Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

The Good Shepherd Farms revolutionize meat production through sustainable and ethical poultry farming systems. By cultivating premium quality livestocks, solving malnutrition, hunger and empowering local communities while minimizing environmental impact.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

The Good Shepherd Farms is a broiler poultry farm focused on healthy poultry meat production, good bios We are a broiler poultry farm dedicated to raising healthy, high quality chickens in Aluu, Rivers State, Nigeria. We go beyond simply producing meat; we are passionate about building a sustainable and responsible broiler production system. Whether you are a local retailer of poultry birds seeking premium birds or a restaurant looking for consistently delicious and healthy chicken, our farm delivers the difference you can taste. Our journey with broiler chickens began with our passion for farming and contributing positively to the society while making profit. Fueled the desire to provide healthy food choices, create a sustainable business, reduce hunger, creat job opportunities for community members and solving the problem of malnutrition. We embarked on this venture with a commitment to raising birds that are not only healthy but also raised with respect for their well being.

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

The Good Shepherd Farms aims to solve the problem of malnutrition, hunger, unemployment, livestock farming lack of education, while minimizing environmental impact. We are able to produce premium quality poultry birds for the local market reducing it’s scarcity. And ensuring a proper management systems which includes good bio security measures and proper sanitation to reduce it’s effects on the environment.

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

The quality of farmed chicken is fresh and tender, healthy and safe, and there are no drug residue in the birds at cropping. Many consumers like it very much. We ensure that the health of our birds and the consumers are of paramount concern.

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

We strategically target local retailers of broiler chicken meat, direct consumers, restaurants, etc. As the demand for chicken meat in Nigeria is high and continues to grow due to increasing population and urbanization. The the broiler production market is struggling to meet this demand, and The Good Shepherd Farms contributes greatly meeting market demand.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-02-04

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.)

I am the owner of the Good Shepherd Farms and also the farm manager. My name is Burabari Nleera, I am a 25 years old young woman who hails from Gokana LGA in Rivers State. A trained and certified livestock farmer in poultry, snail, and fish farming. Dr. Ikendah Nyovele is the co- owner of The Good Shepherd Farms. He’s a 30 years old young farmer who hails from Emuoha LGA in Rivers State. He has experience raising birds since he was a child, and has raised poultry birds along side his late father while at his tender age till he grew up. We both have great family background and experiences in farming. Also having a common goal and vision for farming we came together with our resources to start up The Good Shepherd Farms.

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

https://www.tiktok.com/@thegoodshepherdfarms?_t=8nDBW37TWWU&_r=1

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

We Empower Local Communities through Sustainable Farming System. The Good Shepherd Farms is not just a broiler poultry farm. It is a catalyst for economic empowerment. We raise healthy, high-quality chickens using sustainable practices, fostering a thriving local food system and creating opportunities for the local community. Our focus on sourcing local feed and supplies strengthens the agricultural network in the region. This creates jobs, keeps resources circulating within the community, and reduces our environmental footprint. We provide fair wages and a safe work environment for our employees. This empowers our team and injects vital income into local households. By supplying live and fresh chicken, we contribute to the region's food security. This translates to greater access to healthy protein for local families, promoting well-being and reducing reliance on external food sources.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

The Good Shepherd Farms is passionate about tackling food insecurity. We raise healthy, high-quality broiler chickens using sustainable and environmental conscious practices, providing a reliable source of protein for our community and contributing to the fight against zero hunger. Our farm directly addresses the protein gap by offering a readily available and affordable source of healthy chicken. This ensures access to essential nutrients for families facing food insecurity, promoting well-being and overall health. We prioritize raising healthy birds with high-protein feed formulations. This translates to nutritious chicken that nourishes families without breaking the bank, we offer discounted chicken packages for low-income families and the populance at large. Our focus on local production reduces transportation costs and minimizes food waste. This translates into more resources reaching local communities and ensures fresh, high-quality chicken on local tables.

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

At The Good Shepherd Farms we believe healthy chickens lead to healthy communities. We raise our broilers with a focus on well-being, offering a delicious and nutritious protein source that supports families health. We prioritize high-protein, balanced feed formulations for our poultry birds. This translates to chicken rich in essential nutrients like protein, iron, and B vitamins, etc vital for building strong bodies and supporting overall good health well-being. Our commitment to biosecurity and responsible practices ensures our chickens are raised in a healthy environment, this minimizes stress and promotes their overall health, resulting in a bird that is naturally leaner and healthier. Our focus on local production means our chicken arrives on the table fresh and delivers a superior taste. This encourages healthy eating habits and allows you to enjoy all the health benefits chicken offers.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

We are passionate about sharing this knowledge with future generations. We offer educational farm tours and workshops for students and interested community members. These interactive experiences provide hands-on learning about responsible poultry farming practices, the importance of biosecurity, and the journey from farm to table. By exposing young minds to the realities of agriculture, we spark an interest in food systems, and responsible resource management. These experiences can inspire future careers in agriculture, veterinary science, and environmental sustainability. The Good Shepherd Farms believes education is key to building a more informed and sustainable future. By sharing our knowledge, we empower the next generation to make healthy choices and contribute to a thriving food system.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

At The Good Shepherd Farms, we believe in fostering a work environment that empowers everyone. We raise high-quality broilers using sustainable practices, and we are committed to promoting gender equality within the agricultural sector. Traditionally, poultry farming can be a male dominated field. However, at here, we actively promote opportunities for women in agriculture. We offer equal advancement opportunities for all genders, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment. We provide training and mentorship programs specifically for women working at our farm. This empowers them to develop their skills, gain confidence, and take on leadership roles within the operation. We recognize the vital role women play in local food systems. By supporting and empowering women in our workforce, we contribute to the economic well-being of their families, the broader community and builds more equitable future for all.

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

At The Good Shepherd Farms, we prioritize raising healthy chickens while protecting our environment. We achieve this through a commitment to clean water and proper sanitation practices, ensuring the well-being of our birds and responsible resource management. We provide our chickens with access to clean, fresh water at all times. This not only hydrates them but also aids digestion and promotes overall health. We utilize water quality testing to ensure consistent purity. Our biosecurity measures prioritize sanitation to prevent the spread of disease. This includes regular cleaning and disinfection of chicken coops, equipment, and water lines. We minimize the use of antibiotics through preventive measures, contributing to a healthier flock and a safer environment. We implement water conservation pra

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

3

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

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

At The Good Shepherd Farms, we raise premium broilers while creating opportunities for our community. We offer fair wages, safe working conditions, and prioritize local hiring, injecting vital income and promoting decent work for a thriving 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

The Good Shepherd Farms, is not just about raising quality broilers, we are at the forefront of innovation. We embrace new technologies and practices to improve efficiency, minimize environmental impact, and set a new standard for broiler production. This includes exploring areas like; Researching alternative feed sources that minimize environmental impact while maintaining bird health. Utilizing innovative technologies for disease prevention and monitoring to ensure optimal flock health. Implementing efficient waste management systems to reduce our environmental footprint and explore potential uses for chicken manure as fertilizer. Our farm contributes to a more sustainable and efficient broiler industry, paving the way for a brighter future.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Creating a more equitable food system is one thing we take into great consideration. We raise high-quality broilers using sustainable practices, and we are committed to reducing inequalities within our community by prioritizing offering our chickens at a competitive price, ensuring access to a healthy protein source for families facing food insecurity. Providing fair wages and safe working conditions for all employees, regardless of background. We source feed and supplies from local businesses whenever possible, contributing to economic opportunities for minority-owned businesses in our community. By focusing on affordability, fair labor, and local partnerships, our farm fosters a more inclusive food system and helps bridge the gap towards reduced inequalities.

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

Our focus on local production reduces transportation emissions associated with long-distance chicken transport. This translates to a smaller environmental footprint and a more sustainable food system within our community. We implement composting programs for chicken manure, transforming waste into a valuable fertilizer for local farms and gardens. This reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers and promotes healthy soil in our community. We source feed and supplies from local businesses whenever possible, contributing to the economic well-being of our community and minimizing reliance on external resources. By prioritizing local production, responsible waste management, and supporting local businesses, we foster a more sustainable and resilient community for future generations.

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 understand the importance of responsible consumption and production. We raise high-quality broilers using sustainable practices, minimizing our environmental footprint and empowering conscious consumers. We prioritize biosecurity, minimizing the need for antibiotics and reducing waste. Responsible production practices like these translate to healthier birds and a smaller environmental impact. We believe in transparency. You can learn about our sustainable practices. Additionally, we optimize feed conversion rates, minimizing resource use per bird raised.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

In our farm we raise premium quality broilers while actively combating climate change. We understand the impact of industrial agriculture and are committed to sustainable practices that minimize our environmental footprint focusing on local production minimizes the need for long-distance chicken transportation, significantly lowering carbon emissions associated with fuel use.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

The Good Shepherd Farms raises healthy broilers while respecting the land that sustains us. We prioritize animal welfare, our birds have ample space and humane treatment, promoting their well-being. We minimize waste and it’s impact on our surroundings, conserve water, and nurture the land for the present and future generations. Our commitment fosters a healthy ecosystem and ensures a sustainable future for poultry farming and the land we all depend on.

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

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

At The Good Shepherd Farms, we believe collaboration is key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We partner with local businesses, educators, and community organizations to educate them on responsible food choices, source supplies and collaborate with local businesses, share best practices and advocate for sustainable agriculture. Together, we can build a more prosperous and sustainable future for our community and the planet.

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.

2

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

2

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.

4

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

6

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

4

06.08 Justification for my startup

Though there are large numbers who already use poultry meat the demands is still very high compare to the supply and Nigerian’s continues to struggle to meet up with the necessary demand.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

In the poultry business, some major competitors in the industry in the region includes Micheal farms, Pro-eminent farms, among others. My strength is in the unique quality of my bird production, and local community considerations, and my strategic marketing and geographical location which has earned me good customer even as a new poultry farmer.

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

Yes, I just starting my business The Good Shepherd Farms in February 2024 and my first employee is a woman. I believe I will be able to motivate young women especially in the farming business sector, to prevent them from seeing it jas just a dirty job, but as a great source of income and also a great solution to most of the country’s needs.