Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

We aim to empower farmers in northern Nigeria by providing them with advanced solar-powered irrigation systems.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

We aim to empower farmers in northern Nigeria by providing them with advanced solar-powered irrigation systems. These systems harness the abundant sunlight in the region to power water pumps, which in turn deliver a consistent and reliable water supply to their crops. By utilizing solar energy, farmers can reduce their dependence on fuel, and increase thier ability to cultivate crops all year round, leading to more sustainable and cost-effective agricultural practices.

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

Reducing Fuel Costs: Solar-powered irrigation eliminates the need for costly and fluctuating fuel prices. Year-Round Water Availability: Ensures consistent irrigation throughout the year, regardless of seasonal changes. Access to Clean and Efficient Energy: Utilises renewable solar energy, reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources. Sustainable Irrigation Practices: Promotes environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural 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).

Reducing Fuel Costs: Solar-powered irrigation cuts dependence on expensive, fluctuating fuel prices, reducing operational costs and boosting farmer profitability. Year-Round Water Availability: Ensures a reliable water supply, increasing crop yields and enhancing food security. Sustainable Irrigation Practices: Promotes eco-friendly farming, conserves water resources, and supports long-term agricultural productivity and resilience.

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

Especially aimed at rice farmers and others cultivating crops that require consistent irrigation.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-06-01

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.)

Samual Civil Engineering. Speaks English & hausa Spent most of his life in the northern region of the country. Chisom Transportation Management. Logistics, project and inventory management.

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?

a) Energy (equipment, services, sustainable energy and fuel)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

The project can reduce poverty by increasing farmers' incomes through higher crop yields and lower operational costs. It creates job opportunities, improves food security, enhances access to markets, and fosters community development in rural areas.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

The project contributes to zero hunger by enhancing food security through increased crop yields and reliable irrigation. It ensures year-round water availability for farming, reducing the risk of crop failures and food shortages.

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

4

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

2

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

6

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

The project contributes to affordable and clean energy by utilizing renewable solar power for irrigation. By harnessing solar energy, it reduces reliance on expensive and polluting fossil fuels, making energy more affordable for farmers.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

This project contributes to decent work and economic growth by creating job opportunities and enhancing agricultural productivity. The implementation and maintenance of solar-powered irrigation systems generate employment, particularly in rural areas where job opportunities may be limited. Additionally, by improving crop yields and ensuring year-round water availability, the project boosts farmers' incomes and stimulates economic growth in agricultural communities. This leads to overall prosperity, promotes sustainable livelihoods, and fosters economic development.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

This project contributes to industry growth and infrastructure development by fostering the adoption of renewable energy technologies and enhancing agricultural infrastructure. The implementation of solar-powered irrigation systems encourages the growth of the renewable energy industry, creating opportunities for innovation, investment, and job creation. Additionally, the installation of irrigation infrastructure improves agricultural productivity and resilience, laying the foundation for sustainable economic development. By modernizing agricultural practices and investing in infrastructure, the project supports long-term growth and enhances the competitiveness of the agricultural sector.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

2

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

This project promotes sustainable cities and communities by using renewable solar energy for irrigation, reducing resource dependency and environmental impact. By enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security, it fosters resilient communities capable of adapting to challenges.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

This project promotes responsible consumption and production by using renewable solar energy for irrigation, reducing resource dependency and environmental impact. It ensures efficient water use, fosters local food production, and encourages sustainable agriculture.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

This project contributes to climate change mitigation by reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the use of renewable solar energy for irrigation. By replacing fossil fuel-based energy sources, it helps decrease the carbon footprint associated with agricultural activities. Additionally, by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and efficient water use, the project enhances resilience to climate change impacts.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

2

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

3

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.

3

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

4

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

5

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.

4

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

4

05.08 Justification

What sets my product/service apart is its subscription model. Recognizing that many farmers struggle to afford equipment costs upfront, our subscription model offers a practical solution. By spreading payments across harvest seasons, farmers can easily manage expenses while still accessing the equipment they need.

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

Independent contractors. What sets my product/service apart is its subscription model. Recognizing that many farmers struggle to afford equipment costs upfront, our subscription model offers a practical solution. By spreading payments across harvest seasons, farmers can easily manage expenses while still accessing the equipment they need.

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

No