South Africa - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

House Harvest is a youth and women led aquaponics farm that produces african foods, high value crops and a variety of fish for peri urban communities.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

House Harvest is an innovative aquaponics farm that specializes in the sustainable cultivation of African produce, high-value herbs, baby leaf greens, and fish such as tilapia, koi, and catfish. By integrating aquaculture and hydroponics, we create a closed loop system that maximizes resource efficiency, conserves water, and eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. We utilize battery storage for energy through using inverters to pump and run our system. We also rear black soldier flies to produce eco-friendly fish feed and frass, further reducing our environmental impact and promoting circular economy principles. We offer training programs and workshops on sustainable farming practices, equipping local farmers with the skills needed to adopt aquaponics and other innovative methods. Our #FarmSpaces show on Twitter expands our reach, fostering a global dialogue on sustainable agriculture

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

House Harvest addresses the critical problem of food security and environmental sustainability in agriculture. Traditional farming methods often rely heavily on water, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides, which deplete natural resources and harm the environment. Additionally, many communities face challenges in accessing fresh, nutritious, and locally-grown produce year-round, exacerbating issues of food insecurity and poor nutrition. Our aquaponics system conserves water, reduces waste, and eliminates the need for harmful chemicals. By producing both fresh produce and fish, we ensure a reliable supply of nutritious food for local communities, enhancing food security and promoting healthier diets. House Harvest was founded in eMalahleni as the founder was born and bred in a mining town and has witnessed environmental degradation and neglect, as the Just Transition progresses - we aim at addressing new skills in the food-energy-water nexus for women and youth predominately

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) Our aquaponics system integrates fish farming and plant cultivation in a closed-loop system, significantly conserving water and eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This method reduces environmental impact, promotes biodiversity, and supports a healthier ecosystem. 2) By producing both fresh produce and fish, House Harvest ensures a reliable, year-round supply of nutritious food. This helps local communities access fresh, locally-grown produce and fish, addressing issues of food insecurity and promoting healthier diets. 3) House Harvest provides training programs and workshops on sustainable farming practices, equipping local farmers with valuable skills. By creating job opportunities, particularly for women and young people, our project fosters economic development and community resilience.

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

Our primary beneficiaries are local communities facing food security challenges. By providing a reliable supply of fresh, nutritious, and locally-grown produce and fish, we help improve their access to healthy food options. We target local farmers and agricultural workers, offering training programs and workshops on sustainable farming practices. These initiatives equip them with the skills needed to adopt innovative methods like aquaponics, enhancing their productivity and sustainability. House Harvest focuses on empowering women and young people by creating job opportunities and providing a supportive work environment. By fostering economic development and offering fair wages, we contribute to the social and economic upliftment of these groups. Lastly, we target restaurants, malls and retail.

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?

0

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

0

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

-

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

https://www.househarvest.co.za

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

By creating economic opportunities and improving livelihoods in local communities. Our aquaponics farm provides job opportunities, particularly for women and young people, fostering economic development and social upliftment. By offering fair wages and a supportive work environment, we empower marginalized groups, helping them achieve financial stability and economic independence. We also addresses food security, ensuring a reliable supply of fresh, nutritious, and locally-grown produce and fish. This improves access to healthy food options, reducing the financial burden of purchasing expensive, imported food.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

By focusing on sustainable agriculture, we promote methods that conserve water, reduce waste, and eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This not only enhances food security but also ensures that the food produced is safe and nutritious. Our black soldier fly rearing further supports sustainability by creating eco-friendly fish feed, reducing reliance on commercial feeds and promoting a circular economy.

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

Our project also promotes physical activity and a healthier lifestyle through community engagement in farming activities. By fostering a connection to the source of their food and promoting sustainable practices, we encourage healthier lifestyle choices and a greater appreciation for nutritious food. Overall, House Harvest supports the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages through sustainable, nutritious food production and community empowerment

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

We prioritize the recruitment and training of women in our workforce, ensuring equal opportunities for employment and skill development. By offering fair wages and providing a supportive work environment, we empower women to participate fully in the agricultural sector and achieve economic independence. House Harvest actively engages with women in local communities, offering training programs and workshops specifically tailored to their needs and interests. These initiatives aim to build confidence, enhance leadership skills, and promote entrepreneurship among women, enabling them to take on more active roles in decision-making processes and contribute to the economic development of their communities.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

Our aquaponics system is designed to maximize water efficiency by recycling and reusing water within a closed-loop system. This significantly reduces water waste and ensures the sustainable use of water resources. e also raise awareness about the importance of clean water and sanitation practices. By empowering local communities with knowledge and skills, we promote behavior change and encourage sustainable water and sanitation practices at the household level. Overall, House Harvest is committed to ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all through our innovative aquaponics farming practices, environmental stewardship efforts, and community engagement initiatives.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

6

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

House Harvest indirectly contributes to the affordable and clean energy goal through our sustainable farming practices. By utilizing aquaponics, we significantly reduce energy consumption compared to traditional farming methods. Our closed-loop system requires minimal energy inputs for water circulation and aeration, leading to lower energy costs and increased energy efficiency and that is why we use battery storage and are working our way to utilize solar energy.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

4

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Our aquaponics system represents a novel approach to agriculture, integrating fish farming and plant cultivation in a closed-loop system. This innovative method not only maximizes resource efficiency but also reduces environmental impact, fostering sustainable industrialization in the agricultural sector.ur focus on infrastructure development includes the design and implementation of sustainable farming infrastructure. We invest in infrastructure improvements such as water management systems, greenhouse structures, and renewable energy integration, enhancing the resilience and efficiency of our operations.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Our aquaponics farm model provides local communities with access to fresh, nutritious, and locally-grown produce and fish, reducing reliance on imported food and promoting food security. Finally communities can have acess to foods in their areas Additionally, our focus on sustainable farming practices, such as water conservation and organic cultivation, contributes to environmental sustainability and resilience. By reducing water consumption and eliminating chemical inputs, we help mitigate the environmental impact of agriculture and promote a healthier ecosystem.

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 aquaponics system embodies the circular economy concept by creating a closed-loop system where waste from one process becomes a resource for another. For example, organic waste from fish farming is utilized as nutrient-rich fertilizer for plant cultivation, while plant roots filter and purify water for the fish. This minimizes waste generation, reduces resource consumption, and promotes efficient use of resources. Furthermore, we prioritize sustainable production methods, such as organic cultivation and integrated pest management, to minimize environmental impact and ensure the production of safe and nutritious food. By eliminating the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, we promote healthier ecosystems and reduce pollution, contributing to sustainable consumption and production patterns.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

By mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices.Our aquaponics system significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to traditional farming methods by minimizing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, our closed-loop system conserves water and energy, further reducing our carbon footprint. We promotes climate-resilient agriculture by embracing sustainable farming practices that enhance ecosystem resilience and adaptation to climate change. By prioritizing organic cultivation, water conservation, and biodiversity preservation, we help build resilience against extreme weather events and other climate-related risks.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

While House Harvest's primary focus is on land-based aquaponics farming, we indirectly contribute to the Life Below Water goal through our sustainable practices and promotion of environmental stewardship.While our direct impact on marine ecosystems may be limited, House Harvest is committed to promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship practices that contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. Our closed-loop aquaponics system minimizes water usage and prevents nutrient runoff, thereby reducing pollution that can negatively impact marine ecosystems. By eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, we prevent harmful substances from entering water bodies and help maintain water quality.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

By producing a high yield of fresh produce and fish in a smaller footprint, we help reduce pressure on land resources and prevent further land degradation. Our focus on organic cultivation and biodiversity preservation supports the health and resilience of terrestrial ecosystems. By avoiding the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, we prevent soil degradation and promote soil health, essential for maintaining terrestrial biodiversity. House Harvest actively engages in reforestation and afforestation initiatives as part of our commitment to environmental stewardship. By planting trees and restoring degraded land, we contribute to habitat restoration and biodiversity conservation, helping to halt and reverse land degradation especially in mining areas Through our sustainable farming practices and conservation efforts, House Harvest plays a role in protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, aligning with the goals of the Life on Land targ

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

4

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

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.

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

3

05.08 Justification

The aquaponics system we envision utilizes innovative technology to optimize resource efficiency and maximize production output. From advanced filtration systems to automated monitoring and control mechanisms, our system leverages cutting-edge technology to create a highly efficient and sustainable farming solution. our innovative approach adds value by offering a more efficient and integrated solution that meets the growing demand for sustainable agriculture. With increasing concerns about food security, water scarcity, and environmental degradation, there is a growing need for innovative solutions like ours. We represent a new version that addresses key shortcomings of traditional systems. By incorporating advanced technology and optimizing system design, we offer a more efficient and sustainable solution that is tailored to the needs of modern agriculture.

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

Other aquaponics farms such as Fin leaf and Ezulwini aquaponics farms are my competitors and they are doing such an amazing job. How I stand out is that I aqcuired my aquaponics experience at FinLeaf farms for 1year and I am born and bread in Witbank. As a female farmer, I leverage on my skills and location to stand out because I know the environmental impacts of water, land contamination and I understand that growing food requires market understanding. I differentiate myself by growing foods that are nutritious and research on African foods I can gfrow aquaponically to provide for communities

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

We organize workshops specifically tailored to female farmers and entrepreneurs, providing them with training and resources to succeed in the agricultural sector. Topics covered include sustainable farming practices, business management, and aquaponics, I also mentor 2 females in aquaponic farming. #farmspaces on Twitter is a project I started 4 years ago and most of my guests have been females in the agriculture industry doing amazing work