Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

This innovative program tackles multiple pressing issues facing Nigeria in a sustainable and ethical way. By providing comprehensive training in animal husbandry and entrepreneurship to youth and disadvantaged rural communities.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Our focus is on rearing conventional livestock and promoting sustainable agricultural practices that meet the rapidly growing demands for meat and animal products, especially within Nigeria's booming hospitality industry. Participants will not only learn hands-on skills for raising and caring for animals, but also crucial business acumen like marketing, processing, and even exporting opportunities.

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

By combining practical vocational training with a pathway to ethical economic empowerment, this program uplifts marginalized communities while simultaneously driving Nigeria's agricultural and economic development in an environmentally conscious manner. It's a win-win solution that the nation desperately needs.

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

A key advantage of this program is that it directly addresses the soaring demand for meat within Nigeria's hospitality sector and the general public, but in a way that is affordable, sustainable, and ethically-sourced. By empowering entrepreneurs to legally and humanely raise livestock at scale, we can satisfy this burgeoning market with a consistent supply of high-quality, safe meat products.

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

A key advantage of this program is that it directly addresses the soaring demand for meat within Nigeria's hospitality sector and the general public, but in a way that is affordable, sustainable, and ethically-sourced. By empowering entrepreneurs to legally and humanely raise livestock at scale, we can satisfy this burgeoning market with a consistent supply of high-quality, safe meat products.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2018-07-15

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

7

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.)

This transformative initiative unites a powerful consortium - experienced farmers contributing agricultural expertise, ambitious students seeking vocational training, at-risk youth escaping cycles of crime and poverty, and moral business leaders investing in community empowerment. Together, this diverse coalition catalyzes sustainable economic renaissance through ethical entrepreneurship opportunities.

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?

d) Primary commodities (food, drink, household and personal products)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

When people have the opportunity to earn a steady income through their own work, they gain the ability to provide for their basic daily food needs and those of their families. This financial empowerment extends beyond just their immediate households, as they are more likely to share their resources with their local communities and even strangers in need. As more and more individuals are lifted out of hunger and poverty through gainful employment, a ripple effect is created where they can then help others escape the same circumstances. Ultimately, this cycle leads to a significant reduction in the overall hungry population, as economic self-sufficiency enables people to not only feed themselves but also support others on the path to food security. By empowering individuals with sustainable livelihoods, the burden of hunger is alleviated one person at a time, spreading throughout communities and society as a whole.

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 prevents health risks by establishing a regulated system where animals are raised under strict supervision by skilled professionals who train others in proper animal husbandry practices. This controlled approach ensures safe, high-quality meat while also mitigating the potential transmission of zoonotic diseases like Ebola and Coronavirus, which can originate from consuming unregulated wild animal meat sources.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

By providing comprehensive training opportunities to all interested individuals regardless of gender or economic status, this project aims to bridge the gap between the wealthy and impoverished, as well as promote gender equality. It empowers participants to maximize their potential and harness the resources within their local environments, diminishing societal divides and disparities.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Despite having fewer animal rearers currently, previous accomplishments have helped challenge the longstanding tradition that animal rearing is solely a man's job. The project actively targets and trains more women and girls to become established and successful in this field, promoting gender equality and empowerment.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

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

This opportunity instills a sense of pride and purpose in participants, enabling them to engage in meaningful work that positively impacts not just their local communities, but society at large.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

My project involves rearing grasscutters and other exotic, cholesterol-free animals, which caters to a niche market of influential individuals seeking alternatives to red meat. This innovative venture creates its own clientele and market demand.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

The rearing of grasscutters and other exotic, cholesterol-free animals is attracting interest from young women, potentially helping to balance the gender disparity among animal rearing entrepreneurs, which has traditionally been male-dominated.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Our operation ensures animals are well-cared for and their diets are strictly monitored, mitigating the risk of zoonotic parasites spreading into the community. This approach provides a safe and highly nutritious meat source, satisfying the cravings of health-conscious consumers.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

4

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Our efforts aim to preserve the ecosystem while pursuing economic gains. We educate our trainees on the importance of environmental conservation. Additionally, the animals we rear primarily consume grass, establishing a symbiotic relationship with farmers by utilizing their unwanted plant matter.

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

5

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

Since we take young minds out of trouble, it inadvertently helps them to channel their energy in the right and yielding directions.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting inclusive economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and fostering sustainable agriculture practices. Through skill development, economic empowerment, and environmental conservation, our program empowers marginalized youth while establishing symbiotic relationships with local farmers and preserving the ecosystem. By targeting an often overlooked segment of society and offering a sustainable livelihood, we actively address inequalities and foster inclusive societies. Moreover, our educational efforts instill values of environmental stewardship, further supporting the global sustainability agenda.

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

4

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.

4

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.

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

While exotic animal and Grasscutter rearing is not a new concept, our approach introduces youth to this niche entrepreneurial opportunity. By providing training and resources, we empower young men and women to quickly build capital and establish themselves as exotic animal and Grasscutter farming entrepreneurs over a relatively short period of time. This innovative program taps into an underutilized market, creating economic prospects for the next generation.

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

Our competitive advantage lies in our technical expertise in exotic animal and Grasscutter care, as well as business acumen. While most competitors rear similar animal species, they struggle to meet high market demand. Prior experience shows collaborative efforts with other rearers foster success. Thus, we view competitors as potential partners, uniquely positioned to collectively satisfy market needs through our specialized knowledge and business strategies. This synergy between expertise and cooperation distinguishes us in this niche industry.

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

Yes. My mother is very active in this project. I also encourage high school female fresh graduating students to embrace this opportunity.