Ghana - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

This project focuses on designing a manually operated briquette machine that converts agricultural waste into eco-friendly briquettes for cooking and heating.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

The manually operated briquette machine is a simple yet effective device that compresses agricultural waste such as sawdust into compact briquettes. These briquettes can be used as an alternative to traditional firewood or charcoal, providing a sustainable fuel source. The machine is designed to be easy to operate and maintain, making it accessible to rural communities with limited resources. It does not require electricity, which ensures its usability in off-grid areas.

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

The main problem we aim to solve is the dependence on firewood and charcoal for cooking and heating in rural areas. This reliance leads to deforestation, environmental degradation, and health issues due to indoor air pollution. Additionally, many communities face economic challenges due to the high cost of traditional fuels.

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

1. Environmental Benefits: By converting agricultural waste into briquettes, the machine helps reduce deforestation and promotes waste recycling, contributing to environmental conservation. 2. Health Benefits: The briquettes produce less smoke compared to traditional firewood and charcoal, reducing indoor air pollution and associated respiratory issues. 3. Economic Benefits: The machine provides a cost-effective fuel source, reducing the financial burden on households for cooking and heating needs. It also creates opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurs to produce and sell briquettes, generating additional income.

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

This project primarily targets rural and peri-urban communities in developing countries where access to modern energy sources is limited. The beneficiaries include households relying on traditional biomass for cooking and heating, small-scale farmers with agricultural waste, and local entrepreneurs interested in starting a briquette production business.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2021-03-01

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.)

Owiredu Samuel Kissi Degree: BSc Renewable Energy Engineering Skills: Renewable Energy Systems, Sustainable Engineering, Project Management Experience: Samuel has a solid background in renewable energy systems and sustainable engineering practices. His expertise includes designing and implementing renewable energy projects, with a focus on optimizing energy efficiency and promoting environmental sustainability. Samuel's project management skills ensure effective coordination and execution of initiatives within the renewable energy sector. Smith Jessica Abena Degree: BSc Renewable Energy Engineering Skills: Energy Policy, Environmental Impact Assessment, Technical Analysis Experience: Jessica specializes in energy policy and environmental impact assessment within the renewable energy field. She brings technical proficiency in analyzing the feasibility and environmental implications of energy projects.

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

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

a) Energy (equipment, services, sustainable energy and fuel)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Our manually operated briquette machine project contributes to the no poverty goal by creating employment opportunities, promoting sustainable livelihoods, reducing household expenses, supporting rural development, empowering marginalized groups, and fostering community resilience through capacity building and social impact initiatives. These efforts collectively contribute to poverty alleviation and sustainable development in the communities we serve.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Our manually operated briquette machine project contributes to the zero hunger goal by promoting agricultural productivity, enhancing food security through income generation and affordable energy access, promoting sustainable practices that support climate resilience, empowering communities through capacity building, and supporting smallholder farmers. These efforts collectively contribute to reducing food insecurity and advancing sustainable development in the communities we serve.

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

5

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

The briquettes produce less smoke compared to traditional firewood and charcoal, reducing indoor air pollution and associated respiratory issues.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Our manually operated briquette machine project contributes to the quality education goal by integrating environmental education into school curricula, providing practical skills through training programs, improving access to clean energy in schools, fostering entrepreneurship education, engaging communities through workshops, and collaborating with educational institutions for research and development. These efforts empower students and community members with knowledge and skills that promote sustainable development and contribute to achieving quality education outcomes.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Our manually operated briquette machine project contributes to the gender equality goal by promoting women's entrepreneurship, providing skill development and capacity building opportunities, fostering inclusive employment practices, promoting gender-sensitive community engagement, supporting women's leadership roles, and improving women's health and well-being through access to clean energy. These efforts empower women economically, socially, and politically, contributing to gender equality and sustainable development in the communities we serve.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

5

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

By converting agricultural waste into briquettes, the machine helps reduce deforestation and promotes waste recycling, contributing to environmental conservation.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

The machine provides a cost-effective fuel source, reducing the financial burden on households for cooking and heating needs.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

5

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

It creates opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurs to produce and sell briquettes, generating additional income.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

5

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

The project contributes to industry innovation and infrastructure by promoting sustainable industrial practices, encouraging local manufacturing and entrepreneurship, enhancing energy access and efficiency, facilitating technological advancement, and supporting environmental sustainability. These efforts collectively help build a more resilient, innovative, and sustainable industrial ecosystem.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Our manually operated briquette machine project contributes to the reduced inequalities goal by creating inclusive employment and economic opportunities, providing skill development and capacity building, promoting community engagement and social inclusion, improving access to clean energy, and advocating for policies that support social equity. These efforts aim to reduce disparities and empower marginalized groups, fostering a more equitable and sustainable society.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

The briquette machine project supports the sustainable cities and communities goal by reducing environmental impact, enhancing energy access and affordability, promoting economic development, improving public health, fostering community engagement and education, and encouraging sustainable practices. These contributions help build more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban and rural 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

This briquette machine project advances the responsible consumption and production goal by promoting efficient resource use, sustainable production practices, reduced environmental impact, sustainable consumption patterns, economic benefits, and community engagement. These efforts collectively support the transition to more sustainable and responsible consumption and production systems.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Our manually operated briquette machine project advances the climate action goal by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating deforestation, promoting sustainable waste management, enhancing energy efficiency, raising climate awareness, and supporting policy and advocacy efforts. Through these contributions, we help combat climate change and promote a sustainable, low-carbon future for communities.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Our manually operated briquette machine project contribu0tes to the Life below water goal by reducing water pollution, mitigating climate change, preventing marine debris, promoting sustainable practices, and supporting biodiversity. These efforts help protect marine ecosystems and ensure the health and sustainability of life below water.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

This manually operated briquette machine project supports the life on land goal by reducing deforestation, promoting sustainable waste management, mitigating soil degradation and erosion, addressing climate change, supporting biodiversity, and fostering sustainable practices through education and community engagement. These contributions help protect and restore terrestrial ecosystems, ensuring the health and sustainability of life on land.

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

5

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

Our manually operated briquette machine project contributes to the peace, justice, and strong institutions goal by promoting environmental sustainability, supporting economic stability and social cohesion, strengthening governance and accountability, enhancing access to justice and human rights, building partnerships for sustainable development, and promoting conflict resolution and peacebuilding. These efforts contribute to creating inclusive and accountable institutions that uphold the rule of law and foster peaceful societies.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Our manually operated briquette machine project contributes to partnerships for the goals by fostering collaboration with local communities, public and private sectors, NGOs, academic institutions, international organizations, and industry partners. These partnerships enhance resource mobilization, innovation, knowledge sharing, and support, driving the collective effort towards sustainable development and the achievement of the UN SDGs.

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

4

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

4

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

4

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

4

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

4

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

4

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

5

05.08 Justification

Our project combines innovative technology with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, affordability, community engagement, and impact transparency. These factors collectively differentiate us from competitors and position us as leaders in providing sustainable energy solutions tailored to local needs.

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

In the market for manually operated briquette machines, our main potential competitors include established manufacturers and emerging startups focusing on sustainable energy solutions. Our focus on affordability and simplicity makes our briquette machines accessible to rural communities with limited resources, addressing a critical market gap. We customize our machines to utilize locally available agricultural waste, ensuring sustainability and adaptability to regional environmental challenges. We actively engage with communities through education programs, workshops, and ongoing support, building trust and ensuring effective adoption of our technology. We prioritize durable and easy-to-maintain designs, backed by rigorous testing to ensure reliability and longevity in challenging environments.

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

Yes, I am actively promoting the role of female entrepreneurs in my community through mentorship programs, workshops and training sessions, advocacy campaigns and highlighting success stories.