Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Green Harvest Aquaponics Farm merges aquaculture and hydroponics into a sustainable system, producing organic vegetables and fish year-round. Using advanced tech, it promotes eco-friendly farming and community education.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Project Description: Green Harvest Aquaponics Farm is an innovative project designed to merge aquaculture and hydroponics into a single, efficient, and sustainable farming system. By harnessing the natural symbiosis between fish and plants, we aim to create a closed-loop ecosystem where fish waste provides vital nutrients for plants, and plants naturally filter the water for the fish. Key Features: Sustainable Integration: Our farm utilizes a closed-loop system that recycles water and nutrients, minimizing waste and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Year-Round Production: With controlled environmental conditions, we can produce fresh, organic vegetables and fish throughout the year, ensuring a consistent supply for local communities. Advanced Technology: We will implement state-of-the-art monitoring systems to optimize water quality, nutrient levels, and plant health, enhancing productivity and sustainability. Educational Hub:

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

Inefficiency of Traditional Agriculture: Heavy reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides leads to soil degradation and water pollution. Environmental Impact: Conventional farming practices contribute significantly to the carbon footprint and environmental degradation. Water Usage: Traditional farming methods consume large amounts of water, leading to resource depletion. Unsustainable Aquaculture Practices: Overfishing and unsustainable practices harm marine ecosystems and threaten food security. Waste and Pollution: Traditional agriculture and aquaculture generate substantial waste and pollution, impacting ecosystems negatively. Food Security: Dependence on non-local food sources increases vulnerability to supply chain disruptions and reduces local food security. Carbon Footprint of Transportation: Long-distance transportation of food contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental damage. Lack of Awareness:

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

Major Benefits of Aquaponics: 1. Environmental Sustainability: -Reduced Chemical Use: Aquaponics eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, promoting a healthier ecosystem and reducing pollution. - Water Efficiency: The closed-loop system recycles water, using up to 90% less water than traditional soil-based agriculture. 2. Consistent and Local Food Supply: - Year-Round Production: Controlled environmental conditions allow for continuous, year-round production of fresh vegetables and fish. - Food Security: Local production enhances food security by reducing dependence on external food sources and mitigating supply chain risks. 3. Economic and Educational Opportunities: - Job Creation: Aquaponics farms create jobs in farming, technology, and education, contributing to local economies. - Educational Value: Aquaponics serves as an educational tool, offering workshops and training sessions to raise awareness.

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

Local Communities and Consumers: Access to Fresh, Organic Produce: Aquaponics provides local communities with a reliable supply of fresh, organic vegetables and fish, enhancing food security and promoting healthier diets. Educational Opportunities: Community members benefit from workshops, tours, and training sessions that raise awareness and understanding of sustainable farming practices. Environmental Advocates and Sustainable Agriculture Enthusiasts: Eco-Friendly Food Production: Individuals and organizations dedicated to environmental sustainability benefit from the reduced chemical use, water efficiency, and lower carbon footprint of aquaponics. Model for Sustainable Practices: Aquaponics serves as a replicable model for those looking to implement or support sustainable agricultural practices in their own regions or initiatives.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-06-12

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?

2

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

Moyinoluwa Akinyemi (CTO) Bsc, Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. Ayomide Faye (COO), Bsc, Microbiology, Edexcel University, Benin Republic.

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

linkedin.com/in/faye-mayowa-b19701192

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

l) Farming

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Aquaponics contributes to the No Poverty goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by providing sustainable economic opportunities and enhancing food security. By establishing aquaponics farms, we create jobs in farming, technology, and education sectors, directly improving local economies and providing stable employment for community members. This job creation helps lift people out of poverty by offering fair wages and skill development. Additionally, aquaponics systems can be set up in urban and rural areas, making fresh, organic produce and fish accessible to underserved communities. This local food production reduces reliance on expensive, imported foods and lowers food costs, directly addressing hunger and malnutrition. By ensuring a reliable supply of nutritious food, aquaponics improves the health and productivity of individuals, enabling them to pursue educational and economic opportunities more effectively.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Aquaponics significantly contributes to the Zero Hunger goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by enhancing food security and providing nutritious food. By integrating aquaculture and hydroponics, aquaponics creates a highly efficient food production system that yields fresh, organic vegetables and fish year-round. This consistent, local supply of nutritious food directly addresses hunger and malnutrition, particularly in underserved and food-insecure communities. Aquaponics systems can be established in both urban and rural areas, making it possible to grow food locally and reduce dependence on imported goods. This not only lowers food costs but also ensures that fresh produce is available to communities that might otherwise lack access to healthy options. By promoting local food production, aquaponics reduces the vulnerability of communities to supply chain disruptions and increases their resilience.

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

Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3): Nutritious Food Supply: Provides fresh, organic vegetables and fish, promoting healthier diets and reducing diet-related diseases. Chemical-Free Production: Eliminates the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers, reducing exposure to toxic chemicals.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Educational Programs: Hands-On Learning: Offers workshops, tours, and training sessions that provide practical, hands-on education in sustainable agriculture and aquaponics systems. Curriculum Integration: Can be incorporated into school and university curricula, teaching students about biology, ecology, and sustainable practices. Skill Development: Vocational Training: Provides vocational training opportunities in farming, technology, and environmental management, equipping individuals with valuable skills for the job market. Entrepreneurship: Encourages entrepreneurial skills by teaching individuals how to set up and manage their own aquaponics farms. Community Engagement: Public Awareness: Raises awareness about sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship through community engagement and educational outreach. Collaborative Learning: Promotes collaborative learning environments where individuals from diverse backgrounds can share knowledge and best practices.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Empowering Women: Inclusive Employment: Provides equal employment opportunities for women in farming, technology, and education sectors. Entrepreneurship: Encourages women to start their own aquaponics farms, promoting economic independence and leadership. Education and Training: Skill Development: Offers training programs that equip women with the skills needed for sustainable agriculture, enhancing their employability and career prospects. Community Involvement: Engages women in community education and outreach, fostering leadership and participation in sustainable practices.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6): Water Efficiency: Uses up to 90% less water than traditional farming, conserving water resources. Water Recycling: The closed-loop system recycles water, maintaining clean and sustainable water use.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

Energy Efficiency: Low Energy Consumption: Utilizes energy-efficient technologies to minimize energy use in water circulation and aeration systems. Renewable Energy Integration: Can incorporate renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power to further reduce the carbon footprint.

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

Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8): Job Creation: Creates employment opportunities in farming, technology, and education sectors. Skill Development: Offers training programs, enhancing skills and employability in sustainable agriculture.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Innovative Farming Techniques: Advanced Systems: Implements cutting-edge aquaponics systems that optimize food production and resource use. Technological Integration: Uses state-of-the-art monitoring and control technologies to enhance productivity and sustainability. Sustainable Infrastructure: Resilient Systems: Develops resilient food production infrastructure that can withstand environmental changes and supply chain disruptions. Scalable Models: Provides scalable models of sustainable agriculture that can be replicated in various regions.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Inclusive Opportunities: Economic Inclusion: Creates job opportunities for marginalized groups, helping to reduce economic disparities. Access to Nutritious Food: Ensures equitable access to fresh, organic produce, addressing food insecurity in underserved communities.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11): Urban Agriculture: Integrates food production into urban areas, increasing access to fresh food and promoting green spaces. Community Engagement: Fosters community involvement and education in sustainable practices.

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

Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12): Resource Efficiency: Maximizes resource use, reducing waste and environmental impact. Local Production: Encourages local consumption, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Climate Action (SDG 13): Reduced Emissions: Lowers carbon footprint through local food production and reduced transportation needs. Sustainable Practices: Promotes eco-friendly farming methods that mitigate climate change impacts.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

Life Below Water (SDG 14): Sustainable Aquaculture: Provides a sustainable alternative to overfishing, protecting marine ecosystems. Water Purification: Plants in the system help purify water, reducing pollution and maintaining aquatic health.

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

Life on Land (SDG 15): Biodiversity Conservation: Reduces the need for land conversion and habitat destruction associated with traditional farming. Soil Health: Minimizes soil degradation by eliminating the need for soil-based agriculture and chemical inputs.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

Community Resilience: Food Security: Enhances community resilience by ensuring a stable food supply, reducing potential conflicts over resources. Social Cohesion: Strengthens social cohesion through community-based educational and farming initiatives. Transparency and Fair Practices: Fair Employment: Promotes fair labor practices and equitable opportunities for all workers. Ethical Standards: Adheres to ethical standards in sustainable farming, contributing to responsible and just institutions.

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

Collaborative Efforts: Global Partnerships: Fosters partnerships with governments, NGOs, educational institutions, and private sectors to promote sustainable agriculture. Knowledge Sharing: Facilitates the exchange of best practices and innovations in aquaponics globally. Capacity Building: Community Training: Provides training and resources to local communities, enhancing their capacity to implement sustainable farming practices. Support Networks: Establishes support networks for aquaponics practitioners, encouraging collaboration and mutual assistance.

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

4

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

4

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

3

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

5

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

5

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

4

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

5

06.08 Justification for my startup

Our aquaponics system is a unique and innovative approach to sustainable agriculture. By seamlessly integrating aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics (soilless plant cultivation), we create a closed-loop ecosystem where fish waste provides essential nutrients for plant growth, while plants naturally filter and purify the water for the fish. This method drastically reduces water usage by up to 90% compared to traditional farming and eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The result is a highly efficient, environmentally friendly system that produces fresh, organic vegetables and fish year-round, offering a sustainable solution to food production and addressing both local food security and environmental challenges.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Main competitors for aquaponics include traditional agriculture, hydroponics, and conventional aquaculture systems. Traditional farming relies heavily on soil and extensive water use, while hydroponics and aquaculture often operate separately without the integrated benefits of a combined system. Our aquaponics setup stands out by offering a closed-loop system that maximizes resource efficiency and sustainability. Unlike competitors, we eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, conserve up to 90% more water, and produce both fresh vegetables and fish year-round. Our focus on local, organic food production and educational community engagement further differentiates us, fostering a healthier environment and stronger local economies.

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

Yes, Through Empower me build a nation initiative created by me.