Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Aquaponics is a technology of growing food that combines aquaculture (raising fish) with hydroponics (growing vegetables without soil). The waste from the fish provides nutrients for the vegetable, and the vegetables help to filter the water for the fish

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

They are 4 main components of Aquaponics Farming: 1. The fish tank: The fish tank is where the fish are raised. Their waste products, ammonia and carbon dioxide, accumulate in the water. 2. The biofilter: The biofilter is a component that houses nitrifying bacteria. These beneficial bacteria convert ammonia, which is toxic to fish, into nitrites and then nitrates. Nitrates are a valuable nutrient for plants. 3. The grow beds: The grow beds are where the plants are grown. They are filled with a grow media, such as gravel, clay pebbles, or coconut coir. The nutrient-rich water from the fish tank is pumped into the grow beds, where it is absorbed by the plants. 4. The return system: The water from the grow beds then drains back into the fish tank, completing the cycle. In aquaponics system, it combines the activities of fishes with vegetables simultaneously. The project Aquaponics minimizes water waste. The water used in the system is constantly recirculated, filtered, and reused.

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

Aquaponic Farming solve the following problems: 1. Water scarcity: It uses up to 90% less water compared to traditional soil-based farming because the water is recirculated and reused in the closed-loop system. 2. Land constraints: Aquaponic systems don't require vast areas of land. They can be set up vertically. 3. Reduced reliance on chemical inputs: Aquaponics minimizes the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Soil degradation: Traditional agriculture can degrade soil health over time. Aquaponics eliminates this concern as it doesn't rely on soil altogether. 4. Sustainable food production: By efficiently using water, nutrients, and space, aquaponics offers a sustainable method for growing fresh, healthy food. 4. Food security: Aquaponics will empower communities, especially in Nigeria, to produce our own nutritious food sources. This will help improve food security and reduce reliance on food imports.

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

The major benefits of aquaponics farming are; 1. Sustainable food production: Aquaponics is a model of resource efficiency. Emphasize the minimal water use (up to 90% less than traditional agriculture) and the closed-loop system that reuses water and nutrients. This reduces environmental impact and promotes sustainable practices. 2. Locally grown, fresh produce: Aquaponic systems can be set up almost anywhere, including urban environments. This allows for local food production, bringing fresh, high-quality fish and vegetables directly to consumers. we will focus on the reduced transportation emissions and support for local communities. 3. Reduced need for chemicals: Aquaponics minimizes the use of fertilizers and pesticides. The fish waste provides natural plant nutrients, and the closed system deters pests. This benefit will address consumer concerns about healthy eating and environmental responsibility.

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

Aquaponics Project will benefit; 1.Environmentally conscious consumers: Those seeking fresh, local produce and sustainable food practices. Communities with water scarcity: Aquaponics' minimal water use makes it ideal for arid regions. 2. Urban dwellers: Space-saving vertical systems enable food production in urban environments. Individuals seeking organic food: The reduced reliance on chemicals promotes organic food production. 3. Areas with limited land availability: Aquaponics doesn't require vast tracts of land, making it suitable for small spaces. 4. Food security initiatives: Aquaponic systems can empower communities to produce their own nutritious food sources. 5. Health conscious individual: People who consume only organic produces for healthy living

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-12-14

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.)

1. Asa Hazo ; Technical Expert, Graduate of Agriculture, Over two decade experience in crop production, 3 years of experience in Sales and Marketing. 2. Kenneth Ojen: Graduate of Marine Biology, over 10 years experience in Crop Production.

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?

l) Agriculture

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Aquaponic contributes to the UN SDGs of No Poverty through; 1.Increased Food Security and Income Generation: By enabling communities to produce their own high-yield fish and vegetables, aquaponics empowers people to become more self-sufficient in terms of food. This will improve nutrition and reduce reliance on potentially expensive food imports, particularly in Nigeria. Surplus produce will also be sold, generating income-earning opportunities. 2. Local Food Production and Job Creation: Aquaponic systems can be set up and managed locally, creating jobs in communities. This will be especially beneficial in regions with limited employment opportunities like Nigeria. 3. Resource Efficiency and Reduced Costs: Aquaponics minimal water use and closed-loop system can significantly reduce input costs associated with traditional agriculture. This will empower people to start small-scale food production projects with lower barriers to entry.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Aquaponics directly addresses the Zero Hunger goal (SDG 2) of the UN's Sustainable Development Agenda in several ways: Increased Food Production: Aquaponics boasts impressive yields. Plants grow faster and can produce more food per unit area compared to traditional methods. This allows for efficient food production in areas with limited space, contributing to overall hunger reduction. Improved Nutrition: The fish waste provides a natural source of nutrients for the plants, often leading to higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds. This will contribute to better nutrition, especially in areas where deficiencies are common. Accessibility in Vulnerable Areas: Aquaponics systems can be set up almost anywhere, including regions with water scarcity or poor soil quality. This makes fresh, nutritious food production possible in areas where traditional agriculture may struggle. Empowering Local Communities: By enabling communities to grow their own food sources,

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

6

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Aquaponics contributes to the UN's Sustainable Development Goal of "Good Health and Well-being" (SDG 3) through several key mechanisms: Production of Nutritious Food: Aquaponic systems often yield fish and vegetables with higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds due to the natural nutrient-rich environment created by fish waste. This can improve overall dietary quality and contribute to better public health. Reduced Reliance on Pesticides and Chemicals: Aquaponics minimizes the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides thanks to the closed-loop system and natural fertilization from fish waste. This reduces exposure to harmful chemicals in the food people consume, promoting safer and healthier produce. Promotion of Sustainable Food Systems: Aquaponic farming is a sustainable practice that conserves resources like water and reduces environmental pollution. This contributes to a healthier environment, which indirectly promotes good health and well-being

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

3

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

6

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

1. Reduced Water Usage: Aquaponics is a champion of water conservation. The system reuses and recirculates up to 90% of the water compared to traditional agriculture. This significantly reduces freshwater withdrawal, lessening pressure on water resources and promoting cleaner water sources. 2. Water Filtration and Treatment: The core function of the aquaponics system involves filtering the water through the grow beds. Beneficial bacteria break down fish waste into usable nutrients for plants, removing harmful ammonia and improving overall water quality. This contributes to cleaner water within the closed-loop system. 3. Reduced Wastewater Discharge: Traditional aquaculture can generate polluted wastewater that requires treatment before release. Aquaponics eliminates this issue. The water is constantly filtered and reused, minimizing wastewater discharge and protecting freshwater sources from potential contamination.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

2

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

Aquaponics contributes to the UN's Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of "Decent Work and Economic Growth" 1. Job Creation: Aquaponic systems require setup, maintenance, and management, creating new employment opportunities in communities. This is particularly relevant in regions with high unemployment rates, fostering economic growth through job creation. 2. Entrepreneurship and Income Generation: Aquaponics empowers individuals to start their own small-scale food production businesses. Selling surplus fish and vegetables can generate income and promote local entrepreneurship, contributing to economic development. 3. Skilled Workforce Development: Working with aquaponic systems requires knowledge and skills in areas like fish husbandry, plant science, and system maintenance. This will encourage skill development and training programs, creating a more qualified workforce. 4. Increased Food Security and Market Opportunities: By enabling communities to produce their own food

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

1. Novel and Resource-Efficient Technology: Aquaponics represents a new way of thinking about agriculture. It combines aquaculture and hydroponics into a single, integrated system, optimizing resource use and minimizing waste. This innovative approach to food production paves the way for more sustainable agricultural practices in the future. 2. Decentralized Food Production Infrastructure: Unlike traditional large-scale farms, aquaponic systems can be set up on a smaller scale and even vertically in urban areas. This promotes the development of decentralized food production infrastructure, reducing dependence on centralized transportation and storage networks. 3. Potential for Automation and Technological Advancements: Aquaponics systems will benefit from automation technologies for tasks like monitoring water quality, controlling nutrient levels, and feeding fish. This opens doors for further innovation and development in areas like sensors, automation tools, and data management.

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

1. Urban Agriculture and Local Food Production: Aquaponic systems thrive in urban environments, even with limited space. Rooftop farms and vertical setups are prime examples. This allows for local production of fresh fish and vegetables, reducing reliance on transportation and promoting fresher produce for city dwellers. 2. Reduced Environmental Impact: Aquaponics minimizes water use, reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and creates a closed-loop system that minimizes waste. This translates to less environmental pollution and a more sustainable urban environment. 3. Community Development and Social Benefits: Aquaponic project will be a catalyst for community development. They will create jobs, encourage social interaction through shared projects, and empower communities to be more self-sufficient in terms of food production. 4. Improved Public Health: Access to fresh, locally-produced food through aquaponics will contribute to better nutrition and public health.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

1. Reduced Resource Consumption: Aquaponics is a champion of resource efficiency. It dramatically reduces water use (up to 90% less compared to traditional agriculture) by recirculating and reusing water within the closed-loop system. 2. Waste Minimization and Resource Recovery: The core concept of aquaponics revolves around waste becoming a resource. Fish waste, which would be a pollutant in traditional aquaculture, is broken down by bacteria into nutrients readily absorbed by plants. This eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers and reduces overall waste generation. 3. Sustainable Food Production: By efficiently using water, nutrients, and space, aquaponics offers a sustainable method for growing fresh, healthy food. It minimizes environmental impact and promotes responsible production practices throughout the food cycle. 4. Locally Produced Food and Reduced Transportation Footprint: Aquaponic systems can be set up almost anywhere, including urban areas.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

5

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

1. Reduced Water Footprint: Water usage is a major concern in agriculture, and traditional methods can be quite wasteful. Aquaponics shines here, using up to 90% less water compared to soil-based agriculture. 2. Minimized Emissions from Transport: Aquaponic systems can be set up almost anywhere, including urban areas. This allows for local food production, reducing reliance on long-distance transportation of fish and vegetables. 3. Reduced Fertilizer Production Emissions: Aquaponics minimizes the need for chemical fertilizers. 4. Potential for Renewable Energy Integration: Aquaponic systems can be integrated with renewable energy sources like solar panels to power pumps and filtration systems. 5. Energy-Efficient Food Production: Aquaponic systems typically require less energy than traditional greenhouse operations

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

2

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

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

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

1.Collaboration Between Experts: Successfully implementing and maintaining aquaponic systems requires knowledge from various fields. Fisheries experts collaborate with plant scientists, engineers who design the systems, and even educators who teach communities about aquaponics. 2.Public-Private Partnerships: Developing and promoting aquaponics often involves collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and private businesses. Governments may provide funding or research opportunities, NGOs can offer expertise and training, and private businesses can invest in aquaponic production or equipment development. 3.Community Involvement and Knowledge Sharing: Aquaponic projects can be a catalyst for community development. Local communities can partner with educational institutions or NGOs to learn and implement aquaponic systems. 4.Global Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration: The potential of aquaponics is vast, and its success relies on sharing knowledge and experiences across border

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

6

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.

6

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

6

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.

6

05.08 Justification

Local Focus: Instead of a generic implementation, tailor the aquaponic system to the specific needs of my region. This could involve: Introducing aquaponics to a new area, bringing fresh and sustainable food production methods. Cultivating fish or vegetables that hold particular importance to the local diet, enhancing food security and cultural relevance. Integrating the system with existing agricultural practices, fostering a smooth transition and leveraging existing knowledge. Social Impact Focus: I look beyond just food production and incorporate elements that address social needs in your community. For example: Target communities with limited access to fresh, nutritious food, promoting health and well-being. Provide educational programs on aquaponics and sustainable agriculture, empowering communities and fostering knowledge sharing. Include women or marginalized groups in aquaponic production, promoting social inclusion and economic opportunities. Technological Integration:

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

Main Competitors: 1.Existing Aquaponic Businesses: This are local farms or commercial operations already established in my Nigeria. 2.Traditional Agriculture: Farms using conventional methods is seen as competitors Standing Out from the Competition: Unique Value Proposition: We focus on a specific local need: Targeting community with limited fresh food access or cultivate culturally significant fish/vegetables. Integration with new technologies: Incorporate renewable energy, automation, or vertical farming for a more advanced and potentially scalable system. Social Impact Focus: Prioritizing social well-being by empowering communities, promoting education, or fostering inclusion. Sustainable Practices: Implementing stricter organic methods or develop innovative waste reduction techniques within the aquaponic system. Target a Different Market Niche: Organic consumers of fresh and healthy produces for vitamins and Omega 3 body requirement. All Year Round Availability:

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

Yes, I organize networking events: Create a space for female entrepreneurs to connect, share ideas, and build relationships. This has foster collaboration, mentorship opportunities, and potential business partnerships. I Started a mentorship program: Connect experienced female entrepreneurs with aspiring women to provide guidance and support. I offer valuable advice on business planning, overcoming challenges, and navigating the entrepreneurial journey.