Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Our project provides fresh vegetables year-round to Nigeria's growing population with innovative irrigation methods. This ensures continuous food availability, addresses seasonal scarcity, and promotes sustainable agriculture and enhancing food security.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Our startup is dedicated to achieving food security through year-round production of leafy and fruity vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, watermelons, celosia, amaranthus, and jute. These vegetables are vital for human nutrition. Our core objective is to ensure a steady supply of fresh produce throughout the year, mitigating seasonal shortages. By using innovative irrigation methods and advanced agricultural techniques, we enhance the availability and accessibility of nutritious food. Additionally, our project aims to generate employment opportunities and foster a production-oriented mindset within the community. We advocate for a shift from consumption-driven habits to a focus on production, promoting self-sufficiency and a resilient ecosystem. Our startup strives to positively impact the local economy and environment through sustainable practices, reducing dependency on imports, and improving overall quality of life. Ultimately, we envision empowering communities to pr

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

Our project addresses three critical issues: food insecurity, challenges of food importation, and unemployment. Food insecurity is a pressing concern, with the growing global population requiring innovative and sustainable methods for food production. We use advanced irrigation techniques to ensure the year-round availability of fresh vegetables, mitigating food scarcity. Reliance on imported food raises health concerns due to preservation methods that may pose risks. By focusing on local production, we ensure fresh, safe food, boosting the local economy and contributing to GDP growth. Unemployment in Nigeria is significant, and our project creates numerous job opportunities, providing stable income and improving quality of life. This initiative promotes a production-oriented mindset, encouraging agricultural engagement and reducing dependency on imports.

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

Our project offers several significant benefits that positively impact individuals, businesses, and the nation as a whole: Nutrition and Healthy Living: By providing fresh, locally-grown vegetables, our project enhances consumer health with essential vitamins and antioxidants, promoting a healthier lifestyle and preventing chronic diseases. Financial Independence for Wholesalers and Retailers: Our initiative creates opportunities for financial stability for wholesalers and retailers. Consistent availability of high-quality, local produce ensures steady revenue and business growth. Economic Growth: By boosting local food production and reducing import dependency, our project retains more capital within the country. This strengthens the agricultural sector, stimulates related industries, creates jobs, and increases GDP, leading to national food security and a resilient economy.

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

Our product serves two primary groups: consumers and middlemen, including wholesalers and retailers. Consumers: Our main goal is to meet the needs of the growing population by providing fresh, nutritious vegetables year-round. This ensures that individuals and families have access to essential nutrients necessary for good health. Our commitment to continuous production guarantees a stable supply of high-quality produce, supporting overall well-being and healthier, balanced diets. Middlemen (Wholesalers and Retailers): We also cater to middlemen, including wholesalers and retailers, who are crucial in the distribution chain. By offering a consistent supply of fresh produce, we enable these businesses to thrive. Wholesalers and retailers benefit from reliable, high-quality vegetables, meeting customer demand, achieving financial prosperity, and stimulating local economic growth. Partnering with us ensures a steady flow of products, enhancing their profitability and sustainability.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-06-29

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

1

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.)

The co-owner of our venture bring a diverse and complementary set of skills and experiences, ensuring successful management and operation. Business Administrator and Manager: The co-owner holds certifications in business administration and management, with extensive experience in selling, marketing, and negotiation. She manages the sales process, client relationships, and financial aspects, ensuring steady cash flow and profitability. Her skills in business operations and record-keeping ensure smooth and efficient business functions. Together, we form a dynamic team where each co-owner's unique expertise complements the other, creating a balanced and effective leadership structure.

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

https://www.facebook.com/strength.olu

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

Our project aims to eradicate poverty by providing substantial economic opportunities to all participants involved. From sourcing inputs to managing production and conducting sales and marketing activities, our entire value chain fosters financial independence and stability.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Our startup is committed to year-round food production, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh and nutritious food. By engaging in sustainable farming practices, we contribute directly to achieving 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

We produce healthy, toxin-free, and organically grown food that reaches consumers immediately after harvest. Our approach eliminates the need for harmful preservation methods, ensuring that our produce promotes good health and tastes great.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Beyond classroom learning, our project offers practical education in agricultural innovation and problem-solving. By translating theoretical knowledge into practical skills, we empower individuals to sustain themselves and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Our startup provides equal opportunities for both genders throughout its operations—from initial production stages to final product delivery. We prioritize inclusivity and ensure that everyone has an equal chance to thrive.

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

Our project does not directly involve issues related to clean water. Our focus is primarily on agricultural production and economic empowerment rather than water management.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

5

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

The debris or plant materials after production can be used as one of the components or material for biogas production.

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

By engaging in dignified and labor-intensive food production, we lay a solid foundation for economic growth. Our efforts create jobs and contribute positively to the local economy.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Our produce serves as raw materials for various industrial innovations, thereby supporting infrastructure development and enhancing overall productivity.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Our focus on food security and employment opportunities fosters positive relationships between nations, contributing to reduced inequality. We promote mutual respect and cooperation in achieving sustainable livelihoods.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Our startup plays a pivotal role in enhancing sustainability through food security, employment generation, and the promotion of zero hunger initiatives within local communities.

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

We maintain a balanced approach between food production and consumption, ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently and sustainably.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Through our cultivation practices, we contribute to environmental preservation by producing oxygen-rich crops that aid in climate regulation and reduce ozone depletion.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

2

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

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

Our startup enhances land productivity and biodiversity by promoting sustainable agricultural practices that support life and nutrition.

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

4

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

Our project fosters peace and sustainability by promoting economic stability and equitable practices within our operations and community engagements.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Collaboration is essential for the success of our startup. By forging partnerships, we ensure sustainable development and collective responsibility in achieving shared 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.

2

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

2

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

2

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.

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

Our startup stands out through innovative agricultural methods that enable year-round production. Our approach is unique in the local business environment, driving development and progress.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

The local farmers are the major competitors. The innovation of precision farming techniques and water management, access to improved variety of seeds and input for optimum production are what make us standout.

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

Yes. Incorporating them into less physically strenuous activities in my production chain and opening their eyes to value chain that are consistent with their strength. For example, giving them accounting and records jobs to do. Training them on seedling production and managements, input sourcing and logistics.