Ghana - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

We aim to use technology to transform Ghana's agricultural industry with a groundbreaking digital platform. Our innovative solution tackles the sector's most pressing challenges, enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, suppliers and buyers.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

FarmTech Innovations digital platform is going to empower smallholder farmers, suppliers and buyers by providing: 1. Access to markets and fair prices 2. Streamlined supply chain operations 3. Data-driven insights and real-time market intelligence 4. Secure and convenient payment solutions 5. Logistics support and transportation services 6. Capacity building and training for farmers Our platform would be designed to boost farmers' earnings, minimize food waste and enhance food security in Ghana.

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

FarmTech Innovations is trying to solve inefficiencies in the agricultural supply chain in Ghana by creating a digital marketplace that connects smallholder farmers, suppliers and buyers, promoting efficiency, transparency and fair trade in the agricultural sector.

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

By using FarmTech Innovations' digital platform offers numerous benefits, including: - Expanded market reach for smallholder farmers - Enhanced efficiency and reduced food waste - Transparent and fair trade practices - Cost savings for farmers and buyers - Improved food security through reduced waste and efficient supply chains - Data-driven insights for informed decision making

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

FarmTech Innovations' digital marketplace is aimed at serving the following targeted beneficiaries: 1. Smallholder farmers: Individuals or small groups of farmers who produce crops or raise livestock on a small scale. They will benefit from increased market access, improved prices and reduced transaction costs. 2. Suppliers: Companies or individuals who provide agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers and equipment. They will benefit from improved market visibility. 3. Buyers: Companies who purchase agricultural products, including food processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers and restaurants. They will benefit from a wider range of products, improved quality, and reduced sourcing costs. 4. Agricultural industry stakeholders: Government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other organizations involved in the agricultural sector. They will benefit from improved data and insights, increased efficiency and reduced food waste.

01.05 When was your company established?

2024-05-01

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

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.)

1. Emmanuel Nii Yeboah, who is currently doing his national service at the water research institute CSRI is into research, parasitology and an entrepreneur. 2. Judith Yaa Baby Appiah, founder and CEO for Errand Eye is also experienced in project management and marketing.

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

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: Agriculture technology

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

FarmTech Innovations' digital marketplace addresses poverty by: - Increasing smallholder farmers' income by providing access to a wider market, they can increase their sales and revenue. - Improving rural livelihoods by creating jobs and stimulates economic activity in rural areas.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

FarmTech Innovations' digital marketplace addresses zero hunger by: - Increasing food availability by connecting smallholder farmers with buyers, the platform increases the availability of fresh produce, reducing food scarcity and hunger. - Reducing food waste by streamlining the supply chain, ensuring that more produce reaches consumers. - Supporting farmers' income growth by providing a stable market for their produce, the platform helps farmers increase their income, enabling them to produce more food and reduce hunger.

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

FarmTech Innovations' digital marketplace supports good health and well-being by: - Providing access to nutritious food by ensuring a steady supply of fresh and nutritious produce, promoting healthy eating habits and well-being. - Reducing food contamination risks by streamlining the supply chain, the platform minimizes the risk of food contamination, reducing the incidence of foodborne illnesses. - Promoting financial stability and social connections for farmers and rural communities can help reduce stress and anxiety, promoting mental well-being. - Encouraging environmentally friendly practices by encouraging farmers to reduce the use of harmful chemicals, creating healthier environments for farmers, consumers, and the planet.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

FarmTech Innovations' digital marketplace supports quality education by: - Empowering digital skills by providing training and support for farmers and rural communities to develop digital skills, enhancing their ability to access and utilize digital resources for education. - Sharing agricultural knowledge by offering a knowledge hub with resources and best practices on sustainable agriculture, enabling farmers to improve their farming skills and knowledge. - Promoting financial literacy by training farmers on financial management, this will enable farmers and rural communities to make informed decisions about their finances and invest in education.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

FarmTech Innovations' digital marketplace promotes gender equality by: - Empowering women farmers economically by providing equal access to market opportunities, training and financial services for women farmers, enhancing their economic empowerment and independence. - Ensuring gender balance in the supply chain by enabling equal participation of women in the supply chain, from farming to trading, promoting gender equality in the agricultural sector. - Providing tailored financial services for women such as mobile money and digital payments, cater to women's specific needs, increasing their financial autonomy and decision-making power.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

6

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

FarmTech Innovations' digital marketplace supports clean water and sanitation by: - Promoting water-saving practices by promoting sustainable agricultural practices, reducing water waste and conserving this vital resource. - Improving irrigation systems by providing training and resources on efficient irrigation systems, minimizing water pollution and ensuring clean water for farming communities. - Educating communities on sanitation and hygiene by offering educational resources and workshops on proper sanitation and hygiene practices. - Encouraging responsible waste management - Supporting clean water infrastructure development by improving the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities, the platform will indirectly supports investments in clean water infrastructure and sanitation facilities.

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

FarmTech Innovations' digital marketplace supports affordable and clean energy by: - Promoting renewable energy sources by promoting the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and biogas, for farming and processing activities. - Encouraging energy-efficient practices by providing training and resources on energy-efficient practices, reducing energy consumption and costs for farmers and rural communities. - Supporting sustainable agriculture by reducing the dependence on fossil fuels and promoting eco-friendly farming methods. - Providing access to energy financing by using the platform's financial inclusion services to provide access to financing for renewable energy projects and energy-efficient upgrades for farmers. - Reducing energy poverty by improving the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities, the platform indirectly supports access to affordable and clean energy, reducing energy poverty and promoting economic development.

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

FarmTech Innovations' digital marketplace supports decent work and economic growth by: - Creating new job opportunities for farmers, traders and logistics providers, boosting employment in the agricultural sector. - Increasing income for farmers through better market access, prices and financial services. - Developing skills and competitiveness by providing training and resources for farmers and traders, enhancing their skills and competitiveness. - Contributing to Ghana's economic growth and development by improving the efficiency and productivity of the agricultural sector

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

FarmTech Innovations' digital marketplace supports industry, innovation and infrastructure by: - Introducing a cutting-edge digital platform which is a cutting-edge digital solution, enhancing the agricultural sector's efficiency and productivity. - Supporting the development of rural infrastructure, including transportation and storage facilities. - Increasing access to technology by providing farmers and rural communities with access to digital tools, improving their ability to innovate and compete.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

FarmTech Innovations' digital marketplace supports reduced inequalities by: - Providing equal access to markets for all farmers, regardless of gender, location or social status. -The platform will provide training and resources specifically for women farmers, promoting gender equality. - The platform will connect rural farmers to urban markets, reducing the disparities in access to markets and prices. - The platform will foster social inclusion by providing a platform for marginalized communities to access markets and financial services.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

FarmTech Innovations' digital platform contributes to sustainable cities and communities by: - Bridging the urban-rural divide through market connectivity - Promoting eco-friendly farming practices - Ensuring a steady supply of fresh produce to urban areas - Empowering rural communities to thrive - Supporting resilient infrastructure development

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

FarmTech Innovations' digital platform supports responsible consumption and production by: - Minimizing food waste through efficient market connections - Optimizing supply chain management to reduce inefficiencies - Encouraging sustainable farming practices to reduce environmental impact

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

FarmTech Innovations' digital platform supports climate action by: - Reducing carbon footprint: By connecting local farmers to local markets, the platform reduces transportation emissions and promotes sustainable agriculture practices. - Promoting climate-resilient agriculture: AgroMarket Ghana's platform encourages farmers to adopt climate-resilient farming practices, improving their ability to adapt to climate change. - Supporting sustainable land use: The platform promotes sustainable land use and forest conservation, reducing deforestation and habitat destruction. - Encouraging renewable energy: AgroMarket Ghana's platform supports the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, for farming and transportation. - Enhancing climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts: The platform provides data and insights to support climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts in Ghana's agricultural sector.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

3

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

3

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

FarmTech Innovations' digital platform supports partnerships for the goal by: - Farmer- Buyer Partnerships: Connecting farmers directly to buyers, promoting mutually beneficial relationships. - Private-Public Sector Partnerships: Collaborating with government agencies, NGOs and private companies to enhance the agricultural sector. - Technology Partnerships: Integrating with logistics, payment and data analytics providers to enhance the platform's functionality. - Community Partnerships: Engaging with rural communities, farmer groups and cooperatives to ensure inclusive and sustainable development. - Research and Development Partnerships: Collaborating with universities, research institutions and experts to improve agricultural practices and address climate change. - Financial Partnerships: Partnering with financial institutions, investors and donors to provide affordable financing options for farmers and rural communities.

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

3

06.08 Justification for my startup

FarmTech Innovations' digital marketplace introduces innovative solutions, making it a cutting-edge startup: 1. First-of-its-kind digital platform: FarmTech Innovation is the first digital marketplace connecting farmers, suppliers, and buyers in Ghana. 2. AI-powered market forecasting: The platform utilizes artificial intelligence to predict market demand enabling farmers to make informed production decisions. 3. Blockchain-based traceability: FarmTech Innovation implements blockchain technology to ensure transparent and secure tracking of produce from farm to table. 4. Mobile-based payment systems: The platform integrates mobile money solutions, facilitating easy and secure transactions for farmers. 5. Digital extension services: FarmTech Innovation offers digital agricultural advisory services, providing farmers with real-time expertise and guidance. 6. E-commerce integration: The platform incorporates e-commerce functionality allowing consumers to purchase fresh produce online.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main competitors are: 1. Click'n'Harvest: An online marketplace connecting consumers directly with farmers.​ 2. Trade Ghana: Does matchmaking for agri produce buyers / sellers and those providing transportation.​ 3. AgroCenta: Provider of digital market linkage platform for smallholder farmers. It provides agri-supply chain market linkage solutions including farmers, logistics operators, traders, and retailers.​

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