Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

GHH is an integrated smart farms startup idea anchored on the belief that agriculture can be a force for good, combining crop and livestock production, leveraging modern technology and sustainable best practices to tackle unemployment, poverty and hunger.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

The GHH sustainable farm business will operate on the cutting edge of agricultural innovation, leveraging modern technology as follows: 1. Focus on a variety of crops that are known for their sustainability and adaptability to different environments such as vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, nuts and fiber crops. 2. Explore perennial crops such as cacao and coffee to provide long-term yield. 3. Adopt sustainable pest control methods such as natural predators, companion planting, and organic repellants. 4. Utilize sustainable and affordable energy sources such as solar, biomass, biogas, hydroponic systems. 5. Exemplify the principles of circular economy by minimizing external inputs, closing nutrient loops, reducing waste, local sourcing and water conservation. 6. Combine crop and livestock to ensure diversification, resource efficiency, soil health, food security, pest and disease control. 7. Adopt smart farm technologies like farm management software, data analytics and robotics.

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

The GHH integrated smart farm project seeks to address the following challenges: 1. Climate change with the resultant unpredictable weather patterns and land degradation. 2. Crude agricultural practices such as reliance on rain-fed agriculture, poor land tenure system, open grazing, use of basic tools, high post-harvest losses and technology limiting farm yields. 3. The lingering hunger and food insecurity in Nigeria with food inflation rate of 40.53% as at April 2024 according to to the Central Bank of Nigeria. 4. High unemployment rate in Nigeria with official figures 0f 5.3% as at May,2024 according to the National Bureau of Statistics. 5. Extreme poverty in Nigeria projected to be at the rate of 38.8% according to a report by PwC. 6. Loss of interest in agriculture by Millennials and Gen Zs; average young Nigerians consider farming unattractive, over-relying on white-collar jobs. 7. Violent conflicts between nomadic herders and farmers threatening the peace and unity of Nigeria.

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

GHH will harness the principles of sustainability to build a farm that not only produces nutritious food but also fosters economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental stewardship: 1. Economic Value: Our innovative methods which are cost-effective will increase profit margins. By creating local jobs our farm will stimulate economic activity and contribute to the prosperity of our community. 2. Social Value: Ending poverty and hunger is at the heart of our mission. We will provide affordable, healthy food to local markets, ensuring that nutritious produce is accessible to all irrespective of income. We will sensitize others to sustainably grow their own food and improve their livelihoods. 3. Environmental Value: Our farm will ensure that we are not just taking from the land but also giving back. By sequestering carbon in the soil through regenerative practices, we will actively combat climate change, maintain ecological balance and contribute to the overall health of our planet.

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

The targeted beneficiaries of the GHH integrated farm project are quite diverse and include: 1. Local Community: With access to jobs, fresh and nutritious food, and knowledge on sustainable practices. 2. Consumers: With access to healthy, locally-sourced produce, often with a lower carbon footprint compared to food from conventional farms. 3. Farm Workers: Through safer conditions, fair labour practices and with less exposure to harmful chemicals. 4. Economy: Local economy benefit by keeping food money in the community and providing opportunities for Agri-tourism. 5. The Government: Through increase in tax revenues, food security and social stability reducing the need for over-reliance on government assistance programs. 6. Environment: Gains protection through the reduction of chemical use, water conservation and promoting biodiversity. 7. Future Generations: Preserving resources and farming sustainably will ensure future generations have the land and resources needed to grow food.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-12-01

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

3

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.)

Partners of GHH integrated farms include: 1. Mrs Aladi Aboh; Wife to my aged uncle, she is about 50 years old now and have been a farmer all her life. With no formal education she is well experienced in traditional agricultural practices and I will be leveraging on that to harness my sustainable and innovative ideas considering her excellent knowledge of the local environment and the fact I hoped to utilize her husband's portion of land to kickstart the GHH project. 2. Mr Owoicho Simon: My distant cousin with formal education up to secondary school level and was born into a farming family too. His late father, more so was a renowned farmer. Owoicho presently combines farming of different food crops with his job as a private security guard. 3. Mrs Acha Queen: My wife from a farming background, armed with a Higher National Diploma in Business Management and currently unemployed will be a strategic partner in the GHH project. She is a trusted partner and good manager and farmer.

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/moses-enyigbe-acha-msa-aca-462b18b7/

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

By creating local jobs and providing a source of income and livelihoods, the GHH integrated farm project can help in poverty reduction, thereby contributing to the goal of the UN SDG 1 aiming to end poverty in all its forms.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

The UN SDG 2: Zero Hunger, which seeks to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. The GHH farm can contribute will contribute to local economies by providing employment opportunities and ensuring a steady supply of nutritious and healthy food, while also addressing climate change impacts on food security.

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

6

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

By providing access to affordable, fresh, and nutritious food, GHH integrated farm will promote good health and wellbeing; the principles of sustainability to be adopted will also reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. This will align with the goal of the UN SDG 3: Good Health and wellbeing.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

UN SDG 4: Quality Education aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning. The GHH concepts of sustainable farming can provide educational opportunities about sustainable practices and nutrition.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

By partnering with my uncle's wife and my own wife on the GHH project, the goal of the UN SDG 5: achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls will be promoted. GHH integrated farm recognizes the key roles women play in agriculture.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

By conserving water, recycling and reducing water pollution through sustainable best practices and implementing zero-waste practices and finding uses for by-products, GHH integrated farms aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. This contributes to the goal of UN SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. We will use rain barrels and drip irrigation to save water.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

5

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

GHH integrated farm will use affordable, reliable and modern renewable energy such as biogas and solar sources, thereby contributing to cleaner energy access, thereby promoting the UNSDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. We will also conduct energy audits to ensure energy savings, adopt hydroponic systems and convert agricultural waste into bioenergy for heating and electricity.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

The UN SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, aims to promote sustained economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. The GHH integrated farm project will support the above objectives through the promotion lucrative sustainable farming to create decent jobs by attracting young Nigerians to smart agriculture and driving economic growth.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

With the adopting of smart and sustainable agricultural practices such as the use of robotics, farm management software, livestock management and monitoring and data analytics, GHH integrated farm will spur innovation in the use of sustainable agriculture and practices. This technologies will enable precision farming, data-driven operations to optimize and improve sustainability in agricultural production, which can lead to more predictable farm outputs and enhanced food safety, thereby contribute to the achievement of UN SDG 9: Industry Innovation and Infrastructure.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

By providing equitable access to resources and markets, which will help ensure fair prices for farm products by smallholders. GHH integrated farms can help reduce inequalities thereby contributing to the goal of UN SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities within the country. The startup farm will be located in the rural area of Benue State, such a gesture with the innovations attached will to a large extent promote good opportunities for the local population to learn and adopt sustainable best practices in agriculture. This will provide opportunities for marginalized minority groups,

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

UN SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities seeks to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. The GHH integrated farm project will contribute to sustainable rural development and strengthens bonds in the host community.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

We will promote sustainable production methods and reduce food waste through: 1. Diversification: Reduced risks by spreading income sources across different types of products. 2. Resource Efficiency: Livestock can provide manure crops, while crops can provide feed for livestock. 3. Soil Health: Crop rotation and animal grazing to improve soil fertility and structure. 4. Pest and Disease Control: Diverse crops and animals to minimize the spread of pests and diseases. 5. Sustainable Intensification: Increasing productivity while maintaining ecological balance. 6. Food Security: Provides a variety of food products, contributing to a balanced diet. 7. We will adopt local sourcing, minimize external inputs, close nutrient loops, utilize renewable energy, reduce waste and conserve water. By so doing, promote the attainment of UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

The GHH sustainable agriculture model is inherently aligned with environmental conservation, our farm will prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and water conservation. We will also tackle climate change and its impact thereby contributing to achieving the goal of UN SDG 13: Climate Action, through the following ways: 1. By sequestering carbon in the soil through regenerative practices, we will actively combat climate change. 2. Our commitment to preserving natural habitats and promoting wildlife will help maintain ecological balance and contribute to the overall health of our planet. 3. Building Resilience: By diversifying crops and improving soil health, sustainable farms are more resilient to climate-related shocks like droughts or floods. 4. Utilizing renewable energy to reduce reliance on fossil fuel.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

In line with achieving the goal of UN SDG 14: Life Below Water, which promotes the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development, GHH integrated farms shall adopt the following measures: 1. Minimizing the runoff of fertilizers and pesticides, which can harm aquatic ecosystems. 2. Efficient water use in the GHH farm will reduce the extraction from rivers and lakes, protecting aquatic habitats. 3. Integrating aquaculture into farming in a sustainable way to provide protein without damaging marine ecosystem.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

In order to protect restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and biodiversity loss, GHH integrated farms will ensure the following: 1. Biodiversity protection: By protecting natural habitats and using fewer chemicals. 2. Soil Health: Discourage opening grazing, while encouraging ranching of ruminants, practice crop rotation and reducing tillage to maintain soil structure and fertility, prevention erosion and degradation. 3. Integrated Pest Management: This will reduce the need for chemical pesticides which can harm non-target species and lead to biodiversity loss. All of the above will contribute to achieving the goal of UN SDG 15: Life on Land.

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

6

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

To promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels in support of the attainment of UN SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, GHH integrated farms shall: 1. Engage local communities in decision making and promote inclusiveness. 2. Support fair land use policies to prevent conflicts over land and resources. 3. Obtain sustainable certifications to increase transparency in the food system, building trust among consumers and producers.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

UN SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals aims to strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development. The GHH integrated farms will embark on the following in support of the goal: 1. Collaboration: Partnering with other farmers, government at the local level, NGOs, and businesses to share knowledge and resources. 2. Technology Transfer: Sharing technologies across the region can help spread sustainable best practices among communities. 3. Policy Advocacy: Farmers can unite to advocate for policies that support sustainable agriculture, influencing global agendas.

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.

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

2

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

5

05.08 Justification

GHH integrated smart farms may fully qualify the description as an entirely mew technology because similar and improved versions of sustainable farming has been introduced in the developed countries of Europe and America. However, in the Nigerian context, sustainable smart farms are just emerging and in the experimentation stage in most cases. GHH qualifies as an improvement to conventional farms with the use of crude and unsustainable techniques, It is therefore an extension of conventional farms because it will leverage local crops and environment for improvement and optimization based on sustainable best practices and modern technology adoption. Definitely, the healthy, fresh, organic and nutritious food to be produced by GHH is in line with global demand for sustainability and efficient circular economy, With Nigeria's population growing at am exponential rate, there is need to adopt smart farming methods to feed the nation. Obviously, a substitute to crude farming is needed.

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

Oyi Owoicho farms, Unique farms, and Sarah-Cee farms all in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State. They will be our major competitors when the GHH integrated smart project eventually commences operations within the locality. Others will include established farming families and private farm owners too. However, it is observed that our supposed competitors are not innovating nor adopting sustainable and smart best practices as expected. GHH will emerge as industry leader within the locality in the use of renewable energy, variety of produce and engagement with the community. We will also become the Best-In-Class in the education of the local populace and promoting of sustainable best practices in smart farming, Finally, we will create a niche in the adoption of modern technologies such as AI, robotics and data analytics to improve productivity. More so, the combination of crop and livestock farming by GHH will be an area of competitive advantage.

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

Yes, I am an advocate of girl child education, this is event in my sponsoring my wife to obtain higher education at the same time while I was in school too. More so, I network with with young vibrant female entrepreneurs and encourage them on skills acquisition and professional career development. Additionally, I prioritize patronizing their businesses. I also advocate for them within my immediate environment encourage families to invest in the girl child.