Ghana - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Agri Pro is an agriculture investment platform, offering agribusinesses the chance to secure investments from funders without going through rigorous demands physical interactions. The platform connect investors to agribusiness owners who seek to invest.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

It is often difficult to start up an agribusiness due to certain demands such as farm land, labour and even availability of raw produce to start with. It is also worrying when there is no much patronage of agricultural produce at the end of the year. Due to this and many other factors, Agri Pro is an agriculture investment platform, offering agribusinesses the chance to secure investments from funders without going through rigorous demands physical interactions. The platform connect investors to agribusiness owners who seek to invest in agribusiness but do not know the requisite demands. Agri Pro will provide the requisite demands for farmers to satisfy investment requirements . The platform will match the demands of the farmers to the expectations of investors to make it possible for farmers to have the best solution and deserving income from their agribusiness. On this platform, both investors and farmers reap returns at the end of the season

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

Current production for major food crops including rice, maize and soya, tubers, vegetables, and fruits is carried out by small scale farmers with low levels of mechanization and production. Food production is dominated by subsistence farming, and without preservation, means of transport and storage infrastructure. Our farmers do not also see farming as business, and the lack of knowledge about efficient irri­gation practices, soil and water us­age including when and how much water to apply, and lack the capaci­ty to consistently meet and exceed the stringent safety and quality standards, especially as they vary across domestic and international markets. Most enterprises do not have the skills to formalize their enterprises; poor record keeping, poor financial planning, inability to identify business opportunities and seek industry information for enhanced productivity. There is also limited access to capital to enable farmers adopt appropriate technol­ogy and agronomic practices.

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. Access to Capital: Agri Pro investment platform will; provide farmers with access to much-needed capital that they may not be able to secure through traditional means like bank loans. This capital can be used for purchasing seeds, equipment, fertilizers, and other inputs necessary for farming operations. 2. Diversification for Investors: For investors, Agri Pro will offer a diversification opportunity, spreading their investment across different types of crops, regions, and farming practices. This diversification can help reduce overall investment risk. Transparency and Accountability: Agri Pro will provide transparency regarding how the investment funds are being utilized. Investors can track the progress of the farming projects they've invested in, ensuring accountability and trust in the process.

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

1. Farmers: Smallholder farmers and agricultural producers are a primary target market for Agri Pro. They seek access to capital to finance their farming operations, purchase inputs, expand their land holdings, or invest in equipment and technology to improve productivity. 2. Investors: Investors interested in agri investment platforms often include individuals, institutions, and impact investors looking to diversify their investment portfolios while supporting sustainable and socially responsible agricultural practices. 3. Agribusinesses: Agribusinesses involved in various stages of the agricultural value chain, such as input suppliers, agro-processors, distributors, and exporters, may also be part of the target market. These businesses may use the Agri Pro to invest in supply chain improvements, contract farming arrangements, or to access financing for expansion.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-01-10

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.)

Godfred Asibu Franklyn is a young Ghanaian Tech Entrepreneur. He is passionate about technology and has used various opportunities to gain a height in the tech field.

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

https://www.linkedin.com/company/agri-pro-ghana/

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

Agri Pro provides investment opportunity to small scale farmers who seek access to capital to finance their farming operations, purchase inputs, expand their land holdings, or invest in equipment and technology to improve productivity. By being to produce in large quantity, they will be able to serve the large community which in turn will reduce poverty rate

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Food Production: Farming is the primary source of food production, providing a wide variety of crops, livestock, and fish for human consumption. By cultivating crops, raising livestock, and practicing aquaculture, farmers contribute to meeting the nutritional needs of people around the world. Diverse Food Supply: Agriculture enables the production of diverse food crops, including grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and animal products. This diversity is essential for ensuring a nutritious and balanced diet, reducing the risk of malnutrition, and addressing micronutrient deficiencies. Smallholder Farmers: Smallholder farmers, who make up a significant portion of the global farming population, play a vital role in food production and distribution, particularly in developing countries. Supporting smallholder farmers with access to resources, technology, and market opportunities can enhance food production, increase incomes, and reduce hunger and poverty in rural communities.

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

6

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Producing quality commodities for the market will contribute largely to the health of the individuals and he commodities. the food industry in general caters to mass markets, and there are underserved niche segments with specific dietary needs and preferences. The indus­try develop specialized products for these consumer groups, e.g. gluten-free, organic, or plant-based options, leading to brand loyalty and market share expansion. With globalization, there is demand for region-specific food products.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Agricultural Education Programs: Many educational institutions offer agricultural education programs that provide students with knowledge and skills related to farming, agribusiness, and rural development. These programs cover a wide range of topics, including crop production, animal husbandry, soil science, agroforestry, agricultural economics, and sustainable farming practices. By equipping students with practical and theoretical understanding of agriculture, these programs prepare them for careers in the agricultural sector and contribute to the development of a skilled workforce. Hands-On Learning Opportunities: Farming provides valuable hands-on learning opportunities for students of all ages. School gardens, agricultural field trips, and farm-to-school programs allow students to engage directly with the land, learn about plant and animal biology, and gain practical experience in gardening, farming, and food production.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Our investment opportunities is opened to all genders. Once the farmer has the interest in seeking investment, regardless of the gender, he or she has access to secure it.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

2

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

Efficient water management practices in agriculture can help reduce water pollution and protect water quality. By implementing techniques such as drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and soil conservation measures, farmers can minimize runoff and erosion, preventing sedimentation and contamination of water bodies with agricultural pollutants. Livestock farming generates organic waste such as manure and bedding materials. Proper management of this waste is essential for preventing water pollution and minimizing public health risks. Farmers can implement practices such as composting, anaerobic digestion, and proper storage and disposal of manure to ensure that animal waste does not contaminate water sources or pose a threat to human health.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

6

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

On the positive side, farming can contribute to climate change mitigation through the production of bioenergy crops, such as sugarcane, corn, and switchgrass, for biofuel production. Additionally, farmers can adopt renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and biogas digesters, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural operations.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

4

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Employment Opportunities: Agriculture is a significant source of employment globally, particularly in rural areas where other job opportunities may be limited. Farming provides jobs for farmers, farmworkers, agricultural technicians, and other related professions involved in crop production, livestock management, agribusiness, and food processing. By offering stable employment opportunities, farming contributes to the reduction of unemployment and underemployment, particularly in developing countries. Livelihoods for Smallholder Farmers: Smallholder farmers, who operate on small plots of land, depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Farming provides them with a means of earning income, supporting their families, and achieving economic self-sufficiency. By investing in smallholder agriculture and supporting access to resources, technology, and markets, policymakers and development agencies can empower farmers to improve their living standards and create decent work opportunities i

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

The compet­itive environment in the food processing industry creates an unmet or underserved opportunity in regional customisation. This can spur proliferation of small manufacturing units to take care of the growing needs for specialised agricultural produce. In the face of competition, there is room for enhanced supply chain efficiency. Streamlining the production process, reducing waste, and improving distribution logistics can lead to cost savings. These savings can be passed on to consumers, allowing the producers to serve price-sensitive markets effectively.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Access to Resources: Access to resources such as water, seeds, fertilizers, and technology is essential for agricultural productivity and profitability. However, smallholder farmers may lack access to these resources due to factors such as limited financial resources, inadequate infrastructure, and discriminatory practices. Large-scale commercial farms and agribusinesses often have greater access to capital, machinery, and inputs, enabling them to achieve economies of scale and dominate agricultural markets. This unequal access to resources exacerbates inequalities between smallholders and large-scale farmers. Market Access: Disparities in market access and value chain participation contribute to income inequality in agriculture. Smallholder farmers often face challenges in accessing markets, negotiating fair prices, and competing with larger producers and agribusinesses.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Green Infrastructure: Farming can contribute to the development of green infrastructure in cities, including green roofs, green walls, urban parks, and green corridors. Green spaces provide numerous environmental benefits, such as mitigating urban heat island effects, improving air quality, reducing stormwater runoff, enhancing biodiversity, and creating recreational opportunities for residents. Integrating agricultural elements into urban green infrastructure can further enhance its ecological and social value. Food Production and Distribution: Urban farming can supplement conventional food production systems and help meet the dietary needs of urban populations. By producing food locally, urban farms reduce dependence on long-distance food imports and promote food self-sufficiency.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

4

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Renewable Energy Production: Farming can contribute to climate action by producing renewable energy from bioenergy crops, agricultural residues, and organic waste. Biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel, produced from crops such as corn, sugarcane, soybeans, and palm oil, can replace fossil fuels in transportation and energy generation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on finite fossil fuel resources. Additionally, biogas production from livestock manure, crop residues, and organic waste can generate renewable electricity and heat, displacing emissions from fossil fuel combustion. Climate-Smart Agriculture: Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) encompasses a range of practices and technologies that enhance agricultural productivity, resilience, and sustainability in the face of climate change. CSA strategies include drought-resistant crop varieties, water-efficient irrigation systems, improved soil management practices, integrated pest management, and weather forecasting too

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

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

3

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

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.

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

6

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.

5

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

6

05.08 Justification

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

Traditional Financial Institutions: Banks, investment firms, and venture capital funds may offer investment products and services focused on agriculture and agribusiness. These institutions provide financing, loans, and investment opportunities for agricultural projects, land acquisitions, and agtech startups. Agricultural Funds: Dedicated agricultural funds and private equity firms specialize in investing in agriculture and agribusiness ventures. These funds may target specific regions, commodities, or sectors within the agricultural value chain, such as crop production, livestock farming, agro-processing, or agricultural technology. Impact Investors: Impact investors focus on generating social and environmental returns alongside financial returns. They may invest in sustainable agriculture initiatives, smallholder farmer cooperatives, fair trade enterprises, and projects aimed at addressing food security, poverty alleviation, and environmental sustainability.

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

No