Ghana - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Sustainable aquaculture and vegetable farming KENSTHER FARMS is a starting fish farming (tilapia,catfish and African aronwana),using earthen pond,the nitrogen rich water from the pond use in irrigating the vegetable farm controlling algae.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

The project is aquaculture (catfish,tilapia and African aronwana),using earthed ponds for the farming . The major challenge of a lot of Ghanaian farmers is feeding,the prices of foreign feeds are expensive,those who produce their own feed uses the foreign feed for some time before they switch to their own feed. The project will address feeding issues using local farm produce and aquatic plants which are easy to farm but contain higher amounts of protein;azolla,duckweed ,water hyacinths and moringa. The second phase of the project is a catfish hatchery The third phase is fish processing Processing catfish and tilapia. The products are marinated fishes,spicy smoked fishes,fish fillets and smoked catfish,tilapia and African aronwana with the emphasis on reducing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons The final phase,the water in fish ponds are rich in nitrogen and ammonia as a result of the food deposits from the pellets and excreta ,this rich water will be used in irrigating vegetable farm

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

1.EMPLOYMENT:this project is a bigger project that will employ staff for the project. This project will motivate other people to start fish and vegetable farming

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. Smoked catfish and tilapia,and spicy smoked catfish and tilapia with reduced levels of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons will lead to increased overall health of people who patronize the products, getting the omega-3 fatty acid which reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and other liver diseases with low levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons 2. Organic vegetable farm will produce vegetables free from chemical pesticides and chemical fertilizers which have negative impact on the body. Among the negative impacts of chemical from pesticides and fertilizers are 1,acute poisoning 2.endocrine disruptions 3.immune system suppression 4.neurological problems 5.carcinogenic effects 6.reproductive and developmental effects. Consuming Organic vegetables from our farm,will help individuals avoid such risk 3. Moringa is loaded with a lot of nutrients with positive effects on health. Using this in our feed production will ensure healthy fishes for consumption, if we produce more,powder

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

1. The local communities. The will be employment for people within the community by one,employing some to work on the farm 2. Purchasing their farm produce for fish feed production and feeding staff 2.the Ghanaian community: products from the project will be quality that will contribute to the overall health of consumers both nationwide and worldwide through export. 3. Youth (including women) This will be achieved by 1.Direct employment. Youth including women who are being employed by the company to work on the farm will earn a living with their salary. Indirect employment: traders who will purchase the processed fish on wholesale to retail will earn profits and earn living through that 4. The Government; the company will pay taxes on the generated revenue,which the government will use in developing the nation 3. The owner and investors will earn a living from this project

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-02-01

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.)

1. Project manager,(Mr. Alexander Ofosu Karikari,email ;alexanderkarikari2@gmail.com)the project manager has Masters in economics and has been handling successful projects in Ghana. He was the project manager for AgriDepot limited which deals with poultry and poultry products in Ghana. He has led his team in acquiring and managing successful projects with his team. He doubled as a marketing manager and farm manager for some period for Agridepot,his marketing strategies contributed to Agridepot generating higher revenue. With him being a partner to this project,we are sure his skills and experience he has will make our project successful. 2. Miss Emmanuella Tweneboah : She has a diploma in dispensing technology and also research more about agriculture. With her background in health and the owners (myself) background in health,we know the benefits of nutrition in Health and therefore ensuring our products to be healthy and also take the health of our employees for this project into cons.

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?

l) Agriculture

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

By providing employment opportunities and boosting local economies through sustainable farming practices,KENSTHER FARMS reduces poverty in the nation The employment comes in two forms.1 direct employment from the company. The company staff for this project will earn a living through this project that will reduce poverty. 2. Retailers of our products will get continuous supply of product which will help the get money and end poverty 2. Quality products. A lot of the working class in developing countries are now spending more money on their health due to chronic illness which can or be prevented by good nutrition.our products which are nutritious and free from chemicals will help the prevent or manage their conditions. Spending less on medications and improved health conditions that will help them save money will reduce poverty 4. Continuous Taxes on revenue generated by this project paid to the government will help the government create more jobs that will reduce poverty

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

The farm contributes contributes to food security leading to zero hunger by producing steady supply of nutritious fish (tilapia,catfish and African aronwana) and organic vegetables ensuring healthy food for the local community , nation and worldwide through export. In Ghana, vegetables are scare during dry season especially tomatoes. The project sets to use the knowledge in green house in cultivating vegetables,using nutrients rich water from the pond for irrigation. This will lead to steady supply of vegetable thus contributing to this goal “Zero Hunger “.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

The production of organic vegetables and healthy fish free from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and chemicals free supports better nutrition and overall health for the community. Nutrient from the products; processed fish is rich in 0mega -3 fatty acids which is good for the heart and preventing cardiovascular diseases. 2. When youth are unemployed,the turn to think a lot,some even resulting to abuse alcohol with the perception of dealing with the hardship. This project is of economic benefits to the employees,retailers of products and local farmers of which our feed will be sourced. When they are not into economic hardship,it reduces their risk of getting certain conditions like depression,alcohol abuse and addiction and other mental challenges. If people are financially sound,they prioritize their health,purchasing quality food ingredients,eating a balanced diet,which all contribute to good health and wellbeing

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Education is of high importance,but a lot of people can’t afford. The project will employ youth,of which they can use their income in sponsoring their education. Some of the employees for this project are women,they can use their income in sponsoring their wards education. Retailer of our products will get enough profit to sponsor their children,siblings and others education ,thus leading to the achievement of this goal

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

In developing countries like Ghana,they attribute farming as a job for men. This project led by a woman,with partner and some employees being women will help bridge this gap in gender equality and also motivate other women to walk same path

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

By utilizing nitrogen-rich pond water for irrigation,the farm promotes efficient water use and helps maintain water quality. Also the farming practices doesn’t impose any negative effects to the environment,using chemicals free farming practices. This helps to meet this goal “clean water and sanitation “

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

1. Usage of Solar Power: Solar Panels will be used in powering farm operations such as water pumps for the fish pond, source of power for the floating fish extruder machine and lighting for the farm 3. Biogas production utilizing organic waste from fish processing and vegetable cultivation to produce biogas. Biogas will be used for cooking and heating needs on the farm. 3. Using energy-efficient equipment and machine for aquaculture and vegetable farming operations help to reduce overall energy consumption These contribute to attaining this goal,”affordable and clean energy “.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

The farm creates jobs and supports economic growth in the region through sustainable aquaculture and agriculture practices. None activities undertaken by this project is against the law and there the project can be termed as a decent job. The project will employ people that will lead to economic growth,also taxes on revenue paid to government will lead to economic growth

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Using innovative aquaculture techniques and sustainable farming methods,such as utilizing nitrogen-rich pond water for irrigation and producing feed from aquatic plants , demonstrates a commitment th this goal The construction of earthen ponds and facilities for fish processing and vegetable cultivation contributes to building resilient agriculture infrastructure

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

By providing employment opportunities and supporting local economies , this project helps reduce economic inequality in the community The farm’s production of affordable and nutritious food ensures that more people including those in disadvantaged communities , have access to essential resources , meeting this goal .

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

By producing food locally, this project reduces the carbon footprint associated with food transportation and supports the creation of more sustainable communities The farm’s use of natural resources, such as recycling pond water for irrigation contributes to the sustainability and resilience of the community

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

The project practices sustainable farming by using natural resources(land) efficiently and minimizing water wastage, contributing to more responsible production processes. The nutrient rich water from the pond is not wasted,it used for irrigation purposes hence achieving this goal

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

By employing organic farming methods and avoiding synthetic chemicals, the project reduces greenhouse gases emissions and environmental pollution. The cultivation of moringa and other plants can help sequester carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts ,contributing to this goal

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

The farm’s use of sustainable aquaculture and agricultural practices helps protect aquatic ecosystem and promotes the responsible use of marine resources This project won’t use any chemical fertilizers. Some farming practices uses excessive fertilizers. Which the nutrient from fertilizers drains to water bodies contributing to excessive growth of aquatic weeds and disrupting the ecosystem. When eutrophication occurs,it leads to oxygen depletion in the water bodies harming or killing aquatic life. This project isn’t using any chemical fertilizers and putting eutrophication in check, hence, leading to this goal ”life below water “

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

2

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

By cultivating organic vegetables free from chemical pesticides and fertilizers and using eco-friendly farming techniques , the farm helps preserve terrestrial ecosystem and biodiversity

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

5

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

The project involves the local community in each level of production and also paying taxes on revenue meeting this goal

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

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.

6

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

5

05.08 Justification

There are already existing fish farms but ours stand to be different 1. Farming techniques: we are combining both aquaculture and organic vegetable farming. Nitrogen rich water from the earthen pond will be used in irrigation. The vegetable are organic,free from chemical pesticides and fertilizers but ours are not. 2. Processing: the main processed fish on the Ghanaian market are salted and smoked fishes. Our stand to differ,with smoked fishes,our smoking process will emphasize on reducing the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons ,also producing deboned smoked fishes instead of whole smoked fishes, a signature marinated fishes,spicy smoked fishes. 3. Project idea involves the local farmers

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

There are 7 commercial farmers doing very well in the aquaculture industry,and other fish farmers and vegetable farmers across the country. What makes my company stand out is 1) feed quality. I am certain the ingredients used in feed production will increase the crude protein content in the feed making it an outstanding fish pellets feed on the country 2. Most of the companies sell the fresh fishes not a processed one. The processed one are mainly smoked catfish and tilapia and salted tilapia. My project set to produce more marinaded fishes to the market. A lot of people don’t want to make time for this,and others don’t trust their recipe for marinating their fish. My signature marinade will make marinated fishes from KENSTHER FARMS unique Also smoked fishes on the market doesn’t emphasize on reducing the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the smoking process but our does. Marketing strategy and fish quality is different

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

Yes. I run a fashion business; unisex clothing,bridals,ready to wear,shoe making,bags and other fashion accessories. I received grant form CAMFED(Campaign for female education) ,young African works program. As a female entrepreneur,I’ve trained 17 individuals of which 15 of them are female for free over the period. Among the 15 females, 2 nursing mothers,3 single mothers,1 tertiary students and two high school students. The training conditions is based on the individual’s capabilities and living conditions. Out of the 15 trained female,12 are successful running their own business.