Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

This project is a sustainable agricultural initiative that transforms cassava peels sourced from local farmers into valuable products for industrial use. This project empowers the local farmers and also helps the industrial companies maximize profits.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Malcharis is an agriculture startup in Nigeria that is actively using agricultural waste products as alternative raw materials for animal feeds, also helping farmers maximise profits from the wastes generated, improving the value chain of agricultural commodities. Nigeria is the highest producer of cassava in the World with concomitant generation of millions of tons of solid wastes yearly that degrades the environment with serious implication on human health. There is need, therefore to properly manage these wastes for sustainable environment. In alignment with SDGs 1, 2, 3 & 8 which are No poverty, Zero hunger, Good health and well-being then Decent work and economic growth respectively, we are able to increase profits for farmers and end users by making available alternative raw materials in order to make more food available and also create a good livelihood in a decent world.

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

Nigeria is the highest producer of cassava in the World with concomitant generation of millions of tons of solid and liquid wastes. These wastes are indiscriminately disposed into the environment causing degradation with attendant serious health hazards to both plants and animals. Cassava production and processing also generates a lot of solid and liquid wastes that degrades the environment with serious implication on human health. There is need, therefore, to properly manage these wastes for sustainable environment.

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

The major benefits of using our product include: 1. Environmental Sustainability: By converting cassava peels into valuable products, our company contributes to reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices in agriculture. This environmentally friendly approach can attract eco-conscious industrial companies. 2. Cost-Effectiveness: Utilizing cassava peels as a raw material can be a cost-effective solution for industrial companies compared to traditional inputs. Highlighting the economic advantages of your product/service can be a strong selling point for potential investors. 3. Value Addition: Our company adds value to cassava peels by processing them into products that meet the needs of industrial companies. This value addition enhances the marketability of your offerings and positions our business as a key player in the agricultural processing industry.

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

Our startup's product is aimed at serving industrial companies that require raw materials for their manufacturing processes. These companies benefit from the high-quality processed cassava peels provided by our company, which can be used as inputs in their production activities. By targeting industrial companies as beneficiaries, our company aligns with the needs of these industrial companies seeking sustainable and cost-effective solutions for their operations. Our target beneficiaries are industrial companies like Olam, Hybrid and Flour Mills of Nigeria e.t.c

01.05 When was your company established?

2024-01-03

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.)

Mr. Precious Oluwasayo is an intelligent and insightful young man with a focus on quality control. He does the whole quality check of all the products we procure and makes sure it meets the standard of our Market. Miss. Deborah Atinuke is an excellent, intelligent and detailed lady who is actively involved in the finances of our company. She is the Head of finance as she helps to keep records of every transaction in the company.

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

https://www.instagram.com/malcharis_inc?igsh=MWdidTJiNnBqcHQ0NA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

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

By providing local farmers with economic opportunities through the sourcing of cassava peels, our startup significantly contributes to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of ending poverty. Our company helps farmers improve their income and standard of living by interacting with them and offering a market for their agricultural byproducts, which eventually lowers the amount of poverty in the community. This immediate effect on the regional economy demonstrates our dedication to poverty reduction and sustainable development.

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 procurement of cassava peels, our startup makes a substantial contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target of Zero Hunger by giving local farmers access to new markets. Our startup helps farmers improve their income and standard of living by interacting with them and giving them a market for their agricultural byproducts, which eventually lowers hunger and food insecurity in the neighbourhood. This immediate effect on the community's economy is indicative of our dedication to hunger alleviation and sustainable development.

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

Our enterprise makes a substantial contribution to the community's health and well-being by processing cassava peels from nearby farmers and selling them to industrial companies. The toxic component of cassava is embedded in the peels, and when rain or sunlight causes this dangerous material—cyanide—to leak into the atmosphere, it can seriously harm farmers' health. Through the effective use of cassava peels, our company contributes to waste reduction and farmer welfare preservation.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Working with both men and women in the neighbourhood, our startup's focus on processing cassava peels and supplying them to industrial companies can support gender equality. We work in partnership with the majority of female cassava processors in Nigeria to buy these peels from them. Our company can support gender equality in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and empower women in the agriculture sector by fostering an inclusive work environment with opportunities.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Our startup has a big impact on the community's ability to expand economically and create respectable jobs. Our company contributes significantly to the promotion of sustainable employment and economic growth, which is in line with the objectives of the Sustainable Development Agenda, by generating work opportunities, helping local farmers, and boosting economic development.

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

Our startup's focus on processing cassava peels and supplying them to industrial companies can significantly contribute to decent work and economic growth in the community. By creating job opportunities, supporting local farmers, and fostering economic development, our business plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable employment and economic growth, aligning with the goals of the Sustainable Development Agenda.

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Our startup's goal of processing cassava peels and selling them to businesses in the industrial sector can help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals' emphasis on life and land. Effective use of cassava peels by our company contributes to waste reduction and the promotion of sustainable practices, both of which can improve the condition of the land and the environment. Furthermore, our startup indirectly contributes to the improvement of livelihoods and community quality of life by offering an industry-valued product. The objectives of these initiatives are to advance sustainable practices and enhance the welfare of the environment and human population.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Our startup can create relationships that support the Sustainable Development Goals by concentrating on processing cassava peels and providing them to industrial companies. Malcharis fosters partnerships that are necessary to accomplish the objectives of sustainable development by working with regional farmers, industrial partners, and other value chain players. These partnerships can improve our operations' effectiveness and impact, benefiting all parties involved and promoting a culture of cooperation and partnership in the pursuit of shared objectives.

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.

1 - Strongly Disagree

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.

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

Our project idea stands out because it focuses on upcycling cassava peels, turning what might be considered waste into a valuable resource for industrial companies. This innovative approach not only addresses environmental concerns by reducing waste but also offers a sustainable solution for the agricultural sector which in turn increases the economical value of the community and the country as a whole by purchasing these wastes from the Farmers.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

In terms of competitors, I would say that our main potential competitors are other startups and businesses in the agricultural sector that focus on similar products or services. What sets us apart from them is our strong emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and community impact. Our passion for agriculture, vision for the business, and commitment to making a difference in the industry differentiate us by driving us to constantly strive for excellence and create meaningful change in the sector.

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