Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

DigitAgric is a circular agribusiness that transforms agricultural wastes into organic fertilizers, revitalizing soil, enhancing farmers' yields, and combatting climate change. Our circular model promotes regenerative agriculture, and benefiting farmers.+

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

DigitAgric pioneers a scalable model converting agricultural by-products into affordable biochar and biochar-fortified fertilizer, aiming to renew soil fertility, enhance smallholder yields, and combat climate change. Biochar, from smokeless rice husks, enriches soil without emissions. We blend biochar with organic nutrients, tackling poor soil health and food insecurity. As a circular agribusiness, DigitAgric promotes regenerative agriculture, benefiting farmers and soil health.

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

Nigeria's 38 million smallholder farmers, 20% of the population, grapple with climate change, soil degradation, and food insecurity. Soil erosion and chemical deterioration affect 2 billion hectares globally. Farmers face declining productivity due to costly imported fertilizers. Addressing soil degradation is crucial globally and locally. Rising fertilizer costs exacerbate food price hikes across Africa.

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

DigitAgric provides a sustainable solution to Nigeria's fertilizer challenges. Unlike imported options, our biochar-based fertilizer is affordable, environmentally friendly, and enhances soil health. By blending compost, biochar, and natural nutrients, we offer smallholder farmers a balanced product that nourishes crops and revitalizes degraded soil. Our approach integrates traditional wisdom with modern technology, ensuring long-term benefits for farmers. Moreover, our fertilizer aids in carbon sequestration, mitigating climate change effects by trapping carbon in the soil for extended periods. DigitAgric stands as a beacon of innovation, offering scalable solutions to enhance agricultural sustainability and combat climate change in Nigeria.

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

DigitAgric targets smallholder farmers in Nigeria, offering affordable, sustainable fertilizers to combat soil degradation and low crop yields. Beneficiaries include farmers, rural communities, the environment, and the national economy. By enhancing soil health, mitigating climate change, and fostering economic growth, DigitAgric aims to empower farmers and revitalize agriculture in Nigeria.

01.05 When was your company established?

2021-07-19

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

2

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

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

Ayanwale Temitope (Full time) Co-Founder Head of Research and Development B.Sc. (Botany) University of Ilorin +10 years of experience in plants morphology Oluwaremilekun Seun (Full Time) Co-founder Head of Farmer Engagement B.Sc. Agricultural Economics and Extension Kogi State University, Nigeria. +5 years of experience in extension services

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

https://digitagric.aboutus.ng/

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

DigitAgric aims to eradicate poverty among smallholder farmers in Nigeria by equipping them with the knowledge and resources to utilize organic fertilizer effectively, thereby enhancing their livelihoods and increasing their income.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Through the promotion of biochar and biochar fortified fertilizer usage, DigitAgric endeavors to enhance soil fertility and boost crop yields, thereby contributing significantly to ensuring food security and fostering sustainable agricultural practices

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

By promoting the use of biochar and providing alternative solutions to open field burning of agricultural waste, we help reduce PM2.5 emissions and other air pollutants.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

We also believe in the power of collaboration to achieve the SDGs. We educate our suppliers on the importance of the SDGs and encourage them to incorporate sustainable practices in their operations. We aim to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and contribute to a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Our project promotes gender equality by actively engaging and empowering female farmers, ensuring they have equal access to resources, training, and decision-making processes.

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

We are not involved in water and sanitation.

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

We are not involved in clean energy.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Our project generates local employment opportunities in biochar production, distribution, and management, fostering economic growth and decent work opportunities in the community.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

5

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

We are not committed to i

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

DigitAgric is committed to empowering smallholder farmers to increase their income by offering an affordable organic fertilizer. Our aim is to double farm yields and enhance soil nutrient levels, enabling farmers to maximize their earnings from agricultural activities.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

We are not committed to this.

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

Through the production of biochar and biochar-based fertilizers, we actively contribute to ensuring food security and the sustainable production of food. Our focus on providing these products directly supports agricultural sustainability and helps guarantee the availability of food for all.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

The sequestration of carbon through biochar application helps mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing climate resilience in agriculture.

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

We are not committed to this.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Biochar production utilizes agricultural waste, reducing waste and pressure on forests, while its application improves soil health, supporting ecosystem preservation and restoration.

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

We are not committed to this.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Support the Goals by rewarding businesses for supporting the Sustainable Development Goals.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

6

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.08 Justification for my startup

DigitAgric's products are innovative due to biochar-based formulation, promoting soil health and higher yields sustainably. We prioritize organic practices, offering affordable solutions for smallholder farmers. With long-term benefits like climate resilience, they stand out from conventional fertilizers, addressing both economic and environmental challenges faced by farmers.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

DigitAgric faces competition from established players in Nigeria's agricultural input market, including: Golden Fertilizer Company Limited BEJAFTA Chemical and Agro Allied Services Nitromobil International Nigeria Ltd NITROMOBIL INTERNATIONAL NIG LTD Candel Company Limited. Despite this competition, DigitAgric's distinct emphasis on affordability, sustainability, and farmer empowerment positions it uniquely in the market. Through these strengths, DigitAgric aims to differentiate itself and establish a niche presence, catering specifically to the needs of smallholder farmers and offering innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture.

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

No