Uganda - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Our project aims to introduce a pelletized organic fertilizer blende for sustainable maize production in Uganda. We aim to contribute to smallholder farmer agroecological conservation, stable maize yields, household food supply and incomes.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

The primary objective is to create a viable alternative to chemical fertilizers, thereby improving crop yields, enhancing soil quality, and increasing farmer profits. Specific objectives include: • Systematic identification and production of quality organic fertilizer blends. • Comparing the impact of these blends on crops against traditional fertilizers. • Assessing the impact on farmer crop profits and quality. • Scale up production and introduce new fertilizer blends. The project seeks to address smallholder farmers’ challenges due to climate change, declining soil quality, and reliance on harmful agricultural inputs. By adopting organic fertilizers blends, the project aims to improve maize production, bolster resilience against climate change, and foster sustainable socio-economic development within farming.

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

According to the 2013 report by the Uganda National Planning Authority, smallholder farmers make up 80% of Uganda’s farming population, with the remaining 20% being large-scale commercial farmers. These smallholder farmers are responsible for producing approximately 85% of both fresh and dry foods consumed in Uganda (UNPA, 2013). However, their food production capacity and livelihoods face increasing threats due to several factors. These include unprecedented rainfall and temperature variability, declining soil quality and health, and a rise in pest and disease outbreaks, all of which are associated with the impacts of climate change. Moreover, smallholder farmers in Uganda are confronted with agroecological stress factors, both abiotic and biotic, exacerbated by limited access to extension advisory services and an influx of counterfeit agricultural inputs. These challenges have led to increased production costs and adversely affected household food supplies and incomes.

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

Uganda experienced a 20% to 30% drop in cereal production attributed to climate change and soil fertility factors (FAO GIEWS, 2022). Poor soil quality remains a primary factor for reduced crop yield in Uganda. Despite using inorganic fertilizers, smallholder farmers report yields below average potential (FAO, 2022). Furthermore, smallholder farmers in Uganda are confronted with both abiotic and biotic, stress factors exacerbated by limited access to extension advisory services. In response, farmers have relied on advice from profit-oriented agro-input dealers who encourage unregulated use of agricultural inputs in crop production. This practice has contributed to aquatic ecosystem contamination, rapid decline in farm soil health, properties, and biodiversity, primarily due to the excessive application of inorganic fertilizers. Ultimately increasing farmer production costs, decreasing household food supplies and incomes. Therefore, affecting the livelihoods of maize farmers and actors.

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

Our target project beneficiaries are smallholder maize farmer in Uganda cultivating on 0.4ha to 5.0ha of farmland. These farmers are predominantly engaged in subsistence farming characterized by low maize production, and poor quality, poor soil nutrient management. They face resource constraints, rely on family labor, and seasonal rainfall to produce maize. Policy and extension service limitations, inadequate investment further hinders their productivity. Despite challenges, these farmers play a critical role in providing livelihoods and contribute significantly to maize production.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-06-15

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

2

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

2

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

George Kidega Director Lucretia Agri Organisation: I am a food sustainability expert from Uganda, with a passion for promoting sustainable and resilient agrifood systems in the face of climate change and food insecurity. I have a master’s degree in Future Food Sustainability, a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management, and a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural and Rural Innovation. I have over a decade of experience in the agriculture and agribusiness sector, implementing market-led farming systems, climate resilience strategies, and agricultural technologies. Maureen Scott Programs Coordinator Lucretia Agri Organisation: I bring a unique perspective to agriculture. With my background in a MSc Information Capability Management, Cranfield University BSC Information Technology, Makerere University, Programming Foreign Assistance, USAID, Certified Oracle Database, CCNA, CCNP. I aim to integrate ICT and digital tools into sustainable agricultural innovative technologies.

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

https://lucretiagri.org/

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

l) Agriculture

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Enhancing and maintaining farmer field soil quality and biodiversity using our organic fertilizers will improve farmer maize productivity and quality, thus increasing and stabilizing their incomes. This in turn bolsters farmer resilience to climate change shocks and supply chain disruptions, thereby securing the livelihoods of farmers and their households.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Maize is among the key crops produced in Uganda and constitute a big portion of our household dietary intake. Sustainable and improved maize production guaranties household food and nutritional security for farmer households, communities, and Uganda art large. This in turn bolsters farmer resilience to climate change shocks and supply chain disruptions, thereby securing the livelihoods of farmers and their households.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Enhancing soil quality and biodiversity promotes maize growth and resilience against pests and diseases. As a result, the need for crop protection agents in maize fields decreases, leading to reduced agrochemical residue. Ultimately, this contributes to improved maize grain quality and nutritional value, benefiting health and well-being.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Our project emphasizes farmer awareness creation and capacity building. Through active participation in fertilizer field trainings, training sessions, and information sharing, we enhance farmers’ perception of nature-positive farming practices, thus educating them. The ripple effect is initiated by the transfer of information from trained to untrained farmers, further extends the education benefits to broader farming communities.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

We aim to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their gender, have equal rights, opportunities, and access to our training and organic fertilizer blends. Gender equality positively impacts economic growth. When women and youth participate equally in the workforce, it leads to increased productivity, innovation, and overall economic development. Therefore, contributing to poverty reduction, improved health outcomes, and stronger communities.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

6

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

We believe that our organic fertilizer blends will boost soil biodiversity growth which in turn improves soil structure due to increased soil microbial activity. This improves soil water infiltration, thus replenishing ground water with clean and safe water. This ensures that our community water shades have adequate amounts of clean and safe water for both faming and domestic use, thus contributed to protect water-related ecosystems with a vibrant aquatic environment.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

5

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

During the process of producing our organic fertilizer blends, bio gas will be produced, and this will be tapped and used within the facility for heating and lighting purposes. This is a renewable source of energy and one of the biproduct form our project. It is sustainable since it can be replenished, and low cost with an added advantage of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Our project contributes to the SDG 8 goal of a Decent Work and Economic Growth through our core organization values: Ethics and Integrity, Communication, Teamwork and Respect, Innovation, and Accountability. These form our basis of developing support policies , systems and structure essential for a conducive environment that support capacity building, productivity, and economic growth.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

We are proud to announce that our project earned the prestigious title of second runner-up in the 2023 World Food Forum Transformative Research Challenge, specifically under the ‘Food Action Accelerates Climate Action’ category. Additionally, we have been honored as one of the top 11 teams selected to participate in the UN FAO Global Youth Food Lab Challenge. Our innovation contributes to the school of knowledge and innovation around organic fertilizers in the drive to reduce the environmental footprint/impact of Agriculture. Furthermore, organic fertilizer blends will censure maize crop received quantifiable and quality organically produced nutrients. Establishing our production facility will contributes to the creation of companies focus at build a resilient food system and contribute Uganda’s green economy portfolio. This visionary initiative not only fuels innovation but also ignites the potential for substantial environmental, social, and economic advancements in Uganda.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Our organization is dedicated to fostering an enabling environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equality, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goal 10 of Reduced Inequalities. We are proud to have a team that reflects a rich tapestry of genders, ethnic backgrounds, and abilities. We hold the conviction that everyone is entitled to equal opportunities in life, and the freedom to pursue or relinquish their dreams through their own dedication and efforts. It is our firm belief that attributes such as age, gender, race, physical ability, ethnicity, or religion should not be barriers to opportunity. Respect and teamwork are at the core of our values, nurturing a culture of co-existence and mutual support among our staff.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

We believe our organic fertilizer blends will contribute sustainable maize production of good yields and quality within our operation areas. This will translate into reduced farmer cost of production, improve incomes and profit margins. This triggers a ripple effect on cash flow resulting infrastructure development within the farming communities, trading centers and districts, thus attracting agro-process to set up their facilities within these district due to the availability of consistent supply of quality maize.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Maize flour, commonly known as posho in Uganda, is a staple in our food basket, playing a crucial role in the dietary health of households. Our commitment to producing an organic fertilizer that guarantees safe and nutritious maize grain is pivotal in ensuring that every household has access to affordable, high-quality meals that fulfil their dietary and nutritional needs year-round. Integral to our project is the training of farmers in nature-positive farming practices, with a strong focus on the utilization of organic fertilizers and eco-friendly agrochemicals. This approach not only promotes responsible maize production but also safeguards our environment for future generations.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Agriculture is responsible for approximately 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions, stemming from sources such as livestock production, carbon emissions during fertilizer manufacture, bush burning, and the release of nitrous oxide from the application of chemical fertilizers. Our organic fertilizer blends play a crucial role in mitigating these negative environmental impacts by reducing the reliance on inorganic fertilizers, which are significant contributors to climate change in Uganda. Furthermore, the use of our organic fertilizers enriches the soil with organic matter, thereby enhancing the soil’s carbon sequestration capacity and nutrient retention. This not only improves soil health but also bolsters farmer’s resilience to the effects of climate change in Uganda.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

6

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Our organic fertilizer blends are designed to enrich the soil’s organic matter, which in turn catalyses microbial activity. This enhanced microbial presence leads to a more robust soil structure and improved aeration, facilitating the dynamic interplay among microbes, plant roots, and other soil organisms. The improved soil condition fosters superior water infiltration, ensuring the consistent replenishment of groundwater reserves. Recognizing the intrinsic connection between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems through our soils, we are confident that our project will make a significant contribution to the vitality of life below water.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

By improving soil quality, we lay the foundation for sustainable maize production, which is pivotal in bolstering food security, nutrition, and income stability in Uganda. This enhancement in agricultural productivity is a key driver in fostering sustainable and resilient livelihoods for our farmers and their communities. Our commitment to enriching the land underpins our efforts to ensure a prosperous future for all, contributing significantly to the flourishing of life on land.

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

6

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

Our project is dedicated to elevating soil quality and biodiversity, thereby securing enhanced food availability, nutritional value, and income through the practice of sustainable agriculture. We are steadfast in our commitment to fostering equal opportunities and championing gender equality across all facets of our organizational operations, recognizing that inclusivity is the bedrock of economic growth and societal development. United by a passion for ecojustice, we actively advocate for policies that nurture peace, climate justice, and robust agricultural standards. Our goal is to ensure the provision of safe, nutritious, and accessible food for future generations, all within the limits of our planet’s natural resources.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Our initiative is locally owned and dedicated to improving soil quality and advancing sustainable agricultural practices, aligning with Uganda’s National Development Goals for agriculture. Our eco-friendly organic fertilizer blends are in harmony with private sector interests, promoting sustainable agroecological farming systems that contribute to resilient supply chains and economic growth. Furthermore, our commitment to inclusivity and gender mainstreaming resonates across a broad spectrum of actors and stakeholders within Uganda’s agricultural sector. This constructive collaboration amplifies our positive impact on the nation’s journey towards sustainable development.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

6

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

5

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.08 Justification

Our initiative is at the forefront of crafting and validating specialized organic fertilizer blends, designed to optimize maize cultivation in Uganda. An organic fertilizer that is superior to powdered organic fertilizers currently available in Uganda’s agricultural market. This fertilizer marks a pivotal shift towards sustainable farming practices, directly addressing the dependency of smallholder farmers on chemical fertilizers by providing an environmentally sound alternative. Our organic fertilizers are formulated from premium, disease-free organic sources, including plant matter, fish meal, and livestock by-products. We aim to introduce two distinct fertilizer blends that promise to enhance crop yields, improve soil health, and increase profitability for farmers. This comprehensive strategy not only showcases the advantages of organic fertilization but also seeks to mitigate the adverse effects associated with traditional synthetic fertilizers on soil quaility.

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

In Uganda’s fertilizer market, 95% is dominated by producers and importers of chemical/inorganic fertilizers, such as NPK, Urea, and DAP. Key players in this segment include Balton Uganda Ltd, Grain Pulse, Bukoola Ltd ETG, Jubaili Agro Tech, and Yara, among others. On the other hand, the remaining 5% of the market is carved out by organic fertilizer providers, primarily comprised of NGOs, CBOs, and various SMEs that specialize in organic agrochemicals. These entities represent our primary competition in the increasing organic sector. Our aim is to expand the organic fertilizer market share buy 10% to constitute 15% of the Uganda fertilizer market.

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

Our initiative is deeply committed to fostering inclusion and promoting gender equality. We recognize the vital role women and youth play in our community and are dedicated to ensuring they have equitable opportunities to engage with and benefit from our programs. Understanding that women constitute the backbone of Uganda’s agricultural labour force, we are poised to invest in their future. Our focus is on imparting education and training in sustainable farming practices that align with nature. The competencies acquired through our initiative are versatile, spanning various agricultural sectors, and empower women to enhance their productivity on the farm. By nurturing innovation and supporting women-led entrepreneurial ventures in the agricultural value chain, we aim to catalyse a positive transformation. This empowerment will lead to increased incomes, improved food security, and greater access to essential services like health care, which might otherwise remain out of reach.