Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

VertiGrows Farm (VerttyFarm or VG Farm) is a vertical farming and hydroponics project. We use hydroponic technology to produce fresh, sustainable, and locally grown produce year-round, minimizing environmental impact and maximizing space efficiency.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Our startup revolutionizes urban agriculture through innovative vertical farming and hydroponics. By utilizing vertically stacked layers and hydroponic systems, we maximize space efficiency and resource use, enabling year-round production of fresh, high-quality produce. Our farms are designed for urban environments, significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional agriculture and food transportation. We'll employ intelligent systems to monitor and optimize growth conditions, ensuring consistent quality and high yields. Our mission is to provide sustainable, locally-grown food to urban communities, promoting environmental conservation and food security. We plan to sell our produce directly to restaurants, local markets and other consumers as the case may be. Our business model includes subscription services, partnerships, and community-supported agriculture initiatives, fostering strong customer relationships and community engagements.

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

Our main goal is to address the challenges of urban food security, environmental sustainability, and inefficient use of agricultural resources. Traditional farming methods consume vast amounts of water, land, and energy, often leading to significant carbon emissions due to transportation from rural areas to urban centers. Urban populations face limited access to fresh, locally-grown produce, contributing to food deserts and poor nutritional options. Our innovative vertical farming and hydroponics systems tackle these issues by enabling efficient, space-saving, and resource-conserving food production within city environments. This reduces the carbon footprint, minimizes water usage, and provides year-round access to fresh produce, enhancing food security and promoting healthier lifestyles in urban communities. By bringing agriculture closer to consumers, we aim to create a more sustainable and resilient food system.

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

Space Efficiency: VertiGrows maximizes land use by stacking growing beds vertically, making it ideal for urban environments where space is limited. This enables us to produce more food per square meter compared to traditional horizontal farming methods. Reduced Chemical Usage: In hydroponic systems, nutrients are delivered directly to plant roots, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This results in cleaner, safer produce with minimal environmental impact and lower health risks for consumers. Food Accessibility: Our urban farms bring food production closer to consumers, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation and providing access to fresh, locally-grown produce in urban areas, thereby promoting healthier diets and food security. Year-Round Production: By operating indoors and controlling environmental conditions, we can produce regardless of external weather conditions, ensuring consistent supply and reducing dependence on seasonal harvests.

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

Urban Residents: Our primary focus is on urban communities, including city dwellers, apartment residents, and urban neighborhoods. By providing access to fresh, locally-grown produce, we aim to improve the quality of life for urban residents, enhance their dietary options, and promote healthier eating habits. Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and educational institutions benefit from our educational programs and farm tours, which provide valuable learning opportunities about sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and food systems. Students gain hands-on experience and knowledge about where their food comes from, fostering a deeper connection to the food they eat and the environment.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-08-20

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.)

Nil

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/israel-atoyebi-b33696261/

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

l) Agriculture

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

This project contributes to the Sustainable Development Goal of No Poverty (SDG 1) in these ways: By establishing urban farms and associated operations, we create employment opportunities, particularly in areas with high unemployment rates or limited economic prospects. These jobs include farm workers, maintenance staff, and sales and marketing personnel. Our project enhances access to nutritious food for low-income urban residents, who may face barriers to accessing fresh produce due to economic constraints or living in food deserts. By providing affordable, locally-grown fruits and vegetables, we help improve dietary diversity and combat malnutrition and food insecurity in urban areas. Through partnerships with local farmers, we'll support and provide opportunities for them to diversify their income streams. By purchasing produce from local growers or leasing space to them in our vertical farms, we contribute to their economic stability and resilience.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Here is how our project contributes to the Zero Hunger goal (SDG 2): Vertical farming and hydroponics use less water and land compared to conventional farming methods, making them more resilient to the adverse effects of climate change such as droughts and extreme weather events. By adopting sustainable agricultural practices, we mitigate the risk of crop failures and ensure a consistent food supply, thus contributing to food security and resilience in the face of climate-related challenges. Traditional farming methods are often limited by seasonal variations and weather conditions. However, our indoor vertical farming systems allow for year-round production of fruits, vegetables, and herbs regardless of external factors. This continuous supply of fresh produce helps to stabilize food availability and reduces the risk of seasonal hunger.

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 project significantly contributes to the Good Health and Well-being goal (SDG 3) in several ways: Vertical farming and hydroponics use less water, land, and pesticides compared to conventional agriculture, resulting in cleaner and safer produce. By reducing exposure to harmful chemicals and contaminants, the project contributes to the prevention of foodborne illnesses and promotes food safety and security. By providing access to fresh, locally-grown produce, our urban farming initiatives contribute to healthier diets and improved nutrition among urban populations. Fresh fruits and vegetables are essential components of a balanced diet and are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health and well-being.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

VertiGrows integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts into agricultural practices, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of modern farming techniques. By showcasing the application of STEM principles in real-world contexts, VertiGrows inspires interest and enthusiasm for STEM education among learners. Through practical, hands-on activities such as farm tours, workshops, and gardening experiences, participants gain practical skills and knowledge that complement formal education. This experiential learning approach enhances retention and understanding, making education more engaging and effective.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Our startup creates equal job opportunities within urban farming, including roles in farming, management, marketing, and education. By ensuring fair and equal access to these employment opportunities, regardless of gender, the project promotes gender equality in the workforce.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

Conventional agriculture often contributes to water pollution through the runoff of chemical fertilizers and pesticides into water bodies. By adopting hydroponic systems that use nutrient solutions instead of soil, VertiGrows Farm minimizes the risk of water contamination, preserving water quality and ensuring access to clean and safe water for communities downstream. Moreover, by reducing the use of chemical inputs and minimizing soil erosion, the startup helps protect aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

5

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Locally-operated "Vertty" farms can always continue to produce food using renewable energy sources, ensuring continued access to fresh and nutritious produce for local communities. Conventional agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, primarily through the use of fossil fuels for machinery, transportation, and fertilizer production. By promoting vertical farming and hydroponics, which require fewer inputs and minimize the need for transportation, Our farm helps reduce carbon emissions associated with food production, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts. Besides, a promotion of this clean energy-oriented business world wide can scale up the demand for clean energy suppliers. This can reduce the cost of clean energy among supply competitors if large scale production is introduced to meet the demand.

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

By establishing vertical farms and its associated operations, which is not as rigorous as conventional farming, our startup creates job opportunities in various roles such as farm workers, technicians, managers, marketers, and educators. These employment opportunities contribute to economic growth and provide individuals with meaningful work and stable income, thereby promoting decent work and livelihoods.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

This project involves the establishment of infrastructure such as vertical farms, climate-controlled growing environments, and automated monitoring systems. These infrastructural investments create a foundation for sustainable agriculture and urban food production, supporting economic growth and enhancing the resilience of food systems to climate change and other external challenges. By leveraging advanced technologies such as vertical farming systems and hydroponics, this project introduces innovative solutions to traditional agricultural practices. These technologies optimize resource use, maximize space efficiency, and enable year-round production of fresh produce, thereby driving innovation within the agriculture industry.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

VertiGrows Farm will definitely creates job opportunities in urban agriculture, including roles such as farm workers, technicians, educators, and marketers. By providing employment opportunities in emerging sectors such as sustainable agriculture and green technology, VG Farm promotes inclusive economic growth and reduces disparities in employment and income.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

By implementing vertical farming and hydroponics systems in urban areas, VertiGrows Farm promotes local food production and reduces the carbon footprint associated with food transportation. This contributes to creating more sustainable and resilient cities by reducing reliance on imported food and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions from long-distance transportation. There would also be vertical farming initiatives, such as vertical gardens, contribute to creating green spaces within cities and enhancing urban biodiversity. By integrating green infrastructure into urban environments, VertiGrows farm would improve air quality, mitigate the urban heat island effect, and provides habitat for pollinators and other forms of lives, thereby enhancing the overall livability and resilience of cities.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

By establishing this urban farm in or near urban centers, the project shortens the distance between food production and consumption. This reduces the carbon footprint associated with food transportation and promotes local consumption patterns, aligning with principles of sustainable consumption and reducing reliance on long-distance supply chains. Vertical farming and hydroponics use less water, land, and inputs compared to traditional agriculture. By optimizing resource use and minimizing environmental impacts, VertiGrows Farm promotes resource efficiency and contributes to more sustainable production practices. This as a model for sustainable agriculture practices that prioritize environmental conservation and social responsibility. By demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of vertical farming and hydroponics, this project encourages the adoption of sustainable farming methods across the agriculture industry, contributing to more responsible consumption and production.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

VertiGrows Farm significantly contributes to the Climate Action goal (SDG 13) in several ways. Two keys ways are: Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Vertical farming and hydroponics systems require less land, water, and energy compared to traditional agriculture. By optimizing resource use and minimizing inputs, our farm helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with agricultural activities, including land conversion, irrigation, and fossil fuel use for machinery and transportation. Carbon Sequestration: Our vertical garden initiatives would contribute to carbon sequestration by capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in plant biomass and soil organic matter. By increasing vegetation cover in urban areas, we help to mitigate the urban heat island effect, improve air quality, and enhance the resilience of cities to climate change.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Our farming systems use recirculating water systems, which minimize the risk of water pollution compared to traditional agriculture, where runoff from fields can carry pesticides, fertilizers, and sediment into water bodies. By reducing the demand for freshwater resources and minimizing the pressure on aquatic ecosystems for irrigation water, VertiGrows Farm helps preserve freshwater habitats and aquatic biodiversity. Healthy freshwater ecosystems provide essential services such as water purification, flood control, and habitat for aquatic species, contributing to the overall health and resilience of marine and coastal ecosystems. Also, climate change poses significant threats to marine ecosystems, including ocean acidification, coral bleaching, and sea level rise. By promoting sustainable agriculture practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance carbon sequestration, we contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change on marine biodiversity and ecosystem health.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Here are two key ways by which we contribute to SDG (Goal 15): Habitat Preservation: By promoting vertical farming and hydroponics in urban areas, we help reduce the conversion of natural habitats, such as forests and grasslands, into agricultural land. This contributes to preserving biodiversity and protecting critical habitats for terrestrial species, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. Biodiversity Conservation: Our urban farming initiatives, such as vertical community gardens will create green spaces within cities that support biodiversity and provide habitat for native plant species, insects, birds, and other wildlife. By increasing vegetation cover and creating habitat corridors, we will definitely enhance biodiversity and promotes the coexistence of diverse species within urban environments.

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

6

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

While we primarily focus on sustainable agriculture through vertical farming and hydroponics, we indirectly contribute to the Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions goal (SDG 16) in this way: By promoting engaging and collaborative initiatives such as vertical community gardens or cooperative farming ventures, we foster social cohesion and strengthens community bonds. By bringing people together around a shared goal of sustainable food production, we are promoting peacebuilding and social integration within communities. Since we also provide equal opportunities for participation, capacity building, and economic empowerment, particularly for marginalized groups such as women, youth, and small-scale farmers, we are setting a public example of what institutional justice should be. By addressing underlying causes of crimes and conflicts such as food insecurity, poverty, and inequality, VertiGrows Farm contributes to conflict prevention and tranquility efforts.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

By securing funding from diverse sources, our project ensures financial sustainability and the ability to scale up its impact, contributing to the overall achievement of SDG 17. We would also be collaborating with research institutions and monitoring agencies to ensure robust data collection, monitoring, and evaluation processes. These partnerships help track progress, measure impact, and inform evidence-based decision-making, ensuring that we remain accountable and aligned with sustainable development objectives. We will also be participating in global networks and forums focused on sustainable agriculture and urban farming. By sharing best practices, lessons learned, and innovative solutions with international peers, We will contribute to global knowledge exchange and the dissemination of effective strategies for sustainable development.

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

3

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

5

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

Our VertiGrows Farm project is innovative and stands out due to its integration of advanced technologies and sustainable practices. We maximize space by growing crops vertically, ideal for urban areas with limited land. Our hydroponic systems use 90% less water than traditional farming and ensure precise nutrient delivery, resulting in faster growth and higher yields. Climate control systems create optimal growing conditions year-round, independent of weather changes. By reducing food transportation distances, we cut carbon emissions and provide fresh, local produce. Additionally, our project fosters community engagement through educational programs and job creation, promoting local economic growth. This unique blend of technology, sustainability, and community focus sets us apart in the agricultural sector.

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

Our major competitors in Nigeria are: 1. Farm Hydroponics Nigeria 2. Bic Soilless Technology Farms 3. Other small scale hydroponic farmers But we believe we stand out in the following areas: 1. Urban Focus: By targeting urban areas, we reduce transportation costs and carbon footprints, providing fresher produce to local markets faster than competitors who may be located further from city centers. This urban-centric approach meets the growing demand for local and sustainable food sources. 2. Community Engagement: We actively involve local communities through educational programs, workshops, and job creation initiatives. This not only builds a loyal customer base but also fosters community support and enhances our brand reputation. 3. Local Economic Impact: By sourcing materials locally and creating diverse job opportunities, we support local economies and build strong relationships with suppliers and consumers, differentiating us from others who may not have this local focus.

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

Yes, I give talk shows in my local church concerning those issues