Ghana - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Sagrisalma is a community-based agri-business startup that is into the production of an affordable and enhanced organic fertilizer by harnessing human faecal sludge, animal and other crop waste as fertilizer

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Sagrisalma Limited Company was established on a mission to revolutionarise the organic fertilizer industry. The startup is a forward-thinking company, dedicated to the development and distribution of high quality organic fertilizers called Sabafert. Recognizing the pressing need for environmentally conscious solutions in agriculture, we seek to revolutionize organic fertilizer by offering products that enhance soil fertility, promote crop health, and maximize yield, while minimizing ecological impact. We seek to drive meaningful change within Ghana's agricultural landscape. We produce organic fertilizer called Sabafert, ranging from booster, compost and fertilizer. The company has strategized to enter the market with the booster in 2024, then introduce the compost and the fertilizer itself in 2025. These 3 products come with different levels of simple nutrients that are needed by certain kind of crops and the nutrients levels are determined by the materials used for the digestion.

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

Fertilizers are expensive since they are largely imported. Moreover, the prices of fertilizer have quadrupled over the last 3 years. This has decreased the yield of farmers by over 50% and impacted negatively on the economy, manifesting in high prices of food stuffs on the market. Farmers have resorted to the use of the scarce organic fertilizer on the market that is largely imported with few produced in the country. The few organic fertilizers due to their slow-release rate are not effective for commercial farming. Their impact are seen after a year of application unlike inorganic with immediate impact, thus organic fertilizers. Sagrisalma is harnessing a bio-digestion approach with a cocktail of laboratory cultured microbes under controlled environment to maximize the effectiveness of organic fertilizers. Our solution seeks to also address climate change through encouraging farmers to stop their usual burning of the post-harvest wastes to enable the company use it for fertilizer.

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

• Provision of market linkages for farmers • Reduction in cost of buying fertilizers by up to 80% • Quality of fresh produce is assured • Farmer gain premium price to fresh organic produce • Increase yield and income of farmers by over 50% • Provides immediate yields unlike conventional fertilizers with delayed effects. • Gives instant and long-lasting results, ensuring farmers experience the benefits right from the start. • Boost soil fertility and restore soil health. • Amend soil acidity to increase farmer’s yield • Assist small farmers for holistic success beyond product sales. • Customer satisfaction with 24/7 customer service for a client-focused experience.

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

Our target market primarily farmers. We are making market entry by considering organic farmers as our beach head market. They understand organic farming practices. This includes small-scale farmers, commercial agricultural enterprises, and community farming initiatives that prioritize sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural methods.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-01-10

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

3

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

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

Name: Mariam Mankir Seidu Kanyiti Current position: Chief Finance Officer, Sagrisalma Ltd. Education: Biotechnology and Mol. Biology (BSc Candidate) University for Development Studies Working Experience: 1. 6 months internship with Global farms as agronomist to farmers. 2. 2 years laboratory experience encompassing microbiology and molecular biology work. Achievement: Campus Director, Hult Prize Foundation Name: Abdul Razak Alhassan Current Position: Marketing Director Education: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Nanjing Forestry University in China (MSc. Candidate) Work experience: 6 years working experience as microbiologist

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/sagrisalma-limited-company-11990229a/

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

b) Materials (agriculture, fishing, chemical products, construction materials, containers and packaging, metals and mining, paper and forest products)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

The company is seeking to make farming a lucrative business for all, especially the youth. Fertilizer account for over 70% of their cost of input and seek to provide affordable and quality fertilizers for farmers. At the end, this would lure many people, including the youth with no job and little capital in farming business, thus contributing to the eradication of poverty. We seek to create at least 1000 direct and indirect jobs by 2030.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Farmers benefit a cost-savings up to 80%. This tends to increase their income by over 50% with majority of the youth venturing into farming with little capital. This would increase the abundance of food and help us move toward achieving food security. When supply exceeds demands, selling price automatically declines, thus promoting easy access to food by all, reducing hunger in the country.

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

5

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

Our daily pursuits lead to the eradication of about 40% organic wastes from the environment and improving the health of human and animals especially, the solving of antibiotic resistance genes in human and animal wastes that finds its way into water bodies as a result of improper disposal. We encourage farmers to stop their usual burning of the post-harvest wastes to enable the company use it for fertilizer. to reduce respiratory diseases caused by air pollution from burning wastes.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

3

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

We contribute to Gender Equality by promoting equal employment opportunities for women in all roles, from collection to management. We ensures fair wages and safe working conditions for female employees. Additionally, by offering training and skill development, Sagrisalma startup empowers women with the skills needed for career advancement. Engaging women in community outreach and leadership positions further fosters gender equality and strengthens female participation in the industry.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

Currently, human wastes are emptied into water bodies with the perception of serving as food for aquatic lives, however we fail to understand that the human faecal sludge contains antibiotic residues, causing global antibiotic resistance, one of the top World Health Organization issues killing millions in a year. Faecal microbial contaminants such as E. coli are found in water bodies through that, causing gastro intestinal problems. Our solution helps to eradicate water pollution with faeces by producing organic fertilizers with it.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

By 2028, the company would have to diversify by adding on liquified methane gas as fuel for cooking. This energy would be tapped from the bye-product of methane gas from the fertilizer plant. This form of fuel would be made affordable to even the indigenous women who depend solely on cut down trees for firewood.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

5

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

We promote Decent Work and Economic Growth by creating jobs, enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable economic practices, and improving livelihoods in local communities through environmentally sustainable waste management and resource efficiency.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

5

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

We contribute to Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure by advancing technological innovation in converting waste to organic fertilizer, building sustainable processing and distribution infrastructure, and enhancing industrial competitiveness with cost-effective products. We promotes R&D for improved processes, supports local SMEs through collaborations, and fosters sustainable industrial practices by encouraging a circular economy. This integration drives progress in industry, infrastructure, and innovation.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

We reduced inequalities by promoting inclusive economic opportunities and equitable treatment across various demographics. By providing fair employment opportunities to individuals from diverse backgrounds, including marginalized and disadvantaged communities, it helps bridge economic gaps. Offering competitive wages and benefits ensures financial stability for employees, reducing income inequality. Through training and skill development programs, the startup empowers employees with valuable skills, enhancing their career prospects and promoting social mobility. By engaging with local communities for sourcing waste materials, your startup supports local economies and provides additional income streams for small-scale farmers and local businesses, fostering economic inclusion. Furthermore, the startup's commitment to fair labor practices and safe working conditions ensures that all employees, regardless of their background, can work in a secure and supportive environment.

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

Sagrisalma contributes to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by transforming waste management practices and enhancing urban and rural sustainability. By recycling human, animal, and plant waste into organic fertilizer, Sagrisalma reduces landfill waste and environmental pollution, promoting cleaner and healthier communities. The startup's operations support sustainable urban infrastructure by establishing efficient waste collection and processing systems, reducing the strain on municipal waste management. This contributes to more sustainable cities with effective resource utilization. In rural areas, Sagrisalma supports local agriculture by providing affordable, high-quality organic fertilizers, enhancing soil health and crop yields. This not only boosts local economies but also ensures food security, contributing to the resilience and sustainability of rural communities. By involving local communities in waste collection and processing, Sagrisalma fosters community engagement.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

4

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Sagrisalma contributes to SDG 13: Climate Action by mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. By converting human, animal, and plant waste into organic fertilizer, Sagrisalma reduces methane emissions from landfills and decreases the need for chemical fertilizers, which are energy-intensive to produce and contribute to nitrous oxide emissions. The use of organic fertilizers improves soil health and carbon sequestration, enhancing the soil's ability to capture and store carbon dioxide, a crucial factor in combating climate change. Additionally, organic fertilizers reduce soil erosion and degradation, promoting long-term agricultural sustainability and resilience to climate impacts. Sagrisalma's operations encourage sustainable waste management practices, reducing the environmental footprint of waste disposal.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

6

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

Sagrisalma contributes to SDG 14: Life Below Water by reducing nutrient runoff into water bodies through the use of organic fertilizers instead of chemical ones. This minimizes water pollution, eutrophication, and dead zones in aquatic ecosystems. By promoting sustainable waste management practices, Sagrisalma decreases the amount of waste entering waterways. Additionally, its community education initiatives raise awareness about protecting marine environments, contributing to healthier aquatic ecosystems.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Sagrisalma contributes to SDG 15: Life on Land by enhancing soil health and biodiversity through the use of organic fertilizers, which reduce reliance on chemical inputs and improve soil structure. This supports sustainable agriculture and prevents land degradation. By recycling organic waste, Sagrisalma reduces landfill use and associated land pollution. Additionally, promoting sustainable waste management practices helps conserve natural habitats and biodiversity, contributing to healthier terrestrial ecosystems.

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

4

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Sagrisalma fosters partnerships for SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by collaborating with local communities, farmers, NGOs, and government agencies. By working together, it promotes sustainable waste management, enhances agricultural productivity, and advances environmental goals. These partnerships facilitate knowledge-sharing, resource mobilization, and collective action towards achieving the SDGs.

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

3

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

4

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

4

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.

3

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

5

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

7 - Strongly Agree

06.08 Justification for my startup

Our innovativeness stems from our unique ways of producing organic product that has immediate yield response unlike the existing organic fertilizer whose yield impact are felt after 1 year of application coupled with our commitment with the smallholder farmers to support and assist them with our agronomist ensuring that our fertilizer gets the good yield and outcome for the farmers without compromising our core value of affordability, tailored to raise farmers income by over 50%. We also connect farmers to ready markets. In order to enhance our strength for competitive advantage and reduce weakness, by making our product highly rich with satisfactory result and conducting demo farms with farmers in communities and relatively reducing the price.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our competitors are AMG fertilizers, Yara Ghana, Safisana, GreenFert and Farmers Hope. We are able to outcompete by our ability to produce very effective fertilizer in a relatively short duration of about 7 days digestion period unlike conventional ways that takes over 6 months to mature. This ensures availability of our products to farmers coupled with our core value of affordability. We produce a highly effective and affordable fertilizer.

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

Yes as as I prepare the mindset of young entrepreneurs and women in the agribusiness value chain, equipping them with business skills. I make use of the entrpreneurship club of the university