project manager with Digital Mobile Africa (DMA) in Kibondo Kigoma. Mr. Filimon is experienced in interacting with rural farmers and mobilising forest and natural resource conservation through modern farming like drip irrigation. He is experienced in mobilising small-scale farm-holder groups and organisations. 2. Mr. Felix Elias Ndakilivuze He has a bachelor's degree in Mechanical engineering with one year of working experience as an Agricultural Engineer with the Agricultural Seed Agency (ASA) at Msimba Farm Kilosa Morogoro. 3. Miss Melania Adolf Sabuholo She has a diploma in Agriculture production from MATI- Mubondo Kasulu.

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

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: Agriculture and Energy industries

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

4

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

The Agri and Energy Sustain Project contributes to SDG 2, Zero Hunger, by: 1. Enhancing food security by producing algal-based animal feeds which will lead to increased availability of livestock and fishery products. 2. Improving agricultural productivity with biofertilisers, which supports higher crop yields and more resilient food systems. By addressing these aspects, the project plays a role in combating hunger and promoting sustainable agriculture.

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

4

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

3

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

The project contributes to SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy by: 1. Producing Renewable Biofuel: Algae-based biofuel is a renewable resource that can replace fossil fuels, reducing carbon emissions and promoting cleaner air. 2. Improving Energy Access: By creating a local source of biofuel, the project will help make energy more accessible and affordable in Tanzania. 3. Supporting Sustainable Energy Systems: The project encourages sustainable energy practices, contributing to the development of a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

The project contributes to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by: 1. Creating job opportunities in sustainable agriculture. 2. The production of algal bioproducts can stimulate economic growth through innovation, entrepreneurship, and market expansion. 3. Additionally, by utilizing local resources and engaging with the community, the project supports local economies and can lead to more inclusive and sustainable economic progress.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

4

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

4

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

The project contributes to SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production in the following ways: 1. Promoting Circular Economy: It utilizes waste products such as CO2 and wastewater in algae cultivation, minimizing waste and promoting efficient resource use. 2. Encouraging Sustainable Practices: The production of biofertilizers and animal feeds from algae supports sustainable agricultural practices, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and human food-grade grains for animal feeds. 3. Reducing Environmental Impact: By offering renewable energy solutions and sustainable agricultural inputs, the project helps to reduce the environmental footprint of these industries. These efforts support the goal of achieving sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

The project contributes to SDG 13: Climate Action by: 1. Lowering Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The production and use of biofuels instead of fossil fuels reduces carbon emissions, a significant contributor to climate change. 2. Enhancing Carbon Sequestration: Algae cultivation captures CO2, helping to mitigate the greenhouse effect and global warming. 3. Promoting Resilience and Adaptation: By improving agricultural sustainability the project will help communities adapt to climate-related impacts and extreme weather conditions. These actions align to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

6

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

The project contributes to SDG 14: Life Below Water by: 1. Reducing Ocean Pollution: By providing an alternative to fossil fuels, the project helps decrease oil spills and runoff pollution, which can harm marine life. 2. Promoting Sustainable Fisheries: The algal-based animal feeds can lead to more sustainable fish farming practices, reducing overfishing and helping maintain aquatic biodiversity. 3. Enhancing Marine Ecosystems: Sustainable agricultural practices reduce the runoff of harmful chemicals into water bodies, protecting marine ecosystems and coral reefs. These actions align to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

The project contributes to SDG 15: Life on Land by: 1. Improving Soil Health: The use of algal-based biofertilizers enhances soil fertility, water retention, and soil structure, promoting sustainable land use and healthier ecosystems. 2. Supporting Biodiversity: Sustainable agricultural practices reduce the need for harmful pesticides and chemicals, which can protect local flora and fauna. 3. Preventing Land Degradation: By promoting responsible land management practices, the project helps to prevent soil erosion and degradation, preserving land for future generations. These support efforts of protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

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

6

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

1 - Strongly Disagree

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

1 - Strongly Disagree

05.08 Justification

The project aims to contribute to the region’s financial development by creating job opportunities in the energy and agricultural sectors. This will be achieved through local investment in infrastructure and technology, skill development programmes, and economic diversification. The project also seeks to protect existing jobs, create new opportunities for locals, and promote entrepreneurial ventures. Additionally, we will collaborate with local suppliers and farmers while prioritizing open and honest communication with the community.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

Potential competitors include other companies producing animal feeds and biofertilizers, such as Novfeed T Ltd and RealIPM. Additionally, there is competition from chemical fertiliser producers, as their products act faster than biofertilisers. What makes my project unique is the innovative use of wastewater and CO2 to cultivate algae. This process not only produces valuable products but also helps in greenhouse gas mitigation. Furthermore, the project is committed to local job creation and community engagement for sustainability.

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

No