Ghana - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

LbH provides a maptech platform connecting rural farmers with crucial agricultural services like banking, insurance, tractor operations, and food processing, enhancing yields, optimizing resources, and boosting farmer revenues to combat rural poverty.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

LbH is a social enterprise focused on alleviating rural poverty by bridging the gap between farmers and essential agricultural services. Our proprietary Agricultural Information Management System leverages maptech technology to connect farmers with banks, insurance companies, tractor operators, and food processors. This platform not only facilitates access to financial services and agricultural resources but also improves resource optimization and reduces waste. By providing farmers with the tools and support they need, we have seen a significant increase in crop yields, from 1.7 to 2.2 tons per acre, resulting in a 30% revenue growth per cultivated acre. Since our inception, we have secured over $500,000 in credit for more than 4,000 farmers. As we look to the future, we aim to exponentially scale our operations and impact, reaching more farmers and enhancing their productivity and income, ultimately driving sustainable development in rural communities.

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

The main problem LbH is addressing is the pervasive poverty among rural farmers caused by financial exclusion and limited access to essential agricultural services. Many smallholder farmers produce a significant portion of staple crops like maize but lack the necessary support to improve their yields and profitability. They often face challenges such as inadequate access to credit, insurance, modern farming equipment, and effective market linkages. These limitations hinder their ability to adopt efficient farming practices and technologies, resulting in low productivity and income. Our Agricultural Information Management System aims to bridge this gap by connecting farmers to vital services and resources, optimizing their use of inputs like water and fertilizer, and enhancing their overall resilience and productivity. By addressing these critical needs, we seek to improve the livelihoods of farmers, boost agricultural output, and contribute to sustainable rural development.

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

1. Increased Crop Yields: Our Agricultural Information Management System connects farmers with essential services, resulting in a significant boost in crop yields. Farmers using our platform have seen yields increase from 1.7 to 2.2 tons per acre, enhancing their productivity and revenue. 2. Improved Financial Inclusion: By linking farmers to banks and insurance providers, we facilitate access to credit and risk management solutions. Since inception, we have secured over $500,000 in credit for more than 4,000 farmers, enabling them to invest in better farming practices and technologies. 3. Optimized Resource Use: Our platform helps farmers optimize the use of water, fertilizer, and other inputs, reducing waste and increasing efficiency. This not only lowers production costs but also promotes sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring long-term viability and environmental stewardship.

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

Our startup's product, the LbH Agricultural Information Management System, is aimed at serving rural farmers who face financial exclusion and lack access to essential agricultural services. The targeted beneficiaries include smallholder farmers in rural areas who struggle with limited access to banks, insurance providers, tractor operators, and food processors. By connecting them to these crucial services via our platform, we aim to empower farmers to improve their productivity, increase their yield, and ultimately uplift themselves out of poverty.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-03-22

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

2

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.)

Sandra is an exceptional logistic and procurement officer overseeing operations, while Shafiu is a talented developer with a winning record in hackathons and a childhood friend, bringing strong technical expertise to our team.

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

https://www.lbhfarm.com

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

LbH contributes to the goal of no poverty by providing rural farmers with access to crucial agricultural services, such as banking, insurance, and modern farming technology. Our platform enhances productivity, increases crop yields by 30%, and boosts farmer revenues. By securing over $500,000 in credit for 4,000+ farmers, we empower them to invest in better practices, ensuring sustainable income growth and financial stability. This holistic approach significantly reduces poverty in rural communities.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Our startup directly contributes to the goal of zero hunger by empowering rural farmers with access to essential agricultural services and information. By increasing their yield by 30% and facilitating access to credit, insurance, and other services, we enable farmers to produce more food sustainably. This leads to improved food security, reduced hunger, and helps break the cycle of poverty in rural communities.

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

6

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

Our startup significantly contributes to good health and well-being by promoting sustainable agricultural practices that optimize resource use and minimize waste of water and fertilizer. By increasing farmers’ yield by 30%, we ensure a consistent food supply, improving nutrition and reducing malnutrition. Additionally, by connecting farmers to services like insurance, we help mitigate risks associated with farming, ensuring their well-being and livelihood security.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

My startup promotes gender equality by ensuring equitable access to agricultural services, resources, and opportunities for both male and female farmers. We actively empower women by providing them with access to credit, training, and market information, enabling them to participate equally in agricultural activities. By breaking down gender barriers and fostering inclusive practices, we contribute to empowering women economically and enhancing their role in decision-making processes within rural communities. This approach not only supports gender equality but also strengthens the overall resilience and productivity of agricultural systems.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

My startup promotes gender equality by ensuring equitable access to agricultural services, resources, and opportunities for both male and female farmers. We actively empower women by providing them with access to credit, training, and market information, enabling them to participate equally in agricultural activities. By breaking down gender barriers and fostering inclusive practices, we contribute to empowering women economically and enhancing their role in decision-making processes within rural communities. This approach not only supports gender equality but also strengthens the overall resilience and productivity of agricultural systems.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

While our primary focus is on agricultural services, our startup indirectly contributes to clean water and sanitation. By optimizing farming practices and minimizing waste of water and fertilizer, we promote more efficient use of water resources, reducing agricultural runoff and contamination of water sources. Additionally, by increasing farmers’ income, we enable them to invest in better sanitation facilities for their households and communities, contributing to improved hygiene and sanitation practices overall.

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

Our startup contributes to the Affordable and Clean Energy goal by promoting sustainable agricultural practices that optimize energy use, such as efficient irrigation systems and reduced fertilizer use. Additionally, our platform facilitates access to energy-efficient technologies for farmers, such as solar-powered irrigation pumps, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Overall, we enable farmers to access clean energy solutions while improving their productivity and livelihoods.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

My startup significantly contributes to Decent Work and Economic Growth by empowering rural farmers with access to essential agricultural services, credit, and market opportunities. We create employment opportunities by connecting farmers with service providers like tractor operators and food processors. Moreover, by increasing farmers’ yield and income, we contribute to economic growth in rural areas, lifting farmers out of poverty and fostering sustainable development.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

My startup strongly contributes to Industry Innovation and Infrastructure by providing a groundbreaking Agricultural Information Management System that revolutionizes how rural farmers access crucial agricultural services. Our platform enhances infrastructure by connecting farmers with banks, insurance providers, and other service providers, fostering innovation in agricultural practices and resource management. By bridging gaps in agricultural infrastructure, we drive efficiency, productivity, and economic growth in rural areas.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

My startup contributes to the Reduced Inequalities goal by providing equal access to essential agricultural services and opportunities for rural farmers, regardless of their background or location. We help bridge the gap between smallholder farmers and service providers, reducing disparities in access to credit, information, and technology. By empowering marginalized farmers and communities, we work towards reducing inequalities within the agricultural sector and promoting inclusive economic growth.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

4

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

My startup contributes to the Sustainable Cities and Communities goal by promoting sustainable agricultural practices in rural areas, which ultimately affects urban areas too. By optimizing resource use and reducing agricultural waste, we contribute to a more sustainable food supply chain, benefiting urban populations. Additionally, by empowering rural communities economically, we help reduce rural-urban migration pressure, contributing to the development of sustainable cities and communities overall.

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

Our startup promotes responsible consumption and production by optimizing agricultural practices, minimizing waste of water and fertilizer, and maximizing resource efficiency. By providing farmers with tailored information and services, we help them use inputs more effectively, reducing overuse of resources and environmental impact. Additionally, by connecting farmers to markets efficiently, we reduce food loss and ensure more sustainable production and consumption patterns along the agricultural value chain.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Our startup actively contributes to climate action by promoting sustainable agricultural practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change impacts. By optimizing resource use, minimizing chemical inputs, and promoting conservation agriculture, we help farmers adapt to changing climate conditions and reduce their carbon footprint. Additionally, by facilitating access to renewable energy solutions like solar-powered irrigation, we contribute to reducing reliance on fossil fuels in agriculture, thus combating climate change.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

Our startup indirectly supports life below water by promoting sustainable farming practices that reduce agricultural runoff and water pollution. By minimizing chemical usage and promoting responsible water management, we help protect aquatic ecosystems and marine life.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Our startup promotes life on land by encouraging sustainable agricultural practices that help preserve soil fertility, biodiversity, and ecosystems. By reducing deforestation, land degradation, and chemical usage, we contribute to the conservation of land resources and ecosystems.

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

3

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

Our startup contributes to peace, justice, and strong institutions by empowering rural communities economically and providing access to essential services. By reducing poverty and inequality, we contribute to social stability and the strengthening of local institutions.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Our startup actively fosters partnerships for the goals by collaborating with agricultural service providers, NGOs, and government agencies to reach rural farmers effectively. By working together, we amplify our impact and achieve sustainable development goals more efficiently.

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

2

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

6

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

5

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

5

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

6

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.

5

06.08 Justification for my startup

Our startup’s Agricultural Information Management System is a unique and innovative solution designed specifically for rural farmers. While there are other agricultural platforms, our solution stands out by integrating multiple essential services—such as access to credit, insurance, and technical support—into a single, easy-to-use platform. This approach not only improves efficiency but also directly addresses the financial exclusion and service gaps faced by smallholder farmers. Our platform leverages new technology to optimize resource use, reducing waste and environmental impact, while significantly increasing farmers’ yield and income. This comprehensive, technology-driven approach to agriculture is a novel solution tailored to meet the specific, unmet needs of rural farmers, thereby fostering sustainable development and economic growth.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

our biggest competitor is Farmerline coming out of Ghana, what makes us stand out is 2 things; 1; our innovative business model where we only make money when we connect farmers to their desired product and services. 2; our mobile first farmer management that doesn’t required farmers to our any device to benefit from our solution.

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