Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Our project is to transform cassava not just into garri but into high-quality nutrient fortified garri, providing affordable nutrition while creating jobs, boosting local agriculture, and promoting sustainable business practices

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Our project transforms cassava into nutrient-fortified garri to tackle malnutrition and improve public health in Nigeria. We source high-quality cassava from local farmers and use advanced processing technology to fortify garri with essential vitamins and minerals (Calcium, Iron, Vitamin A, B1, B2 and B4). This initiative will not only enhance the nutritional value of garri but also create jobs, boost local agriculture, and promote sustainability. By establishing this project we will be providing employment, supporting farmers with fair trade practices, and implementing eco-friendly methods to reduce waste. The fortified garri is packaged in eco-friendly materials and distributed through local markets and supermarkets, ensuring affordability and accessibility. Our project aims to improve nutrition, create economic opportunities, and foster sustainable agricultural practices, making a significant positive impact on the community and environment.

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

The main problem we are addressing is malnutrition and its associated health issues in Nigeria. Traditional garri, a staple food, lacks essential nutrients, contributing to widespread malnutrition, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. By fortifying garri with essential vitamins and minerals, we aim to improve nutritional intake and combat malnutrition, thereby enhancing public health and well-being.

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

Improved Nutrition: Our nutrient-fortified garri provides essential vitamins and minerals, thus addressing nutritional deficiencies and promoting better health outcomes, especially in vulnerable populations. Economic Empowerment: By creating jobs in processing plants and supporting local cassava farmers, our project contributes to economic growth, poverty reduction, and increased livelihood opportunities for communities. Sustainable Agriculture: Partnering with farmers and implementing eco-friendly processing methods, we promote sustainable agricultural practices, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to long-term food security and environmental sustainability.

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

Our project is aimed at serving multiple stakeholders, including: Low-income earners Consumers: Individuals and families, especially in underserved communities, who rely on garri as a staple food source and stand to benefit from improved nutrition and health outcomes. Cassava Farmers: Smallholder farmers who cultivate cassava and form the backbone of our supply chain. Our project provides them with fair trade opportunities, training, and resources to enhance their yield and income. Local Communities: The communities surrounding our processing plants benefit from job creation, economic empowerment, and community development initiatives, fostering social cohesion and resilience. Public Health Sector: Health organizations and government agencies focused on combating malnutrition and improving public health can leverage our fortified garri as a cost-effective intervention to address nutritional deficiencies and related health issues.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-01-01

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.)

Mr. Owoeye Daniel Emmanuel’s has extensive academic and professional background in agriculture. With a Higher National Diploma in Agricultural Extension and Management and a National Diploma in Agricultural Technology, Mr. Daniel possesses a deep understanding of agricultural processes and management. His experience as a livestock manager and agricultural educator has honed his ability to oversee large-scale agricultural operations, manage resources efficiently, and implement systematic processes to ensure productivity. Miss. Akinlabi Kunmi Olabisi's possess passion for culinary arts and an entrepreneurial mindset. Her academic background includes a Nigeria Certificate in Education, and her work history reflects a strong dedication to culinary excellence and innovation. Kunmi’s experience as a cook at Bethy Hotel and Suit and as an assistant chef at UAC Restaurant (Mr. Biggs) involved preparing high-quality dishes, managing kitchen operations, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Addit

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

https://www.facebook.com/adebayo.babatunde.7549

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

d) Primary commodities (food, drink, household and personal products)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

The fortification of garri, a staple food in many parts of the world, with essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals can help address the issue of malnutrition, which is closely linked to poverty. By providing a more nutritious and affordable food option, the GarriPlus project can contribute to improving the food security and overall health of individuals and communities living in poverty. The project has the potential to create new economic opportunities and sustainable livelihoods for smallholder farmers, processors, and other stakeholders involved in the cassava value chain. By establishing a reliable market for high-quality, fortified cassava products, the project can help increase the income and economic resilience of these communities, ultimately contributing to the reduction of poverty.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

the project's emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices and improving the productivity of smallholder farmers can support the goal of achieving food security. By empowering farmers with better farming techniques, access to resources, and reliable market opportunities, the GarriPlus initiative can help increase the overall food production and availability within the communities it serves. This, in turn, can contribute to ensuring that everyone has access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food, aligning with the core objectives of SDG 2. he project's potential to generate sustainable livelihoods and economic opportunities for stakeholders along the cassava value chain can indirectly support the achievement of Zero Hunger. By providing individuals and families with stable sources of income, the project can enhance their purchasing power and ability to access diverse and nutritious food options, thereby addressing the root causes of hunger and malnutrition.

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

This fortification project can directly contribute to improving the nutritional status and overall health of individuals, particularly those living in communities with high rates of micronutrient deficiencies. By providing access to a more nutrient-dense food option, the GarriPlus project can help address issues such as anemia, stunting, and other health problems associated with malnutrition.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

none

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

the project aligns with SDG 5 is through its focus on enhancing the role and decision-making power of women in cassava cultivation, processing, and marketing. By providing women with access to training, resources, and market linkages, the project can help them develop the necessary skills and confidence to become active drivers of the cassava business. This, in turn, can lead to increased economic independence and leadership opportunities for women, ultimately contributing to the achievement of gender equality.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

none

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

none

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

At the core of the project's objectives is the creation of sustainable livelihoods and income-generating opportunities for stakeholders along the cassava value chain, particularly for smallholder farmers and local communities. By empowering these groups with access to resources, training, and market linkages, the GarriPlus initiative can help promote productive employment and decent work conditions within the cassava sector. The project's focus on improving the productivity and efficiency of cassava cultivation can also contribute to increased economic growth and prosperity within the communities it serves. By providing farmers with better farming techniques, access to improved inputs, and support for post-harvest processing, the project can help boost the overall output and income-generating capacity of the cassava industry. This, in turn, can lead to increased economic opportunities and more sustainable livelihoods for individuals and families.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

The project's approach is the utilization of innovative technologies and processes to enhance the cassava value chain. The fortification of cassava with essential vitamins and minerals represents a significant technological advancement in the industry, enabling the production of a more nutritious and value-added product. This innovation has the potential to transform the way garri is processed and consumed, ultimately improving food security and nutrition for local communities.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

none

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

2

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

none

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

By promoting the fortification of garri with essential vitamins and minerals, the project addresses nutritional deficiencies and improves the overall quality and safety of cassava-based products. This focus on enhancing the nutritional value of cassava can contribute to more responsible and sustainable consumption patterns, as consumers have access to a more nutritious and healthier staple food. By investing in efficient processing infrastructure and technologies, the initiative can help minimize post-harvest losses and ensure a more optimal utilization of the cassava crop. This will lead to a more sustainable and efficient use of natural resources, reducing the environmental impact associated with food waste and loss.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

2

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

none

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

none

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

none

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

none

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

2

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

none

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.

5

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.

5

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

6

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

05.08 Justification

The key innovation of this project is its focus on garri fortification. While garri is a staple food for millions of people across Nigeria, it is often deficient in essential vitamins and minerals. The initiative aims to address this nutritional gap by developing a process to fortify garri with a tailored blend of micronutrients. This fortification process not only enhances the nutritional profile of garri but also has the potential to improve the health and well-being of communities that rely on cassava as a dietary staple. Another unique aspect of the project is its holistic approach to addressing the entire cassava value chain. Rather than focusing on production or processing, the project takes a comprehensive view, including investing in modern processing infrastructure, promoting sustainable farming practices, and developing new value-added products. By taking this integrated approach, the project can drive greater efficiencies, reduce post-harvest losses, and create new jobs.

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

The project main potential competitors include, Honeywell Garri, Ifgreen Garri and Traditional Garri producers. What differentiates us is our focus on fortifying garri with essential micronutrients addresses a critical public health issue in many garri-consuming communities. Our business model is designed for scalability and replicability. By demonstrating the viability and sustainability of fortified garri production and processing, the project can serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives in other regions.

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

none