Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

My Name is Saviour Udoh. Piggery and Mentorship is my creative project. The goal is to produce healthy, high-quality pigs for meat production, while also ensuring animal welfare, environmental sustainability, economic viability and training.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

A piggery, also known as a hog farm or pig farm, is a facility/operation that specializes in raising pigs or hogs for meat production. This can vary in sizes, from small-scale farms to large industrial operations (my main target) involving different aspects of pig production, such as: 1. Breeding and farrowing (birthing and raising young pigs) 2. Grow-out operations (raising pigs to market weight) 3. Finishing operations (fattening pigs for slaughter) 4. Specialty pork production (e.g., organic, free-range, or heritage breeds). 5. Training/Mentorship: free training/mentoring to young entrepreneurs during the first 6 months. Piggeries typically involve: - Housing and caring for pigs in pens or enclosures - Feeding and nutrition management - Health monitoring and veterinary care - Breeding and reproduction management - Manure management and waste disposal This is a lucrative business venture that is capital intensive for commercialisation.

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

Piggeries play a vital role in the agricultural industry and food system and provide several solutions: 1. Food Security: Piggeries produce pork, a staple protein source for many people around the world, helping to meet the demand for meat. 2. Livelihood: Piggeries create employment opportunities for farmers, veterinarians, and other support staff. 3. Economic Growth: Piggeries contribute to local and national economies through the sale of pork and related products. 4. Nutrient-Rich Manure: Pig manure is used as fertilizer, reducing the need for synthetic alternatives and promoting sustainable agriculture. 5. Waste Management: Piggeries manage waste efficiently, reducing environmental impact. 6. Research and Development: Piggeries support scientific research in animal health, nutrition, and genetics, driving innovation in agriculture. 7. Sustainability: Modern piggeries prioritize environmental sustainability, implementing practices like recycling water and using renewable energy.

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

These advantages make piggery an attractive and sustainable agricultural enterprise for many farmers and investors: 1. High-profit margins: Piggery can be a lucrative business due to the high demand for pork and pork products. 2. Efficient feed conversion: Pigs are efficient in converting feed into meat, making them a popular choice for meat production. 3. Fast breeding cycle: Pigs have a short gestation period (114 days) and can breed year-round, allowing for rapid reproduction and growth. 4. Low capital investment: Starting a small-scale piggery requires relatively low initial investment compared to other livestock businesses. 5. Diverse market outlets: Pork is in high demand in various markets, including fresh meat, processed meat, and export markets. 6. Job creation: Piggeries generate employment opportunities in rural areas, contributing to local economic development. 7. Manure utilization: Pig manure is a valuable fertilizer and waste management.

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

These groups benefit from the piggery project through various aspects, such as income generation, food security, job creation, and improved livelihoods: - Small-scale farmers: By providing training, resources, and market access, piggery projects support small-scale farmers in improving their livelihoods and income. - Rural communities: Piggery projects often target rural areas, promoting economic development and food security in these regions. - Low-income households: Many piggery projects focus on empowering low-income households, particularly women and youth, by providing them with income-generating opportunities. - Widows and orphans: Some piggery projects specifically target widows and orphans, offering them a sustainable means of income and support. - Local economies: By promoting local production and consumption, piggery projects contribute to the growth of local economies. - Consumers: Ultimately, the piggery project serves consumers by providing fresh, and healthy homemade pork

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-03-23

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.)

At this startup stage, my other partner is my wife with minimal skill and experience in pig farming.

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/in/saviour-udoh-67332722a

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

l) Agriculture

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Job creation: Piggeries generate employment opportunities in suburban and rural areas, contributing to local economic development.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Improved food security: Piggeries increase meat availability, enhancing food security and sustainability.

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

Consumers: ultimately, the piggery project serves consumers by providing them with fresh, healthy and locally produced pork products.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Research and innovation: The piggery industry drives advancements in animal science, nutrition, and genetics, benefiting the broader agricultural sector.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

My startup will employ both genders based on skills and interests.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

5

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

Manure utilization: Pig manure is a valuable fertilizer, reducing waste and providing a natural resource for crop production.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

5

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Manure utilization: Pig manure is a valuable fertilizer, reducing waste and providing a natural resource for crop production.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

5

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Low capital investment: Starting a small-scale piggery requires relatively low initial investment compared to other livestock businesses.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

4

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

My startup will employ both genders based on skills and interests.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Manure utilization: Pig manure is a valuable fertilizer, reducing waste and providing a natural resource for crop production.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

4

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Diverse market outlets: Pork is in high demand in various markets, including fresh meat, processed meat, and export markets.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

4

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

N/A

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

N/A

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

N/A

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

4

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

N/A

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

My wife is the only partner in the meanwhile but hope for more partnerships

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.

3

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

3

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.

5

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

3

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

3

05.08 Justification

1. High-profit margins: Piggery can be a lucrative business due to the high demand for pork and pork products. 2. Efficient feed conversion: Pigs are efficient in converting feed into meat, making them a popular choice for meat production. 3. Fast breeding cycle: Pigs have a short gestation period (114 days) and can breed year-round, allowing for rapid reproduction and growth. 5. Diverse market outlets: Pork is in high demand in various markets, including fresh meat, processed meat, and export markets. 6. Job creation: Piggeries generate employment opportunities in rural areas, contributing to local economic development. 7. Manure utilization: Pig manure is a valuable fertilizer, reducing waste and providing a natural resource for crop production. 8. Improved food security: Piggeries increase meat availability, enhancing food security and sustainability.

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

The main competitors are: - Large-scale commercial pig farms: These farms have economies of scale and may be able to produce pork at a lower cost. - Small-scale local farms: These farms may have a strong reputation in the local community and be able to compete on quality and freshness. - Integrated pork producers: These companies own multiple stages of the pork production process, from breeding to processing. Here are some potential standout reasons that differentiate my piggery project from other competitors: 1. Unique Breeding Program: I may have a proprietary breeding program that focuses on specific traits like disease resistance, fast growth rate, and exceptional meat quality. 2. Sustainable Farming Practices: My piggery project prioritizes environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and social responsibility, appealing to consumers who value ethical farming practices. 3. Local and Community-Focused: I emphasize supporting local communities, sourcing feed from local farmers.

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

Yes, for example, I have successfully initiated my wife, close family relatives and friends to think about career development and investment, starting small businesses to become independent or self-employed. I also stand up against female victimisation where applicable.