Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

My project aims to supply affordable rice and beans from Northern Nigeria (Taraba State) to Southern States (starting with Cross River State). Leveraging lower northern prices, I will meet southern demand and provide these staples at more reasonable rates

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

My project involves sourcing rice and beans from Taraba State in Northern Nigeria, where these staples are significantly cheaper, and supplying them to Southern States, beginning with Cross River State. The southern region experiences high demand for rice and beans, but prices are nearly double compared to the North. By capitalizing on this price disparity, I plan to transport and sell rice and beans at more affordable rates in the South. This will not only make these essential foods more accessible to consumers but also create a reliable supply chain between the North and South. Additionally, this initiative will support local farmers in Taraba State by providing them with a broader market for their produce. I will use efficient logistics and distribution networks to ensure timely delivery and maintain product quality. My ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between the agricultural productivity of the North and the food demand in the South, benefiting both producers and consumers.

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

The main problem I am trying to solve is the high cost and limited accessibility of rice and beans in Southern Nigeria. Despite high demand, these staples are nearly double the price in the South compared to the North. For instance, as of June 13, beans are sold for N200,000 per 100kg bag in Calabar, Cross River State, whereas the price in Taraba State is N120,000 per 100kg bag, a difference of N80,000. By sourcing from Northern Nigeria, where prices are lower, and supplying to the South, I aim to make rice and beans more affordable and accessible for consumers, while also supporting local farmers in the North.

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. Affordability: By sourcing rice and beans from Northern Nigeria, where prices are significantly lower, and supplying them to the South, consumers will benefit from more affordable prices. This makes essential staples like rice and beans more accessible to a broader population, improving food security. 2. Support for Local Farmers: The project will provide a broader market for farmers in Taraba State and other parts of Northern Nigeria, increasing their income and supporting agricultural development in the region. This encourages sustainable farming practices and contributes to the local economy. 3. Reliable Supply Chain: Establishing a consistent and efficient supply chain between the North and South ensures a steady availability of rice and beans. This reduces the risk of shortages and price fluctuations in the Southern States, providing stability for both consumers and retailers.

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

My project is aimed at serving several key groups: 1. Consumers in Southern Nigeria: The primary beneficiaries are the consumers in Southern States, particularly starting with Cross River State, who will gain access to more affordable rice and beans. This includes households, restaurants, and food vendors who rely on these staples for their daily meals and business operations. 2. Local Farmers in Northern Nigeria: Farmers in Taraba State and other Northern regions will benefit from a broader and more reliable market for their produce. This will help increase their income, improve their livelihoods, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. 3. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): The project also targets SMEs involved in the food distribution and retail sector in the South. By providing them with a steady supply of rice and beans at lower costs, they can improve their profit margins and business sustainability. 4. Consequently the general economy will benefit from this project

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-09-01

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.)

1. Victoria Emmanuel Udo: She's an Entrepreneur and the owner of Beauty Chateau.

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/lura-jirgi?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

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

My project strongly contributes to SDG 1 - No Poverty, by sourcing affordable rice and beans from Northern Nigeria and supplying them to Southern States like Cross River State, my project directly addresses poverty alleviation in several ways. Firstly, it provides consumers with access to essential food staples at lower costs, reducing their household expenses and thereby improving their disposable income. This is particularly beneficial for low-income families who spend a significant portion of their income on food. Secondly, my project supports local farmers in Taraba State and other Northern regions by creating a reliable market for their agricultural produce. This increased demand for their products translates into higher incomes and improved livelihoods for these farmers and their communities. By promoting sustainable agricultural practices and economic empowerment, my initiative contributes to the broader goal of ending poverty in Nigeria, aligning with the United Nations' SDG

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

My project strongly contributes to SDG 2: Zero Hunger. The availability of these staples at lower prices improves access to nutritious food for consumers in the South, particularly those in vulnerable communities who struggle with food insecurity. Furthermore, by supporting local farmers in Northern Nigeria, especially in Taraba State, my project promotes sustainable agriculture. It creates a market demand for their produce, encourages sustainable farming practices, and enhances agricultural productivity. This contributes to long-term food security by ensuring reliable food supply chains and improving nutrition through access to diverse and nutritious food options. Overall, my initiative aligns with SDG 2 by fostering sustainable agriculture, improving food availability, and enhancing nutritional outcomes, thus contributing to the global effort to achieve zero 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

My project contributes significantly to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. By providing affordable rice and beans to consumers in Southern Nigeria, particularly in Cross River State, my project supports good health and well-being in several ways. Firstly, these staples are essential components of a balanced diet, contributing to improved nutrition and overall health outcomes for individuals and families. Access to nutritious food at lower costs helps combat malnutrition and related health issues, promoting better physical health. Additionally, my initiative indirectly supports good health by alleviating financial stress related to food expenses, which can impact mental well-being. By reducing household spending on food, families have more resources to allocate towards other health needs such as healthcare services and medications. Additionally, my project promotes the well-being of local farmers in Northern Nigeria by enhancing their economic opportunities and livelihoods.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

By reducing food costs for families in Southern Nigeria, particularly in Cross River State, my project indirectly supports education. Lower food expenses mean families can allocate more of their budget to educational needs such as school fees, books, and supplies, enhancing access to quality education for their children. Additionally, improved nutrition from affordable rice and beans supports better cognitive function and academic performance in children. Proper nutrition is crucial for concentration, memory, and overall brain development, leading to better educational outcomes. For local farmers in Northern Nigeria, particularly in Taraba State, increased income from selling their produce creates opportunities for them to invest in education for their children. This not only helps break the cycle of poverty but also promotes long-term educational attainment and empowerment in these communities.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Firstly, I have two female partners out of three in my business, demonstrating a commitment to gender inclusivity and equality in leadership roles. This promotes gender balance in decision-making and sets a positive example for women in entrepreneurship. Secondly, by supporting local farmers in Northern Nigeria, my project creates economic opportunities for women farmers, who often face barriers to market access and financial resources. By providing a reliable market for their produce, we empower these women economically, enhancing their ability to contribute to household income and improve their social status. Additionally, the financial stability gained from reduced food expenses in Southern Nigeria allows families to invest more in the education and well-being of their daughters, promoting gender equality in access to education and health services. Overall, my project fosters gender equality by promoting female empowerment.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

5

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

While the primary focus of my project is on providing affordable rice and beans, there are indirect benefits to clean water and sanitation. By reducing household expenses on food, families in Southern Nigeria, particularly in Cross River State, can allocate more resources towards improving their access to clean water and sanitation facilities. This can lead to better hygiene practices and overall health. Additionally, the economic empowerment of local farmers in Northern Nigeria, especially in Taraba State, through increased income, allows them to invest in better water and sanitation infrastructure in their communities. Improved financial stability can enable these farmers to access clean water sources and sanitation services, contributing to overall community health.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

5

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

While the core focus of my project is on providing affordable rice and beans, there are indirect contributions to the goal of affordable and clean energy. By reducing food costs for families in Southern Nigeria, particularly in Cross River State, households can allocate more of their budget towards accessing clean and affordable energy solutions, such as solar panels or energy-efficient appliances. This can improve their quality of life and reduce reliance on traditional, polluting energy sources. Furthermore, as my project scales, we plan to adopt energy-efficient logistics and transportation methods to reduce our carbon footprint, thereby supporting the broader goal of clean energy. Additionally, the economic empowerment of local farmers in Northern Nigeria, especially in Taraba State, through increased income, provides them with more financial resources to invest in clean energy solutions for their homes and farming operations.

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 sourcing rice and beans from Northern Nigeria and supplying them to Southern States like Cross River State, my project creates numerous economic opportunities. We provide full and productive employment for individuals involved in farming, transportation, logistics, and retail, contributing to job creation across the supply chain. For local farmers in Taraba State, especially, we offer a reliable market for their produce, which increases their income and economic stability. This economic empowerment allows them to invest in better farming practices and equipment, leading to sustainable agricultural growth. Additionally, our business promotes inclusive economic growth by involving female partners and ensuring gender equality in employment. We also support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the food distribution and retail sectors by providing them with affordable products, enhancing their profitability and sustainability.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

By creating an efficient supply chain to transport rice and beans from Northern Nigeria, specifically Taraba State, to Southern States like Cross River State, we are building resilient infrastructure that supports regional connectivity and economic integration. This infrastructure development includes transportation networks and storage facilities, which are crucial for the seamless movement of goods. Our project promotes inclusive and sustainable industrialization by supporting local farmers and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) involved in the food distribution network. By providing them with a reliable market and affordable products, we enhance their productivity and economic resilience. Innovation is central to our approach. We plan to use modern logistics and inventory management systems to optimize supply chain efficiency, reduce waste, and minimize environmental impact. Additionally, by exploring energy-efficient transportation methods, we aim to reduce our carbon footprint,

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

By this business initiative I seek to address regional economic disparities and the lack of affordable food in the South. This helps bridge the gap between the economically challenged North and the relatively prosperous South. We empower local farmers in Taraba State by providing them with a reliable market, enhancing their income and economic stability. This economic upliftment supports marginalized communities and promotes regional equity. Additionally, our inclusive business model, with two female partners out of three, promotes gender equality and reduces gender-based economic disparities. Overall, my project contributes to reducing inequalities by addressing food affordability disparities and promoting economic opportunities and inclusivity across regions and demographics in Nigeria.

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 providing affordable rice and beans to Southern States like Cross River State, we enhance food security and affordability, making urban areas more inclusive and resilient. Access to affordable food reduces financial strain on households, contributing to more stable and sustainable communities. Our project also supports local farmers in Northern Nigeria, improving their livelihoods and encouraging sustainable agricultural practices. This helps create balanced economic growth between rural and urban areas, promoting regional sustainability. Additionally, our efficient logistics and supply chain infrastructure reduce waste and environmental impact, contributing to the overall sustainability of cities. Overall, my project fosters inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities by ensuring food affordability, supporting regional economic balance, and promoting sustainable practices.

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 encourage responsible consumption by making sustainable food choices more accessible and affordable in Southern States. To encourage responsible production, we will support local farmers in Taraba State, promoting sustainable farming practices that reduce chemical use and enhance soil health. This aligns with the principles of the circular economy, we will ensure that resources are used efficiently and waste is minimized. Additionally, our efficient logistics and supply chain management reduce food waste and lower carbon emissions, promoting responsible production. Overall, my project fosters responsible consumption and production by making sustainable food choices affordable, supporting eco-friendly farming, and reducing waste and emissions in our supply chain.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

By promoting sustainable organic agricultural practices among farmers in Taraba State, we help reduce the environmental impact of farming. Techniques such as organic farming and reduced chemical use contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions and healthier soil, which can sequester more carbon. The Rice and Beans to be produced and distributed will be locally made with a less sophisticated processing that does not emit gas or encourage gas flaring, emissions, etc at the Mill. Overall, my project supports climate action by promoting sustainable farming, reducing transportation emissions, and encouraging responsible consumption.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

While our primary focus is on providing affordable rice and beans, we promote sustainable agricultural practices among farmers in Taraba State, which help reduce the runoff of harmful chemicals into waterways. By minimizing the use of fertilizers and pesticides, we help prevent water pollution that can harm marine ecosystems. Additionally, our efficient logistics and supply chain management aim to reduce our carbon footprint, thereby contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change, which directly affects ocean health. Furthermore, by encouraging sustainable consumption patterns, we support broader environmental sustainability, which includes the conservation of marine resources. Overall, my project indirectly supports life below water by promoting sustainable farming practices that reduce water pollution and by adopting eco-friendly logistics to mitigate climate change impacts on the waters.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

By planning to promote sustainable agricultural practices among farmers in Taraba State, I aim to help protect and restore terrestrial ecosystems. Techniques such as organic farming, crop rotation, and reduced chemical use will contribute to healthier soil, combat desertification, and prevent land degradation. I will encourage farmers to adopt practices that preserve biodiversity, such as planting cover crops and maintaining natural habitats around farmland. This will help halt biodiversity loss and support a balanced ecosystem. Additionally, by sourcing locally and optimizing my supply chain, I plan to reduce the need for extensive land use changes and deforestation associated with large-scale agriculture. Overall, my project intends to support the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, help manage forests responsibly, combat desertification, and promote biodiversity conservation, aligning with SDG 15.

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

By creating economic opportunities through the supply of affordable rice and beans from Northern Nigeria to Southern States, I aim to promote social stability and reduce economic disparities, which can help mitigate conflicts arising from inequality and lack of resources. I plan to engage in fair and transparent business practices, ensuring that all transactions and partnerships are conducted ethically. This promotes trust and accountability, which are essential for strong institutions. Additionally, my project will foster inclusivity by involving local communities and stakeholders in decision-making processes, ensuring that their voices are heard and respected. Overall, my project intends to support peaceful and inclusive societies, provide fair economic opportunities, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions, aligning with SDG 16.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

By establishing a network of suppliers, farmers, and distributors from Northern to Southern Nigeria, I aim to strengthen local and regional partnerships. These collaborations will help enhance the supply chain and ensure the efficient distribution of affordable rice and beans. I plan to work with local governments, NGOs, and community organizations to support sustainable agricultural practices and improve market access for small-scale farmers. This will promote economic development and strengthen the means of implementation. Additionally, my business model will emphasize transparency, accountability, and shared goals, fostering trust and cooperation among all stakeholders. Overall, my project intends to revitalize partnerships by promoting collaboration across sectors, supporting sustainable practices, and enhancing economic opportunities, aligning with SDG 17.

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.

6

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

My project is unique and innovative in several ways. While there are existing markets for rice and beans, my approach leverages the price disparity between Northern and Southern Nigeria to provide an affordable solution. This addresses a significant demand in the South where prices are higher. By sourcing directly from Northern farmers, the project ensures a steady supply of quality products at reduced costs, creating a competitive edge. The service represents an improvement on existing distribution methods by introducing efficient logistics and transportation systems, reducing wastage and ensuring timely delivery. This is not just an extension but a significant upgrade to current practices, enhancing the value chain from farm to market. Additionally, it responds to an unmet need by providing affordable staple foods to Southern regions, where such products are often expensive and less accessible. This new version of food distribution incorporates modern supply chain mechanisms.

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

Potential Competitors and Differentiation Main Competitors: 1. Local wholesalers and retailers distributing rice and beans in Southern states. 2. Supermarkets and grocery chains with diverse food products. 3. Other regional suppliers transporting food from the North to the South. Differentiation: 1. Direct Sourcing: Sourcing directly from Northern farmers ensures fresher produce and better prices, bypassing middlemen. 2. Cost Efficiency: Leveraging North-South price disparities to offer lower prices than local wholesalers and supermarkets. 3. Efficient Logistics: Streamlined logistics reduce wastage and ensure timely delivery, enhancing reliability. 4. Community Focus: Prioritizing fair trade and sustainability builds strong local relationships and ensures ethical operations. 5. Quality Assurance: Direct control over product quality ensures superior products compared to competitors.

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

My business model inherently supports gender diversity as I plan to source products from regions where women are often active participants in agricultural production. Additionally, I am committed to actively seeking partnerships with women-led cooperatives and associations in Taraba State to ensure equitable opportunities and fair representation in the supply chain. By fostering these relationships and promoting economic empowerment among women in agriculture, I aim to contribute positively to the entrepreneurial landscape, especially for female entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector.