Ghana - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

The project encompasses the use of Duckweed as an alternative protein source in animal feed formulation. Duckweed (Lemna minor), is an aquatic plant found in freshwater habitats. It has protein, carbohydrates, and fats, needed for animal growth.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Duckpro Ghana Limited is a Ghanaian registered agro–production and Agribusiness Company involved in the processing and manufacturing of protein-rich complete feed and concentrate with a targeted market in the poultry, aquaculture, and livestock industries. The company was officially incorporated on 21st October 2022. Mission: To provide affordable and protein-rich feed for the poultry, aquaculture, and livestock industry all year round. Vision: To be one of the major giants in the Agrifeed industry across the world. Core Values: Affordability, Accessibility, and Quality Assurance.

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

Poultry feeding is a very important aspect of poultry farming in Ghana. The demand for poultry continues to rise in the country and poultry farmers must ensure they provide high-quality and nutritious feed. Feed cost has been a major challenge to the competitiveness of the poultry, livestock, and Aquaculture industry in Ghana due mainly to the high cost of proteins. According to the Ministry of Agriculture Review Report, In 2020, 90,000 tons of soybean meal were imported by Ghana as animal feed. The limited supply of soybean and Fish meal which are the major ingredients in animal feed formulation has resulted in price increments in conventional feeds. There is therefore the need to overcome the challenge and adopt sustainable feeding practices that ensure the poultry birds receive balanced and nutritious feed while also reducing the cost of production. This can be achieved through various means such as sourcing local feed ingredients, proper feed management, and feed formulation.

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

Duckweed is medicinal and helps boost the immune system of the birds when fed with it. Duckweed assimilates nutrients from wastewater and converts them into valuable biomass, primarily composed of starch and protein. Moreover, duckweed accumulates high concentrations of essential human micronutrients, including carotenoids. Duckweeds also support environmental sustainability by being able to remove excess nitrogen and phosphorus as well as heavy metals and other toxins from freshwater bodies.

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

Our product is geared toward serving the nutritional needs of farmers in the poultry, aquaculture, and livestock industries in Ghana and beyond. Our product Duckweeds Aduanepa comes in 5kg and 25kg sacks. We have the Duckweed concentrate feed packs for poultry, also suitable for catfish and tilapia farming. Livestock farmers are not left out as it has a nutritional value for enhancing growth in pigs, goats, sheep, and cattle. On our social impact initiatives, our services are geared towards providing employable support to unemployed women in our area of operation and also providing educational incentive support to children at the basic level of education.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-10-21

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.)

Name: James Nyantakyi. Background / Qualification: BSc. Environmental Engineering. General Interest: Environmental Engineering and Research Activities. Role: Co-founder / Chief Operations Manager ( Oversight Responsibility Online Management) Contact: 0503592257. Email: jamesnyantakyi45@gmail.com Name: Ophelia Amu Eva Appiah Portfolio: Production Assistant General Interest: Agri-Business, Environmental Conservation. Contact: 0240281233 Email: appiahopheliaamueva@gmail.com

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/company/duckpro-ghana-ltd/

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

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Considering the magnitude at which the Duckweeds spread within a few days of production, it has helped to ensure speedy availability of feed for smallholder farmers at a reduced rate of 30% shy of the 70% which constitutes feeding in their cost of production especially for the other feeds on the market. This has helped in contributing to Sustainable Development Goal One (1) which seeks to “An end in poverty in all its manifestations by 2030 and increase access to basic services and support people harmed by climate-related extreme events and other economic, social and environmental shocks and disasters”.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Considering the magnitude at which the Duckweeds spread within a few days of production, it has helped ensure speedy availability of feed for smallholder farmers at a reduced rate of 30% shy of the 70% which constitutes feeding in their cost of production especially for the other feeds on the market. This has automatically helped improve meat and fish production since there is readily available feed to feed the animals and the overall availability of protein sources for human consumption. That has helped Contribute to Sustainable Development Goal Two (2) which aims to “Achieve zero hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture”.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

The whole fresh plant is used as a food and is sometimes used to make medicine. Duckweed contains large amounts of protein. People use duckweed for infection of the airways, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), gout, and other conditions. It has protein, carbohydrates, fats, and minerals needed for healthy growth in animals and also farmlands. Duckweed is medicinal and helps boost the immune system of the birds when fed with it.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

The Basic Schools Educational Stationary Distribution Initiative (BSESDI) The BSESDI is also an initiative by the startup to distribute free educational learning materials to children in selected deprived communities at the basic school level. This initiative is to be undertaken every quarter of the year to make basic education accessible to children of school-going age whose parents cannot afford educational materials to enable them to go to school. This is a Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative geared towards contributing to Sustainable Development Goal four (4) which seeks to “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”. Benefits. • To make basic education accessible to children of school-going age. • Enhancing the provision of teaching and learning materials for effective studies of the children. • To raise the next future generational leaders through this initiative.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Women In Duckweeds Production Program (WDPP) The WDPP is an initiative by the startup to train unemployed women, especially those between the ages of 18 to 40 years in the country on the efficient and hygienic sourcing of duckweed as a raw material for processing by the company. These women after training become official suppliers of the company which creates direct jobs and income for them. Benefits • Provision of direct jobs to unemployed women. • To revive the interest of women in agriculture. • To empower women through this initiative. This is the company’s contribution to Sustainable Development Goal Five (5) which seeks to “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls”.

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

Duckweeds also support clean water and sanitation with their ability to remove excess nitrogen and phosphorus as well as heavy metals and other toxins from freshwater bodies. Duckweed is cultivated over the pond surface to reduce nutrient levels and regulate water quality. This is faster than almost any other higher plants, and more closely resembles the exponential growth of unicellular algae than that of higher plants. It is this ability to propagate rapidly by consuming dissolved nutrients from the water that makes duckweed an excellent candidate for wastewater treatment.

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

Once collected, uncontaminated duckweed also has the potential to be fuel for our homes and our stomachs. Dry it out, compact it into a pellet, and you have a biofuel that can be burned or further converted into renewable biogas, ethanol, or gasoline.

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

My startup has provided jobs to many of the youth in my society who are associated with the product. Ranging from millers, suppliers, and marketers as well as women at most through the Women in Duckweed Production initiative by my startup. At the industrial level, duckweed helps to treat agricultural, municipal, and even industrial wastewater streams into clean non-potable water, and a biomass that are used for feed applications, or fuel when used to treat harmful industrial wastewater.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

5

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

A functioning and resilient infrastructure is the foundation of every successful community. To meet future challenges, our industries and infrastructure must be upgraded. For this, we need to promote innovative sustainable technologies and ensure equal and universal access to information and financial markets. The Duckweed production innovation has helped the company to construct a 25 by 40 ft processing facility and plans to construct an additional 300 square meter Ecoferm Green House facility. We currently use a modernised Parabolic Solar dryer to dry the raw material which still maintains 80% of its nutritional value after drying. We plan to construct a minimum of 1000 wats Solar facility to enhance renewable energy.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Reducing both within- and between-country inequality requires equitable resource distribution, investing in education and skills development, implementing social protection measures, combating discrimination, supporting marginalized groups, and fostering international cooperation for fair trade and financial systems. Our start-up since its inception over the past few years has reduced inequalities within our workplace and also when it comes to dealing with our local and international collaborators. We embrace the diverse opinions of all team members, partners, and collaborators in all our dispensations to arrive at a unified decision regardless of race, color, nationality, educational background, and status. We have embraced a culture of mutual respect and harnessed a great sense of responsibility for each other geared towards attaining our corporate vision and mission. We have also worked towards eliminating discriminatory laws and policies and embracing equality in our work.

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

This is about making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Considering our mode of operations, we use organic and environmentally friendly procedures in our production which does not have adverse health effects in the lives of community dwellers. We also go to the other extent of educating community dwellers as well as school children on safe and healthy leaving practices to enhance their sustainability.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

5

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

Our operations are tilted towards respecting the biophysical boundaries of the planet and reducing current global consumption rates in order to fit with the biophysical capacity to produce ecosystem services and benefits. Duckweed biomass production is economical because, unlike corn, duckweeds do not require mechanical grinding. Consumption of plant protein, instead of animal protein, is expected to reduce energy use and greenhouse gases. Duckweeds are good candidates for nutritious and safe meat protein substitutes for humans. Clinical nutrition studies have demonstrated that the essential amino acids and vitamin B12 contents of duckweeds are comparable to peas and cheese. Iron and zinc in duckweeds are sufficient for the recommended allowance, similar to the sodium/potassium ratio and fiber content.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

The Duckweed aquatic plants 'breathe' and 'perspire' they help cool the atmosphere. They consume carbon dioxide, a significant greenhouse gas in the process of photosynthesis. The reduction of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has an indirect cooling effect. Despite its small stature, duckweed can absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) during photosynthesis. Martienssen says CO2 emissions from power plants, refineries, and even the earth itself could all be taken down by duckweed. The plant plays a critical role in the global carbon cycle and is key to climate change mitigation and adaptation solutions. Through photosynthesis, the Duckweed plants remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and store it as plant biomass.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

My start-up is highly committed to initiating campaigns geared towards reducing waste. Much of the waste that we produce on land ends up in the oceans. We are advocating for an end to the wrong disposal of plastic which is a major cause of marine pollution. In the context of their adaptation to life on the water surface in many different climate zones, duckweeds have evolved structural and physiological features and developmental patterns that go beyond the mere potential for rapid growth and serve to cope with the manifold influences that can compromise growth and propagation. In summary, duckweeds are a powerful tool for bioremediation that can reduce anthropogenic pollution in aquatic ecosystems and prevent water eutrophication in a simple, inexpensive ecologically friendly way.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

A flourishing life on land is the foundation for our life on this planet. Promoting a sustainable use of our ecosystems and preserving biodiversity is not a cause. It is the key to our own survival. My start-up is committed to advocating for greater afforestation by joining the annual nationwide tree planting initiative in Ghana every June. We also organize campaigns at basic schools to educate school children on environmental conservation and the need to grow more trees to enhance human survival. Additionally, because of its aquatic lifestyle, duckweed does not compete with crops for arable land, and its floating biomass helps the ecosystem by removing harmful phosphorus and nitrogen.

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

6

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

Strong, effective, transparent, and accountable institutions are essential for sustainable development and critical for governments, institutions, and agencies to deliver services to their citizens. My Startup since its inception in the past few years has aligned itself to initiatives by NGOs whose work is geared towards ensuring peace and justice in the community. We are also committed to promoting transparency, reducing corruption, and utilise resources for the common good. Additionally, my start-up embraces equal opportunities, resolves conflicts peacefully, protects human rights and supports social unity, innovation, and education.

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

The collaborative efforts among governments, private sector entities, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to work together in advancing sustainable development are very vital to achieving SDG Goal 17. My start-up has collaborated and is still on course in collaborating with relevant organizations, agencies, and institutions geared towards attaining the sustainable development goals. We have collaborated with agencies and organizations such as the Alliance for Women Development, University of Ghana School of Agriculture, McGill University, Canada, Association of Ghana Industries, Kosmos Innovation Centre, Federation of Poultry, Aquaculture and Livestock, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and the Foods and Drugs Authority in Ghana. Collaborating with these institutions has helped my start-up with a lot of insightful ideas and directions which has helped engineer our capabilities to initiate many societal and community development projects.

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

5

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.

6

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.

6

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

6

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

4

06.08 Justification for my startup

The product has become a great testament to many users due to how novel it is and the properties it contains. In contrast to most cereal grains, duckweed includes larger amounts of ber, lipids, and minerals. It also has a protein level that is comparable to or even higher than that of most cereal grains. Duckweed plays an essential role as an alternative protein source in animal feed formulation. Alternative protein sources for animal nutrition are currently required and hence the product also contains saponins and flavonoids which boost the immunity of the animals against viral and bacterial infections.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main competitors are the small, medium, and larger holder farmers in the poultry, aquaculture, and livestock industries in Ghana and beyond. POINT OF PARITY (POP) Protein-rich animal feed concentrate. Provision of services to either the poultry, aquaculture, and livestock industries. Affordability based on customers’ purchasing power with an array of sizes to choose from. POINT OF DIFFERENCE (POD) Immune Booster Properties in the concentrate used since it is plant-based. Provision of services to the poultry, aquaculture, and livestock industries. Saves customers 30% of their cost of production. The concentrate can be used for other products such as fertilizer, sandwiches, biofuels, etc, aside from animal feed.

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

Yes The Women In Duckweeds Production Program (WDPP) The WDPP is an initiative where we train unemployed women, especially those between the ages of 18 to 40 years in the country on the efficient and hygienic sourcing of duckweed as a raw material for processing by the company. These women after training become official suppliers of the company which will create direct jobs and income for them. We also help aspiring women entrepreneurs with some technical support to the best of our ability by helping and encouraging them to apply for grant opportunities to help bring their ideas into reality.