Ghana - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

At Demasko farms, we leverage exclusively on discarded refrigerators that are usually causing environmental challenges to raise snails for customers. We also use agro-processing mechanisms to recycle eggshells into highly nutritious snail feed.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Demasko farms products and services include fresh snails, dried snails and frozen snails. We provide customers with quality and affordable breeding stock. Demasko farms produces and sells special snail feed. Our invented snail pen contains a habitat and incubator at a go. It is very affordable, durable and portable. Demasko farms produces snail slime.  We do snail farming training. Our target customers includes; Individual consumers, food vendors, cosmetics and pharmaceutical companies, trainees and export contracts. Demasko Smart App is an innovative micro app that leverages the Ayoba super app to connect customers.  It offers a range of features, from free chat and calls to easy interaction with Demasko Farms. It is the Top Ayoba Influencer. Market research revealed that Ghana consumes over 15,000 ton of snails a year. Unfortunately, most of these snails are imported from neighbouring countries which could be raised in Ghana. Meaning snail has ready market.

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

I live in a community where discarded refrigerators are a waste. A community where eggshells are seen as waste. Demasko Farms solves four major problems. Firstly, Declining Snail Supply. The increasing scarcity of snails, driven by ongoing land degradation, is exacerbating the challenge of meeting the rising demand for snail products both locally and internationally. Secondly, Waste Generation. Approximately 30% of the crops we cultivate go to waste, including valuable resources like eggshells, sawdust, and discarded refrigerators, contributing to environmental issues in our communities. Furthermore, Health Concerns. Many individuals are advised to avoid red meat due to diagnosed health problems, leading to a demand for healthier protein alternatives, which our snails’ products can provide. Finally, High Importation Cost on Snail Slime. Cosmetics and pharmaceutical companies in Africa, especially Ghana find it difficult to get quality and affordable snail slime for products.

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

At Demasko Farms, we provide customers with quality and affordable snail products such as healthy fresh snail meat, frozen and dried snails meat. Snail meat is a good immune system booster. Our snail farming resources includes; Recycled refrigerators pen, snail feed and stock. Demasko snail pen is very affordable, durable and portable. Through our key partners such as National Youth Authority and MTN Ayoba, we are able use our innovative micro app to train customers easily into snail farming on our digital platforms. Demasko Farms is anticipating to produce and supply high quality and affordable snail slime to both local and international cosmetics and pharmaceutical companies. As part of environmental impact, sawdust and eggshells when burnt, and old refrigerators release carbon dioxide and chlorofluorocarbons gases respectively into the atmosphere thus contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer and to climate change.

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

Market research revealed that Ghana consumes over 15,000 ton of snails a year. Unfortunately, most of these snails are imported from neighbouring countries which could be raised in Ghana. Meaning snail has ready market. The total addressable market for the global snail value change business is worth $ 12 billion and we are anticipating a serviceable obtainable market of $ 10 million in a period of 3 years. Our target customers includes; Individual consumers, food vendors, cosmetics and pharmaceutical companies, trainees and export contracts.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-01-17

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

4

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

2

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

Demasko Farms is a registered business with fourteen staff. Our team is made up of four members who are competent, innovative, experience and dedicative to the development of the business. I am Desmond Adomako with Bachelor Degree in Educational Psychology. I have four years’ experience in snail farming business. Desmond is the Founder, Production Manager and the CEO. Abednego Torto is our Chief Operations Officer with Bachelor Degree in Agriculture. He holds Bachelor Degree in Agriculture with three years working experience at National Youth Authority-Ashanti. Fatima Sharif with Bachelor Degree in Aquaculture and Water Resources Management. Fatima is a marketing manager. Benedicta Asante is our Chief Finance Officer with Bachelor Degree in Economics.

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

https://demaskofarms.com

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

l) Farming

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

A desperate life after my university education, I was pushed into snail farming business due to scarcity of snails as a result of continues land degradation compounded with continues demanding for snails products at our local and international markets. I started with 50 pieces of breeding stock of snails, with an old waste fridge and a waste mosquito net because I could not afford a package from other farmers. Also, preparing snails for food is a very difficult task for many people. Furthermore, about 3 0 % of the crops we grow go waste, eggs shells are waste then serving as a special habitat for mosquitoes and as a result taking precious live through malaria. Old fridges, dirty oil, big cans are not recycled in our community thus posing environmental challenges. Eventually, many people because of their health problems have been diagnosed and advised not to take red meat. These people really need an affordable supplement to substitute for that.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

I was pushed into snail farming business due to scarcity of snails as a result of continues land degradation compounded with continues demanding for snails products at our local and international markets. Also, preparing snails for food is a very difficult task for many people. Demasko farms is into frozen and dried snail productions where customers our snails in a processed form and ready to eat food. Eventually, many people because of their health problems have been diagnosed and advised not to take red meat. These people really need an affordable supplement to substitute for that.

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

Approximately, about 60% of old age people have been advised to eat red / blood meat because of diagnosed health problems. These people need an affordable substitute for red meat. Demasko farms offer a substitute for red meat as well as those you can afford. Snail meat is a good immune system booster.   Demasko farms provide customers with the healthiest snail meat for a healthy life.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Demasko Farms uses both AI/Data Science/Machine Learning and Virtual / Augmented / Reality to improve my services and daily activities. As a successful participant Greenovations Africa project 2023-2024, we are enlighten on AI / Data Science / machine learning and also linked to COP virtual platform. COP virtual platform allows Greenovations Africa Project beneficial to access easy coaching, communicating among others, build network and secure funding. https://app.read.ai/analytics/meetings/01HRY9QHZ9HJ7NPNB8W912A8MW?utm_source=Share_CopyLink Modern technology has become very relevant factor in today's businesses and that Demasko farms cannot afford to miss it. Demasko Smart App is It offers a range of features, from free chat and calls to easy interaction with Demasko Farms. We train, educate and empower people from 16 years of age and above into sustainable agribusinesses specifically, snail and organic vegetables crop farming.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Demasko Farms promotes an organizational culture that highly values equity and inclusiveness. Demasko Farms strives to provide a vibrant and inclusive team, including a safe and supportive working environment for all our staff regardless of gender. To realize these objectives, Demasko Farms implements a range of measures to prevent gender-based discrimination and adopts flexible and inclusive provisions for all our staff. A.OBJECTIVES To ensure there is no gender discrimination at Demasko Farms. To assist in minimizing gender inequalities among our client companies and suppliers. B.DEFINITIONS Employee means any person who is a current employee of Demasko Farms and includes permanent, fixed-term, full-time, part-time, casual, and contracted staff. Gender refers to the social, behavioral, and cultural attributes, expectations, and norms associated with being female, male, intersex, transgender, or gender diverse. Gender Equality in the workplace means ensuring all employ

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

I live in a community where discarded refrigerators are a waste. A community where eggshells are seen as waste. In my community, poverty is recognized as part of culture. A community whereby the unemployment rate always keeps increasing by 70% every year. A community that has been blessed with many resources yet about 75% of the people cannot afford to eat three meals a day. I am a graduate from University of Cape Coast, Ghana with a Degree in Educational Psychology. I was a victim of these situations mentioned above so one day I decided to find solutions to all these problems. I founded Demasko Farms. According to the Ghana Energy Commission, over 2.8 million used fridges were imported into the country between 2005 and 2018. My question is where are these refrigerators? Most of these discarded refrigerators are chocked in our gutters thus leading to severe flooding when it rains. We also recycle eggshells, tin tomatoes can, lorry tyres, dirty oil etc thereby enhancing sanitation.

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

At Demasko farms, we leverage exclusively on discarded refrigerators that are usually causing environmental challenges to raise snails for customers. We also use agro-processing mechanisms to recycle eggshells and snail’s shells into highly nutritious snail feed supplements for snail farmers. Please, kindly click on the link below to watch what Demasko farms does. https://youtu.be/mPBB4xe794Q?feature=shared

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

Economically, Demasko Farms has fourteen (14) employees currently. We are therefore anticipating employing over 20 workers by the end of the year 2025. Our prime vision is to venture into commercial snail slime extraction business which is wealthier than gold mining. 1 liter of snail slime is worth $20,000 on the global market, and we are anticipating producing at least 20   liters of slime monthly.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

5

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

At Demasko farms, we build innovative snail pen for our customers that are attractive and less expensive. We also utilise backyard and marsh arears that are not put into use to rise snails for customers.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Demasko Farms promotes an organizational culture that highly values equity and inclusiveness. Demasko Farms strives to provide a vibrant and inclusive team, including a safe and supportive working environment for all our staff regardless of gender. To realize these objectives, Demasko Farms implements a range of measures to prevent gender-based discrimination and adopts flexible and inclusive provisions for all our staff. A.OBJECTIVES To ensure there is no gender discrimination at Demasko Farms. To assist in minimizing gender inequalities among our client companies and suppliers. B.DEFINITIONS Employee means any person who is a current employee of Demasko Farms and includes permanent, fixed-term, full-time, part-time, casual, and contracted staff. Gender refers to the social, behavioral, and cultural attributes, expectations, and norms associated with being female, male, intersex, transgender, or gender diverse.

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

Environmental Policy Statement Demasko Farms is a snail production and training service company registered in Ghana with its headquarters at Aboaso, Ashanti. Demasko Farms is committed to the protection of the environment, including the prevention of pollution and to minimizing the environmental impacts of its business activities and operations. Demasko Farms will deliver this commitment by setting of environmental targets, regular review, prevention of pollution, and compliance with legislation and other requirements including appropriate best practice. We will therefore: Comply with and whenever possible exceed all applicable Environmental Legislation and regulatory and other requirements. The Company will regularly evaluate its compliance with the relevant legislation and will utilize Government Guidance and Industry Codes of Best Practice, to help achieve this.  Continually improve our Business Management System processes and documents by regular measurement, review ...

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

Demasko Farms is promoting resource and energy efficiency, sustainable infrastructure, and providing access to basic services, green and decent jobs, and a better quality of life for all, with the goal to do more and better with less. Demasko Farms is not just a local enterprise; it embodies a global vision rooted in sustainability, innovation, and socio-economic empowerment. By leveraging Ghana’s agricultural potential, the global dynamics of the snail product market, and innovative practices like recycling refrigerators and eggshells, we’re at the forefront of transformative change. Our journey transcends borders, empowers communities, and champions a sustainable future. As we navigate this dynamic landscape, the vision of Demasko Farms shines ever brighter, illuminating a path toward excellence and impact.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

I live in a community where discarded refrigerators are a waste. A community where eggshells are seen as waste. In my community, poverty is recognized as part of culture. A community whereby the unemployment rate always keeps increasing by 70% every year. A community that has been blessed with many resources yet about 75% of the people cannot afford to eat three meals a day. I am a graduate from University of Cape Coast, Ghana with a Degree in Educational Psychology. I was a victim of these situations mentioned above so one day I decided to find solutions to all these problems. I founded Demasko Farms. According to the Ghana Energy Commission, over 2.8 million used fridges were imported into the country between 2005 and 2018. My question is where are these refrigerators? Most of these discarded refrigerators are chocked in our gutters thus leading to severe flooding when it rains.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

Demasko Farms will deliver this commitment by setting of environmental targets, regular review, prevention of pollution, and compliance with legislation and other requirements including appropriate best practice. We will therefore: • Comply with and whenever possible exceed all applicable Environmental Legislation and regulatory and other requirements. The Company will regularly evaluate its compliance with the relevant legislation and will utilize Government Guidance and Industry Codes of Best Practice, to help achieve this. • Continually improve our Business Management System processes and documents by regular measurement, review and audit and the implementation of improved measures to prevent pollution and minimize environmental impact. • The use and practice of a Sustainable Procurement Policy, ensuring packaging is minimized, sustainable products are sourced, and local suppliers preferred.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Demasko farms uses eco-friendly practices in farming. Snails are like the other micro-organism which can survive with chemicals so we protect snails and these micro-organism at a go, organically. Demasko farms is also anticipating venturing fully into snail slime extraction business where our snails life will be protected for their lifespan. We are anticipating purchasing mucus pro 2.20 machine to extract our snail slime without killing our snails. 1 liter of snail slime is worth $20,000 on the global market, and we are anticipating producing at least 20   liters of slime monthly.

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

Demasko Limited Company is more than just a farming institution. We protect the right of our workers. We make sure peace and justice prevail in live of our staff. Demasko Farms promotes an organizational culture that highly values equity and inclusiveness. Demasko Farms strives to provide a vibrant and inclusive team, including a safe and supportive working environment for all our staff regardless of gender. To realize these objectives, Demasko Farms implements a range of measures to prevent gender-based discrimination and adopts flexible and inclusive provisions for all our staff.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Generally, Demasko farms have strong institutions as business key partners.  Demasko farms vision, mission and business eco-friendly practices has attracted many great organizations to honour  Demasko farms with recognitions. The mission of Demasko fsrms is to provide high-quality snail products to individual customers, cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies while prioritising youth empowerment and environmental stewardship. We have National Youth Authority, MTN Ayoba, SNV GrEEn, GIZ, UNDP, Global Startup Awards, Afrilabs and VC4A as business partners.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.08 Justification for my startup

Demasko Farms is more than just a snail farming venture; it’s a beacon of innovation, sustainability, and empowerment in Ghana’sS agricultural landscape. Our focus on snail farming, as outlined in the previous description, positions us as a transformative force with green and sustainable practices. Here’s a recap of our core values and goals: Eco-Friendly Practices: Demasko Farms is committed to sustainability. We take abandoned and rejected refrigerators, which are environmentally hazardous, and convert them into efficient snail pens. Furthermore, we utilize agro-processing methods to recycle waste eggshells into highly nutritious snail feed supplements. This approach not only reduces waste but also contributes to the well-being of our environment. Empowerment: On a social level, Demasko Farms plays a crucial role in addressing poverty, hunger, and health issues. We empower individuals by providing them with the means to engage in snail farming, an activity etc.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Innovative Smart App: The Demasko Smart App is a pioneering venture that leverages the Ayoba super app to connect customers and investors. It offers a range of features, from free chat and calls to easy interaction with Demasko Farms. Demasko transform environmental challenges into opportunities by sustainably producing premium snail products. Demasko Snail pen is affordable, durable and portable. Demasko Farms Limited Company contributes to a greener planet while offering nutritious, health-conscious alternatives for consumers. We empower communities and create jobs while connecting with customers through innovative technology. Demasko Smart App is the top MTN Ayoba Influencer. Please, kindly visit us at www.demaskofarms.com

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

First of all, Demasko should be able employ 60 workers at by the end of the project. We will train and empower at least 5000 worker at the end of the project thereby creating 5000 jobs for the people. Demasko will increase production and sales by recycling at least 10,000 discarded refrigerators and 10 tons of waste eggshells. We will support at least 2000 small holders farmers in Ashanti region thereby promoting agribusiness in the region. Finally, Demasko Farms will grow at least 1million snails to feed Ghana thereby providing the healthiest meat and the number 1 immune system booster for the people