Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Fertizo is revolutionizing agriculture in Nigeria by connecting farmers with trusted fertilizer suppliers through an innovative digital platform. Our goal is to streamline the fertilizer market, while empowering farmers to enhance their crop yields.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Fertizo is a digital platform connecting Nigerian farmers directly with trusted fertilizer suppliers. It ensures farmers get high-quality fertilizers at fair prices without middlemen. Using AI and data, we make the supply chain efficient, reduce costs, and provide real-time information. Our goal is to help farmers increase their crop yields, improve their income, and support sustainable farming practices.

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

Fertizo solves the problem of expensive and unreliable fertilizer access for Nigerian farmers. Currently, farmers deal with high prices, poor quality, and inconsistent supply due to intermediaries. They also lack timely advice and information on proper fertilizer use. Our platform connects farmers directly with suppliers, ensuring fair prices and quality products. We also provide expert support to help farmers make better decisions, resulting in higher crop yields and better livelihoods.

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. Direct Access to Quality Fertilizers: Farmers can buy high-quality fertilizers directly from reliable suppliers. This means better products at fair prices and higher crop yields. 2. Expert Advice and Support: Fertizo offers farmers expert advice and support on the best fertilizer practices through our platform. 3. Efficient and Timely Service: Fertizo uses smart technology [AI and data analytics] to make the supply chain faster and more efficient. Farmers receive real-time updates on fertilizer availability and prices, allowing them to plan and apply fertilizers at the right time for the best results.

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

Fertizo is aimed at serving: 1. Smallholder Farmers: These are farmers who own or manage small plots of land. They often struggle to get high-quality fertilizers at fair prices. Fertizo helps them access reliable products and expert advice to improve their crop yields. 2. Local Farming Communities: By improving the productivity of smallholder farmers, Fertizo benefits entire farming communities. More productive farms mean better incomes and improved livelihoods for these communities. 3. Agricultural Suppliers: Fertizo also supports fertilizer suppliers by giving them a platform to reach more farmers easily. This helps suppliers grow their businesses and ensures a steady demand for their products. Overall, Fertizo aims to boost the agricultural sector, making farming more efficient and sustainable for everyone involved.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-11-01

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

4

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

2

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

1. Nnadozie Ohaji Experience: 17 years in corporate governance Education: LL.B (Bachelor of Law), LL.M (Masters in Law), EMBA (Quantic School of Business and Technology) 2. Modupeola Ogunwande Experience: 15 years in operations management Education: B.Sc. in Accounting, EMBA (Quantic School of Business and Technology) 3. Wuraola Ogundipe Experience: 8 years in finance and administration Education: B.Tech in Accounting, EMBA (Quantic School of Business and Technology) 4. Ifeanyi Ogbalu Experience: 17+ years in business development Education: B.Sc. in Geological Sciences, Double MSc., EMBA (Quantic School of Business and Technology)

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

https://ferizo.co, https://www.linkedin.com/company/fertizo/

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

l) Agriculture

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Fertizo's platform directly addresses poverty among smallholder farmers by providing them with affordable, high-quality fertilizers. By improving access to essential agricultural inputs, Fertizo enables farmers to increase their crop yields and income. This uplift in productivity and revenue helps farmers break the cycle of poverty, improve their living standards, and achieve economic resilience. Through our focus on transparency and fair pricing, we ensure that even the smallest farms can benefit, fostering inclusive growth and reducing poverty at the grassroots level.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Fertizo significantly contributes to the Zero Hunger goal by: 1. Improving Agricultural Productivity: By providing farmers with high-quality fertilizers and expert guidance, Fertizo helps increase crop yields and productivity, directly contributing to food availability. 2. Enhancing Food Security: By improving access to reliable and affordable agricultural inputs, Fertizo ensures that farmers can produce sufficient food to meet local demand, reducing hunger and food insecurity. 3. Promoting Sustainable Agriculture: Fertizo supports sustainable farming practices through technology-driven solutions and education, leading to long-term agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.

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

6

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Fertizo contributes to the Good Health and Well-being goal by: • Promoting Nutritious Food Production: By enhancing agricultural productivity and crop quality, Fertizo helps ensure the availability of nutritious food, which is essential for maintaining good health and well-being. • Reducing Food Insecurity: By improving access to fertilizers and farming knowledge, Fertizo supports farmers in producing sufficient food, reducing food insecurity and its associated health risks. • Encouraging Sustainable Farming Practices: Fertizo advocates for environmentally friendly farming practices, which lead to healthier ecosystems and, consequently, healthier communities by reducing the incidence of pollution-related health issues.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Fertizo contributes to the Quality Education goal by: • Providing Educational Resources: Fertizo offers farmers access to educational materials and training programs on effective farming techniques, fertilizer usage, and sustainable agriculture practices. • Promoting Lifelong Learning: Through continuous engagement and knowledge-sharing platforms, Fertizo encourages lifelong learning among farmers, helping them stay updated with the latest agricultural advancements. • Empowering Rural Communities: By educating farmers, Fertizo empowers rural communities, enabling them to improve their livelihoods and fostering a culture of learning and self-improvement in agricultural practices.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Fertizo contributes to the Gender Equality goal by: • Empowering Women Farmers: Fertizo actively supports and includes women farmers in its platform, providing them equal access to resources, training, and market opportunities. • Promoting Gender-Inclusive Policies: Fertizo implements policies that ensure equal participation of women in all aspects of its operations, from decision-making roles to field activities. • Creating Awareness and Education: Fertizo conducts educational campaigns to raise awareness about gender equality in agriculture, encouraging more women to participate and thrive in the farming sector.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

5

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

Fertizo contributes to the Clean Water and Sanitation goal by: • Promoting Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Fertizo educates farmers on the importance of using eco-friendly fertilizers and adopting sustainable farming practices that minimize water pollution. • Reducing Chemical Runoff: By providing access to high-quality, regulated fertilizers, Fertizo helps reduce the harmful runoff into water bodies, thereby protecting local water sources. • Supporting Water-Efficient Farming Techniques: Fertizo encourages the use of water-efficient irrigation systems and practices, helping farmers manage water resources more sustainably.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

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

Fertizo significantly contributes to decent work and economic growth by: • Job Creation: Directly employing staff in technology development, customer support, and logistics. • Empowering Farmers: Providing tools and resources to farmers, boosting their productivity and income. • Supporting the Agricultural Value Chain: Enhancing the efficiency and profitability of the agricultural sector, leading to the creation of numerous indirect jobs. • Economic Resilience: Strengthening the economic stability of rural communities through improved agricultural practices and increased yields.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Fertizo contributes significantly to industry innovation and infrastructure by: • Technology-Driven Solutions: Utilizing advanced data analytics and AI to improve agricultural practices and supply chain efficiency. • Resilient Agricultural Infrastructure: Collaborating with communities to enhance rural infrastructure, such as storage facilities and transport networks, fostering sustainable agricultural growth. • Innovation in Agriculture: Introducing new, efficient, and sustainable farming practices, promoting the adoption of modern technologies, and driving innovation in the agricultural sector.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Fertizo significantly contributes to reducing inequalities by: • Equitable Access to Resources: By providing smallholder farmers with access to quality fertilizers at fair prices, we help bridge the gap between small-scale and large-scale agricultural producers. • Economic Inclusion: We empower farmers in underserved and rural areas, enabling them to increase their productivity and income, which promotes economic equality. • Knowledge and Training: Our platform offers educational content and training, ensuring that all farmers, regardless of their background or location, can improve their farming practices and livelihoods. • Market Integration: By connecting farmers directly to trusted suppliers, we eliminate middlemen who often exploit small farmers, ensuring fair pricing and reducing economic disparities.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Fertizo contributes to sustainable cities and communities by: • Supporting Local Agriculture: By providing farmers with quality fertilizers, we promote local agricultural production, reducing the need for food imports and supporting local economies. • Promoting Sustainable Practices: Our platform encourages the use of sustainable farming practices, which helps maintain soil health and reduces environmental degradation, contributing to healthier and more resilient communities. • Economic Empowerment: By improving farmers' productivity and income, we enhance the economic resilience of rural communities, making them more sustainable and self-sufficient. • Community Development: As Fertizo expands, we aim to collaborate with local communities to improve infrastructure such as storage facilities and roads, fostering a more conducive environment for sustainable agricultural and community growth.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Fertizo supports responsible consumption and production by: • Efficient Resource Use: By connecting farmers directly with suppliers, we minimize waste and ensure that fertilizers are used efficiently, promoting sustainable consumption patterns. • Educating Farmers: We provide farmers with information and training on sustainable farming practices, encouraging the responsible use of fertilizers and other agricultural inputs. • Promoting Eco-friendly Products: Our platform prioritizes eco-friendly and sustainable fertilizers, reducing the environmental impact of agricultural production. • Reducing Supply Chain Waste: By streamlining the supply chain and reducing the reliance on intermediaries, we decrease the overall carbon footprint and resource waste associated with fertilizer distribution.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Fertizo contributes to climate action by: • Promoting Sustainable Practices: We educate farmers on sustainable farming techniques that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance carbon sequestration in soil. • Eco-friendly Products: Our platform prioritizes the distribution of eco-friendly fertilizers that have a lower environmental impact, reducing the carbon footprint of agricultural activities. • Efficient Resource Use: By optimizing the supply chain and reducing waste, we contribute to more efficient resource use, which in turn helps lower overall emissions. • Encouraging Crop Diversity: We support and encourage the cultivation of diverse crops that are better suited to changing climatic conditions, promoting agricultural resilience to climate change impacts.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Fertizo indirectly supports the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources by: • Reducing Agricultural Runoff: By promoting the use of precise and balanced fertilizers, we help reduce nutrient runoff into water bodies, which can lead to eutrophication and harm marine ecosystems. • Sustainable Farming Education: We educate farmers on sustainable farming practices that minimize water pollution, thus protecting aquatic life. • Encouraging Organic Options: Our platform offers organic fertilizer options, which are less likely to contribute to water pollution compared to conventional chemical fertilizers.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Fertizo significantly contributes to the protection and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems by: • Promoting Sustainable Agriculture: We advocate for the use of eco-friendly fertilizers that improve soil health, prevent land degradation, and promote sustainable land management practices. • Combating Desertification: By providing access to quality fertilizers and educating farmers on sustainable farming techniques, we help increase soil fertility and prevent desertification in vulnerable areas. • Supporting Biodiversity: Our initiatives include promoting crop diversity and organic farming methods, which help maintain soil biodiversity and overall ecosystem health. • Restoring Degraded Lands: Fertizo encourages practices that rehabilitate degraded lands, such as crop rotation and the use of cover crops, contributing to the restoration of terrestrial ecosystems.

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

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Fertizo aims to foster partnerships for sustainable development by collaborating with various stakeholders including agricultural suppliers, governmental bodies, NGOs, and international organizations. These partnerships are crucial for scaling our impact, ensuring the availability of quality fertilizers, promoting sustainable farming practices, and enhancing food security in communities we serve. Through these collaborations, we strengthen the means of implementation of sustainable agricultural practices and contribute to revitalizing the global partnership for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

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.

4

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.

6

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.

5

05.08 Justification

Fertizo isn't just a fertilizer supplier. We're unique by directly connecting farmers to verified suppliers for fair prices and quality products. Tech integration allows real-time delivery tracking, soil monitoring, and personalized advice. Unlike competitors, we offer a holistic approach with expert advice, educational content, and training. We tailor solutions to each region's needs by sourcing locally. We promote sustainable practices and educate farmers on eco-friendly methods. Community engagement ensures we stay aligned with user needs. Our scalable platform adapts to the evolving agricultural sector. Fertizo isn't just a product, it's an innovative ecosystem empowering farmers.

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

1. Farmcrowdy: A digital agriculture platform that connects farmers with investors to raise capital for farming projects. 2. AgroMall: A tech-driven company offering digital solutions to farmers, including financing, farm management tools, and market access. 3. Thrive Agric: They focus on crowd-funding and investment, along with agricultural support services. What Makes Fertizo Stand Out: 1. Direct Farmer-Supplier Connection: Unlike our competitors, Fertizo directly connects farmers with verified fertilizer suppliers, eliminating intermediaries. 2. Comprehensive Technological Integration: Fertizo integrates advanced technology for real-time tracking, soil health monitoring, and personalized farming advice. This holistic technological support differentiates us from competitors who primarily focus on financing and market access. 3. Localized and Holistic Support: Fertizo offers tailored, localized solutions, including expert advice, educational content, and training programs.

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

No