Uganda - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

In Uganda, fake and substandard agricultural inputs pose a serious stumbling block in the progress of the agricultural sector. Agroverify uses a product verification system that allows farmers to authenticate the genuineness of Agro-inputs on their phones

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Counterfeit Agro-inputs is a global problem facing both developing and developed countries, The Situation in Africa is critical. Fake Agro-inputs in Africa are reported to make up 15-20% of the Agro-inputs market, In Uganda the situation is challenging as a recent survey by ACN, on counterfeit Agro-inputs, indicates that 50% of Agro-inputs(seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides) are reported to be fake. This harms human health and ecosystems. The sector is currently relying on traditional practices to curb counterfeits for example:- Framers upon purchasing Agro-inputs use expiration dates to validate Agro-inputs products, price differences, packaging style, visible labels, and sources of Agro-inputs products that have been recommended by the government of Uganda. These metrics are weak and can be forged easily. Agroverify is a social enterprise that is proposing an Agro-input product verification system that allows authentication of the genuineness of agricultural inputs in Uganda.

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

Counterfeit Agro-inputs is a global problem facing both developing and developed countries, The Situation in Africa is critical. Fake Agro-inputs in Africa are reported to make up 15-20% of the Agro-inputs market, In Uganda the situation is challenging as a recent survey by ACN, on counterfeit Agro-inputs, indicates that 50% of Agro-inputs(seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides) are reported to be fake. This harms human health and ecosystems. The sector is currently relying on traditional practices to curb counterfeits for example:- Framers upon purchasing Agro-inputs use expiration dates to validate Agro-inputs products, price differences, packaging style, visible labels, and sources of Agro-inputs products that have been recommended by the government of Uganda. These metrics are weak and can be forged easily.

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

Agroverify through its features benefits the customers (Agricultural stakeholders ) in the following steps:- Farmers: Upon purchase farmers verify the products by sending an SMS containing serial numbers which are affixed to the product package. Agro-inputs product verification: The verification server contains all product codes and serial numbers of all signed products. This server finds a match for authentic products. Agro-inputs product verification: The server provides confirmation to the farmer via SMS. Furthermore, upon confirmation, the server also provides SMS with agricultural advice to farmers.

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

Agroverify's targeted beneficiaries are smallholder farmers in Uganda who purchase Agro-inputs from Manufacturers

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-01-08

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

5

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.)

1:East African Seed Co. Ltd was started in 1972 by our Late Founding father Mr. L.V.Shah and has steadily grown to become the leading Seed Company within the East and Central African regions. Our Africa headquarters is in Nairobi, Kenya. Since 1995 EASEED has spread its wings in the region with branches in Tanzania(Arusha, Mbeya, Mwanza), Uganda(Kampala), Rwanda(Kigali) and Zambia(Lusaka). 2:

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?

l) Agriculture

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Agroverify also contributes to the goal of no poverty by ensuring the quality and effectiveness of agricultural inputs used by farmers. By verifying the authenticity and efficacy of agro-inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, this system helps farmers maximize their crop yields and income. This, in turn, reduces the risk of crop failure and financial losses, ultimately lifting farmers out of poverty.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Agroverify plays a significant role in contributing to the zero hunger goal by ensuring the quality and safety of agricultural inputs used in food production. By verifying the authenticity and effectiveness of agro-inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, this system helps farmers increase their crop yields and produce higher-quality food. This leads to a more reliable and sustainable food supply, ultimately reducing food insecurity and hunger. Additionally, by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving productivity, the agro-inputs product verification system supports food security and nutrition for communities, especially in rural areas.

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

hELPS CURBING COUNTERFEIT INPUTS WHIC WOULD OTHERWISE CAUSE BAD HEALTH TO CITIZENS OF UGANDA

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

N/A

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Agroverify contribute to the gender equality goal by empowering women in agriculture. By ensuring the quality and effectiveness of agricultural inputs, this system can help women farmers increase their productivity and income, leading to greater economic independence and decision-making power.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

n/a

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Agroveiyfy contributes to decent work and economic growth by ensuring the quality and effectiveness of agricultural inputs used in farming practices. By verifying the authenticity and efficacy of agro-inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, this system helps farmers increase their productivity and crop yields. This, in turn, creates more job opportunities in the agricultural sector as farmers may require additional labor to manage and harvest their increased yields.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Agroverify through the agro-input product verification system contributes to industry innovation and infrastructure by verifying the quality and effectiveness of agricultural inputs which encourages the use of innovative and sustainable products that can enhance productivity and efficiency in farming operations. This, in turn, drives innovation in the agricultural industry by incentivizing the development of new and improved agro-inputs that meet the highest standards of quality and performance.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

By verifying the authenticity and effectiveness of agro-inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, groverify helps level the playing field for smallholder farmers who may not have access to reliable inputs.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

n/a

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Agroverify encourages the use of environmentally friendly and sustainable inputs, reducing the negative impact on the environment and promoting sustainable agricultural production methods. Additionally, by ensuring the quality and safety of agricultural inputs, the system helps minimize waste and inefficiencies in the production process, leading to more sustainable consumption patterns

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

By verifying the authenticity and efficacy of agro-inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, Agroverify helps farmers adopt practices that minimize greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water resources, and protect biodiversity. Additionally, by ensuring the use of environmentally friendly inputs, the system can help reduce the carbon footprint of agriculture and mitigate the effects of climate change.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

N/A

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

N/A

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

N/A

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Agroverify contributes to the partnership goal by fostering collaboration and cooperation among various stakeholders in the agricultural sector. By ensuring the quality and authenticity of agricultural inputs, this system promotes trust and transparency between input suppliers, farmers, government agencies, and other partners involved in the agricultural value chain. This, in turn, encourages partnerships and alliances that are essential for the sustainable development of the agricultural sector. Additionally, the verification system can facilitate information sharing, knowledge exchange, and best practices among different actors, leading to more effective partnerships and collective action towards common goals. Overall, the agro-inputs product verification system plays a key role in promoting partnerships and collaboration in the agricultural sector, which are crucial for achieving sustainable agricultural development and food security in Uganda

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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.

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

Agroverify allows the agro-stakeholders to authenticate the genuineness of the agricultural inputs through their mobile phones. Upon purchase of agro-input, the customer scratches a secret code which is affixed with the agro-input package. The customer sends the scratch secret code to a verification server (VS) via SMS. The VS prompt a response regarding the authenticity of the seed through an affirmative response and provides agricultural tips regarding the verified agro-input

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

1: Uganda National Bureau of standards through their E-Tag system, developed by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) to support trade, farmers will scratch a silver panel located on the product to reveal a code and then send that code to the number provided on the scratch panel using their mobile phone to verify the authenticity of the product.

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

Yes, By raising awareness, Agroverify during workshops, seminars, or awareness campaigns highlight the importance of female entrepreneurship and the benefits it brings to the community.