Ghana - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Revolutionizing agribusiness with a sustainable snail farming project from Snailscape Agribiz! Producing snails for food, process it’s slime for cosmetics and create innovative products like snail meat powder . Join us on this groundbreaking venture!

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

This agribusiness project involves snail farming, covering production, processing, and distribution. In the production stage, snails are grown for the market, with part processed and the rest sold locally and internationally. Processing has two phases. The secondary phase involves extracting nutrient-rich snail slime for cosmetic and medical industries, and packaging some for direct sale. The innovative tertiary phase introduces new products: dried and milled snail meat powder, a convenient and nutritious substitute for snail meat, and artistic ice cream cones made from snail shells, leveraging their high calcium content for a unique and nutritious treat. Additionally, the snail shells can be used in medical and cosmetic products due to their high calcium content. In the distribution stage, products include mature snails, snail slime, snail meat powder, and ice cream in snail shell cones. These products will be aimed at both local and international markets, ensuring a wide reach.

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

The main problem being solved through this project is the issue of unemployment among the youth. The startup and success of this project will demand that a lot of people specifically the youth to be employed. The continues unemployed state of the youth increases the rate at which poverty is rising in the African continent, this is alarming and disheartening for a youthful population such as ours with enough energies to suffer such fate and this is due to the of lack of jobs Therefore, this project seeks to create jobs for more youths to be employed and to also help more youths with innovative skills and brilliant ideas to fulfil their potentials and this will boost our economies and promote sustainable development

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. Nutrient-Rich Products: Snail Slime offers skin care benefits and potential medical applications, promoting healing and hydration. Snail Meat Powder provides convenient, nutritious snail meat for various dishes. 2. Health Benefits: Utilizing Calcium-Rich Snail Shells in artistic cones or medical products promotes bone health and adds nutrition. 3. Economic Opportunities: The project fosters job creation in snail farming, processing, and distribution, bolstering local economies and supporting related industries. 4. Sustainable Resource Use: By utilizing all parts of the snail, including meat, slime, and shells, the project minimizes waste and maximizes sustainability.

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

This project has targeted four key beneficiaries; Local communities are the key beneficiaries of this project, to create employment opportunities within the community in the processing and distribution fields especially Also, consumers are key for they will have access to nutritious and innovative snail based products that would improve their diet and culinary experiences Another beneficiary of this project are the cosmetic and medical industries. Companies in these sectors can benefit from the supply of nutrient rich snail slime and shell for the production of their products And finally, the region as a whole, through the export of snail products which can generate revenue that will boost the economy thereby benefitting everyone in the chain

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-05-01

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

1

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.)

Kelvin Ansah, a dedicated and passionate partner in our snail farming business, brings a unique set of skills and qualities. He has a strong work ethic, is dedicated to learning, and excels in collaboration, adaptability, and communication. Kelvin's ability to work effectively with others, adapt to challenges, and communicate clearly makes him an asset to our team. His commitment to personal and professional growth ensures our business's success.

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?

b) Materials (agriculture, fishing, chemical products, construction materials, containers and packaging, metals and mining, paper and forest products)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

This agribusiness project will contribute immensely to ending poverty in all forms everywhere through diverse means. A major mechanism is job creation and income generation. The project creates jobs in snail farming, processing, and distribution, providing income for individuals and households. By promoting snail farming as a viable business, this project enables local entrepreneurs and small-scale farmers to start their own ventures, generating income and economic independence. The project stimulates local economies by increasing demand for related services and goods such as farm supplies, processing, and packaging materials. By accessing local and international markets, the project exposes new revenue streams for farmers and businesses involved, promoting broader economic growth and stability. Most importantly, this project targets women and youth, who are greatly affected by poverty, creating opportunities for income generation and achieving independence.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Zero hunger is a crucial aim of this project, enhancing food availability and security. Snail and Snail Meat Powder serve as direct food sources and versatile, nutrient-rich proteins, diversifying dishes and increasing overall food supply. The project's nutrient-rich products, like snail slime and powder, along with calcium-rich snail shells, promote health and bone strength. Economic opportunities created, including farming, processing, and distribution jobs, boost local economies and support small-scale farmers. By expanding the market, the project makes snail farming profitable and sustainable. Comprehensive snail utilization minimizes waste, maximizing resources and promoting sustainable agriculture. Snail farming's low land and water requirements reduce environmental footprints, contributing to sustainable agriculture.

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

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

To ensure inclusive, equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities, this agribusiness project focuses on several programs. Workshops and training sessions on modern snail techniques, sustainable practices, and business management will empower farmers to improve productivity and profitability. Training on processing and efficient distribution methods will enrich workers with valuable skills to enhance career prospects. Specific programs will equip women, young people, and marginalized groups with necessary education and training in snail farming. Reinvesting a portion of the project's profit will fund educational initiatives, community engagement, and outreach, raising awareness about the benefits of agriculture on both a substantial and commercial scale. This aims to inculcate environmental stewardship and interest in agribusiness among the youth.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

This project is aimed at empowering women, young people, and marginalized groups into the agricultural industry, enhancing their interest in groundbreaking ventures. Employment under this project will be inclusive, targeting women, young people, and marginalized groups. They will be hired into all aspects of the project, receiving training tailored to ensure they obtain requisite skills in snail farming, processing technologies, and business management. As part of this goal, the project seeks to provide access to microloans and grants for women entrepreneurs to start their own agricultural ventures. This fosters equal opportunities in the market and access to quality tools and equipment to match their male counterparts. Community outreach programs will educate women, girls, and men on the importance of empowering women and girls in the agriculture sector, inspiring them to seize this golden opportunity.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

In this project, various strategies will be incorporated to focus on the efficient use of water, pollution prevention, and adherence to strict sanitation practices. To conserve water, systems such as rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation will be employed to minimize water use. Additionally, water recycling systems will be used to treat and reuse water within the farm, including an on-site wastewater treatment system to treat effluent from processing activities, ensuring that only clean water is released back into the environment. To ensure sanitation and prevent pollution, clean and hygienic sanitation facilities will be provided for workers to promote good health. Furthermore, exclusive waste management measures will be developed to properly handle and dispose of snail waste and by-products of processing. Finally, organic farming methods will be used to avoid harmful chemicals, thereby reducing the risk of water pollution.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

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

This snail farming project focuses on creating jobs, fostering inclusivity, promoting fair labor practices, and ensuring sustainability, thereby supporting decent work and economic growth. By scaling up operations to increase production, processing, and distribution, more jobs will be created. Our value-added products, such as snail meat powder and snail ice cream cones, will generate revenue and create additional employment opportunities. The project aims to source materials and services from local businesses, bolstering the community's economic growth. Inclusive hiring practices will ensure a diverse workforce by actively employing women, youth, and marginalized individuals, providing them with economic independence through decent work. Jobs will be accessible to all education levels, including entry-level positions with training programs. The project will meet employee needs by offering fair wages and salaries and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

To be able to achieve this goal key strategies which includes using high-quality, durable materials for infrastructure to withstand climate change impacts such as extreme weather conditions and temperature fluctuations. This involves proper drainage systems, insulation, and renewable energy sources. For inclusive and sustainable industrialization, the project will prioritize sourcing materials and services locally to boost the economy and create jobs. Environmentally friendly farming practices will be adopted to minimize environmental impact while maximizing productivity. The project will provide good work incentives, a safe working environment, opportunities for professional growth, and training programs to equip workers with skills for modern sustainable industrial practices. To foster innovation, investment will be made in research and development to explore new technologies and improve farming and processing methods. This includes developing innovative products like snail meat pow

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

The snail farm project is a sustainable agricultural practice that requires minimal resources and produces minimal waste it however embodies a circular economy by transforming what would typically be waste into valuable products for which resources are reused and recycled. Likewise, this project is aimed at this goal, Illustratively, the snail meat serves as a direct consumption, the extracted slime for organic cosmetic and medical products and the snail shell for the artistic ice cream cone, other medical products and as pest deterrent. This will promote the use of natural, nutritiously unique yet convenient products fostering responsible consumption and on their other hand, the minimal waste renders responsible production

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

This project protects and restores terrestrial ecosystems by promoting sustainable snail farming practices, implementing eco-friendly land management, conserving natural habitats and biodiversity, supporting reforestation and afforestation efforts, and educating communities on sustainable land use. By adopting these measures, the project contributes to halting biodiversity loss, desertification, and land degradation, while promoting sustainable forest management and ecosystem conservation, ultimately preserving the health and resilience of terrestrial ecosystems.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

By promoting ethical practices in snail farming, such as fair labor standards and environmental stewardship, we can contribute to peacebuilding efforts and the establishment of strong institutions. This project serve as a model for responsible business practices that prioritize social justice and sustainability.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

This project strengthens the means of implementation and revitalizes the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development by fostering collaboration among stakeholders, promoting technology transfer, and encouraging knowledge sharing. It mobilizes resources, expertise, and capacities to support sustainable development, and promotes mutual accountability and transparency. By leveraging partnerships and collective action, the project enhances global cooperation, accelerates progress towards the SDGs, and ensures that no one is left behind.

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

5

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.

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.

4

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.08 Justification

This project stands out for its innovative tertiary processing phase, which introduces novel products like snail meat powder and artistic ice cream cones made from snail shells. The utilization of snail shells, typically discarded, reduces waste and adds value to the business. The project's diversification of snail products and by-products, like snail slime and shells, for various industries sets it apart from traditional snail farming ventures. The unique products and value-added approach make this project innovative and distinctive.

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

Potential competitors include existing snail farms, cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies using snail slime, and food businesses selling snail meat. I stand out by Diversifying snail products and by-products by Introducing innovative products like snail meat powder and artistic ice cream cones,utilizing snail shells, reducing waste and adding value Focusing on both local and international markets and emphasizing sustainability and community engagement My unique approach, product range, and commitment to sustainability set you apart from competitors.

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

Currently I haven’t initiated any actions to promote female entrepreneurs in my community yet but these are initiatives that I will take up - Organizing training and workshops on entrepreneurship and financial literacy - Provide mentorship and access to funding - Establish a network and incubation hub - Facilitate market access and celebrate role models - Collaborate with local organizations and government agencies And these will be designed and implementation to ensure that the initiatives address specific needs and contexts of the female entrepreneurs and the community at large