Ghana - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

CommoFrost involves converting local farm tricycles, known as aboboyaa, into solar-powered refrigerators to assist farmers in transporting their farm produce while maintaining freshness.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Our project idea aims to convert local farm tricycles (aboboyaa) into solar-powered refrigeration tricycle to assist farmers in transporting their produce while maintaining freshness. These refrigerated tricycles will feature user-friendly mobile applications and USSD codes to enable farmers request for our services at any point in time and also connect farmers with buyers. This project will reduce transportation challenges, reduce post-harvest losses, and mitigate climate change impacts. It is in line with several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by enhancing food security, promoting sustainable agriculture, and supporting economic growth in rural communities.

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

In Ghana, specifically in the Techiman municipality, small-scale farmers face significant challenges in transporting and preserving their produce, which lead to substantial post-harvest losses. These farmers often rely on inefficient and unsustainable transportation and refrigeration methods, resulting in spoilage and reduced market access. This leads to economic losses for farmers and also incteases food shortages and environmental degradation due to waste and pollution. Food waste, which contributes to 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions, highlights the urgency of addressing this issue to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

For our project we will reduce post-harvest losses. With our solar-powered refrigerated tricycles, farmers can preserve their produce during transport which will reduce spoilage and waste to ensure that more products reach the market fresh. Also our project will enhance market access for farmers. The user-friendly mobile app and USSD codes embedded will facilitate better connectivity between farmers and buyers which will create more sales opportunities for farmers. The project will promote environmental sustainability. The use of solar power for refrigeration will reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which will lower carbon emissions and contribute to climate change mitigation. When we reduce food spoilage, we will contribute to a decrease in the overall environmental impact of farming. By reducing losses and improving market access, farmers can increase their incomes. The project will also provide more jobs for youth in the community thereby supporting their economic growth.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Our project is aimed at serving small-scale farmers in Ghana (Techiman Municipality), specifically those who face challenges in transporting and preserving their produce. The primary beneficiaries are these farmers who will directly benefit from reduced post-harvest losses, improved market access, and enhanced economic stability. Additionally, the project targets the youth by providing job opportunities in the operation, maintenance, and management of the solar-powered refrigerated tricycles. By involving youth, the project wii empower the next generation with skills in sustainable agriculture and technology.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-04-18

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

2

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

Afena Atta Raymond: He holds a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Energy and Natural Resources. He possesses expertise in solar energy systems, electrical infrastructure, and sustainable energy solutions. Raymond's skills are crucial to design and implement the solar-powered refrigeration units for the tricycles. Kalebtina Asare-Frimpong: Kalebtina earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas, Dallas. She has extensive experience in mechanical design, thermal systems, and refrigeration technology. Her knowledge is essential to ensure the efficiency and reliability of the refrigerated tricycles.

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

https://www.instagram.com/commofrostgh?igsh=ZmxiZGt1NTFjMWho

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

l) Agriculture

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Our project, CommoFrost, contributes to SDG 1: No Poverty by enhancing the livelihoods of small-scale farmers. We hope to reduce post-harvest losses which will in turn increase the marketability of fresh produce, and improve farmers' income. The digital platform will also connect farmers directly with buyers, ensuring fair prices and reducing intermediaries. These improvements in income and market access help lift farmers out of poverty which will provide them with more stable and sustainable economic opportunities.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Our projec aligns with SDG 2: Zero Hunger by ensuring the preservation and freshness of agricultural produce during transportation. Our project will increase the availability of fresh, nutritious food. This enhances food security and improves nutrition for communities. Additionally, by promoting sustainable agriculture practices and providing better market access for farmers, we will support the overall stability and growth of the agricultural sector, contributing to the goal of ending hunger.

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

2

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Our project supports SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy by utilizing solar power for refrigeration. By converting tricycles into solar-powered refrigerated vehicles, we reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions. This promotes the use of modern, clean energy technologies in agriculture, which ensures that farmers have access to energy solutions.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

With CommoFrost, we will contribute to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by providing job opportunities for youth in the community. We will empower farmers to reduce post-harvest losses and increase income but most importantly, create employment opportunities for young people in the tricycle maintenance, operation, and digital platform management. This will foster an inclusive economic growth which will promote a sustained employment and decent work for youth, thus advancing the overall economic development of the community.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Our project CommoFrost will contribute to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure by introducing innovative solutions to agricultural transportation and preservation. Through the conversion of traditional farm tricycles into solar-powered refrigerated vehicles, we will enhance the infrastructure for transporting perishable goods, reduce spoilage, and increase efficiency. Our project will leverage on renewable energy which will promote sustainable industrial practices and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Also, the digital platform for connecting farmers with buyers will foster technological innovation and improves market infrastructure which will ensure smoother transactions and better access to markets. This integrated approach modernizes agricultural logistics and also supports sustainable industry growth and resilient infrastructure development in the community.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Our project will contribute Reduced Inequalities by empowering small-scale farmers in rural areas who often face economic and market disparities. Through the provision of access to solar-powered refrigerated tricycles and a digital platform for connecting with buyers, we level the playing field which enables these farmers to compete more effectively in the market. This reduces income inequality by increasing farmers' earnings and market access. Again, our project will create job opportunities for local youth which will further promote economic inclusion and reduce regional disparities. Through these efforts, CommoFrost helps bridge the gap between urban and rural economies which will advance a more equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

By promoting sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing local food systems we will contribute significantly to Sustainable Cities and Communities. Our project will reduce food waste and ensure the availability of fresh produce in urban and rural markets. This will support local food security and resilience. Also, the use of renewable energy reduces the carbon footprint, contributing to cleaner and more sustainable communities. Furthermore, through the creation of job opportunities and fostering economic growth within communities, our project will help build more inclusive, safe, and sustainable local economies. These efforts collectively enhance the sustainability and livability of cities and communities.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Our solar-powered refrigerated tricycles reduce food spoilage and waste during transportation, ensuring that more produce reaches consumers fresh and unspoiled. This promotes more efficient use of resources and reduces the environmental impact associated with food waste. Also, the usage of renewable energy minimizes reliance on fossil fuels therefore promoting environmentally responsible production methods. The digital platform will also enhance supply chain transparency and efficiency supporting sustainable consumption patterns. These efforts collectively encourage responsible production and consumption which aligns with the goals of SDG 12.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Our project supports Climate Action through integrating renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the agricultural sector. The usage of solar energy in our project will decrease reliance on fossil fuels which promotes a shift towards sustainable energy use. Additionally, reducing food spoilage through effective refrigeration decreases the overall environmental impact of agriculture, as food waste is a significant source of methane emissions. These actions help mitigate climate change and support global efforts to achieve sustainable environmental practices.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

2

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

3

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

2

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Our project involves partnerships with local communities, governmental organizations, and NGOs to provide training, support, and infrastructure development. These collaborations enhance the effectiveness and scalability of our initiative which will ensure broad-based support and shared success.

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

3

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

5

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

6

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

6

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

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

6

05.08 Justification

Our CommoFrost project is an innovative solution that modernizes traditional agricultural practices. Our solar-powered refrigerated tricycles represent a new version of existing transport methods which provides a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuel-based refrigeration. This addresses the unmet need for efficient, affordable preservation and transportation in the agricultural sector. Through the integration of a digital platform, we extend traditional marketplaces, allowing direct farmer-to-buyer transactions, and improving market access. Our solution leverages new technology in renewable energy and digital connectivity which makes it a significant improvement over current methods. While it enhances old practices, it also introduces entirely new capabilities marking it as both an evolution and a revolution in agricultural logistics.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

Our potential competitors are traditional cold chain logistics companies, local transportation providers and other agritech startups focusing on post-harvest preservation and market connectivity. What makes CommoFrost stand out are: 1. Unlike traditional logistics companies, we utilize renewable energy, making our solution environmentally sustainable and cost-effective for farmers. 2. Our user-friendly app and USSD codes connect farmers directly with buyers, streamlining transactions and reducing dependency on middlemen. 3. We focus on empowering local youth and women through training and job opportunities which will foster economic growth within the community. 4. Our solution is designed to be affordable for small-scale farmers which will provide them with high-quality preservation and transportation options that were previously inaccessible.

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

Ye, we are actively initiating actions within our community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs. This includes offering targeted training programs, mentorship opportunities, and resources specifically designed to support and empower women in agriculture and entrepreneurship.