Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

My project fights vascular event in Nigeria by developing affordable bad cholesterol-reducing feed for chickens and pigs, while promoting cardiovascular-healthy cayenne pepper farming and education.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

My startup is a social enterprise focused on tackling vascular event in my community through affordable, and accessible solutions. It has two main aspects: 1. Livestock Feed Modification: I designed a cardiovascular-healthy feed for poultry and pigs, leveraging my skills in animal nutrition and feed formulation to lowering bad cholesterol content in meat without affecting affordability or quality. 2. Cayenne Pepper Integration: I will introduce cayenne pepper farming and educate the community on its heart-protective properties. By incorporating it into meals we can potentially reduce stroke risk; by infusing it in livestock feed, it lowers bad cholesterol in meat and also reduces reliance on antibiotics at the farm. This project collaborates with local farmers, agricultural experts, and community leaders to ensure its long-term success. By promoting healthy eating habits and supporting local agriculture, it aims to improve the well-being of my community while empowering its people.

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

My project tackles a critical public health issue in my community: rising cholesterol levels due to the consumption of affordable, yet unhealthy protein sources like pork-lard and chicken-skin. This dietary choice, driven by economic limitations, increases the risk of stroke, particularly among the vulnerable population in their 50s. Here is the strategy: 1. I have developed a cost-effective livestock feed that lowers bad cholesterol in farm animals. This is achieved through a well-balanced energy-to-protein ratio at different growth stages. 2. The feed is infused with cayenne pepper, a natural ingredient with proven bad cholesterol-reducing properties. This will further enhance the meat quality produced. 3. Educating locals on growing cayenne pepper, enhancing their knowledge and providing economic opportunities. The goal is to create a healthier future for my community, one where affordability doesn't compromise health, and where knowledge and innovation empower a thriving economy.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

My startup/community development project is focused on healthier eating habits. My product offers several benefits: 1. Improved Cardiovascular Health: My product/service aims to reduce bad cholesterol in livestock by modifying their feed, leveraging my expertise in Animal Nutrition, and also introduce cayenne pepper known for its heart-protective benefits. This will lead to a decrease in bad cholesterol levels in the community and a lower risk of stroke. Stroke is a leading cause of death in my community. 2. Enhanced Livelihoods: Farmers will benefit from increased income through adopting my feed formulations and cultivating cayenne pepper. The project will create new market opportunities for healthy meat and pepper sales. 3. Empowered Community: Educational workshops will raise awareness about healthy food choices, sustainable agriculture, and the benefits of incorporating cayenne pepper into diets. This will empower the community to make informed decisions about their well-being.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

My product targets two beneficiary groups: 1. Community Residents: The product aims to improve the health of residents in my community, particularly those over 50 years of age, who are most vulnerable to stroke. By providing affordable, cardiovascular-healthy meat options and educating them about healthy eating practices, the product seeks to reduce stroke risk. 2. Local Farmers: The product/service introduces new livestock feed formulations and will train farmers on cayenne pepper cultivation. This will empower farmers with new skills and knowledge, potentially increasing their income through sales of healthy meat, bad cholesterol-reducing feed, and cayenne pepper.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-11-07

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

0

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

0

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

God'spower Efe Ujewe is the sole founder of this startup initiative focused on improving community health through innovative agricultural practices. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Animal Science, research experience on sustainable practices, and online volunteer work with the United Nations Volunteers on food production and healthy diets. The focus is on my individual expertise in animal nutrition and agricultural interventions to achieve a healthier community.

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

https://www.linkedin.com/in/god-s-power-ujewe-478179188

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

b) Materials (agriculture, fishing, chemical products, construction materials, containers and packaging, metals and mining, paper and forest products)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

4

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

My startup addresses Zero Hunger in a few ways: 1. Increased Food Availability: The project focuses on healthier livestock production, potentially improving yields and overall food availability. 2. Improved Nutritional Quality: The project aims to reduce bad cholesterol in meat, potentially creating a more nutritious food source. 3. Dietary Diversity: The introduction of Cayenne pepper farming encourages diversification of crops, which can lead to more balanced diets. However, the project targets the production side of hunger. While this can address availability to a large extent, affordability is also a major factor that the project also addresses. Overall, the project has a positive impact on Zero Hunger.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

My startup contributes to the Good Health and Well-being goal (SDG 3) strongly. Here's why: 1. My startup directly addresses a major risk factor for stroke, a leading cause of death in my community, by lowering bad cholesterol levels in meat through livestock diet modification. 2. I plan to introduce cayenne pepper farming, which has cardiovascular health-protective properties, promoting its integration into diets. 3. I will emphasize education and awareness campaigns to empower the community to make informed food choices for better health. These initiatives combined directly target SDG 3 by ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being through preventative measures and dietary improvements.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

4

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

My startup directly tackles responsible consumption and production in several ways: 1. Addresses unhealthy consumption patterns: By providing affordable, cardiovascular-healthy meat options and promoting cayenne pepper consumption, the product reduces reliance on unhealthy fats and encourages responsible dietary choices. 2. Sustainable production practices: The product focuses on modifying livestock feed formulations, potentially reducing environmental impact compared to conventional methods. 3. Local production and sourcing: The initiative promotes local cayenne pepper farming, decreasing reliance on imported goods and shortening the food supply chain. 4. Empowering informed consumption: Educational workshops raise awareness about healthy eating and the benefits of locally produced food, promoting responsible consumption habits. Overall, the startup tackles both responsible production (through sustainable practices and local sourcing), and responsible consumption.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

5

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

5

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

1 - Strongly Disagree

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

1 - Strongly Disagree

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

1 - Strongly Disagree

06.08 Justification for my startup

While there might be existing bad cholesterol-reducing solutions or cardiovascular-healthy foods, my project combines these aspects in a unique way: • Multifaceted Approach: I am not just offering a single product, but a system that tackles affordability, cardiovascular health, and empowers farmers. • Focus on affordability: If any, existing bad cholesterol-reducing feed solutions are not accessible in my community. My focus on cost-effective bad cholesterol-reducing feed and locally produced cayenne pepper addresses this gap. • Cayenne Pepper Integration: While the concept of bad cholesterol-reducing feed or cardiovascular-healthy meat might exist, incorporating cayenne pepper directly into the livestock feed is a unique innovation. In essence, my project isn't entirely new, but it combines and adapts existing ideas to address a specific community's needs in a fresh and innovative way.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Direct competitors for the bad cholesterol-reducing feed are very unlikely due to the niche focus on affordability and local production. Although livestock feed companies might offer similar products, but likely at a higher cost. The real competition lies in the habit of consuming unhealthy fats. My project stands out by: 1. Targeting affordability: Making cardiovascular-healthy meat accessible to those priced out of existing options. 2. Community education: Shifting mindsets towards healthier choices and empowering informed consumption. 3. Integrated cayenne pepper: Adding a natural, local source of bad cholesterol-reduction alongside the feed. 4. Energy to Protein ratio balancing: Leveraging my expertise, my well balanced rations edged, as they naturally lower bad cholesterol in livestock through a unique energy-protein ratio balancing. This multi-faceted approach goes beyond just selling of feed, but creating a unique community-driven solution for vascular event (stroke).

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

The project itself inherently empowers women in the community. For example: • Economic Opportunities for Women Farmers: The project encourages women farmers to cultivate cayenne pepper, livestock farming, and sales of bad cholesterol- reducing livestock feed, potentially creating a new source of income and economic empowerment. • Educational Workshops: Women in the community can participate in educational workshops, gaining knowledge about healthy eating and potentially becoming advocates for themselves and their families. Even though the project isn't solely focused on female entrepreneurship, it fosters an environment where women can benefit economically and gain valuable knowledge.