Zimbabwe - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Oracle Aeroponics Farming Ventures is an innovative Farming methods that utilises vertical gardens to grow crops without soil, using mist to deliver nutrients directly to plant roots

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

This is done through a vertical garden structure which is a modern method of gardening that combines the efficiency of vertical hydroponics with eco-friendly aeroponics. The aeroponic tower consists of a vertical frame that supports plant growth. The tower suspends plant roots in the air, eliminating the need for soil. Instead of relying on soil, the tower delivers water and nutrients directly to the plant roots through a misting system. The roots absorb these essential elements from the nutrient-rich mist.

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

Our aeroponics farming addresses critical challenges related to water scarcity, sustainable food production, and urban space limitations, offering a sustainable, space-saving solution that aligns with Bulawayo’s need for water-efficient, locally sourced food. Aeroponics drastically reduces water consumption compared to traditional soil-based farming. In a water-stressed region like Bulawayo, this innovation ensures optimal resource utilization. The misting system delivers nutrients directly to plant roots, minimizing wastage and maximizing plant health. Water circulates within the aeroponic setup, reducing runoff and conserving this precious resource. Aeroponics allows crops to grow vertically in towers, making efficient use of limited space. Urban areas can now host thriving farms without extensive land requirements. By cultivating high-value crops within city limits, we reduce dependence on distant suppliers and enhance food security. Aeroponics provides a climate-controlled environm

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

1. Water Efficiency: Uses up to 95% less water compared to traditional soil-based farming. 2. Space Optimization: Vertical aeroponic towers maximize cultivation in limited areas. 3. Faster Growth: Increased oxygen exposure accelerates plant growth. 4. Nutrient Precision: Direct misting delivers nutrients to roots, promoting optimal absorption. 5. Reduced Soil Erosion and Pests: No soil means no soil-borne diseases or pests. 6. Year-Round Harvests: Controlled environments allow consistent production regardless of seasons. 7. Climate Resilience: Shields crops from extreme weather events.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

1. Beneficiaries: o Local Community: Residents of Bulawayo will benefit from increased access to fresh, locally grown produce. Improved food security and nutrition contribute to their well-being. o Youth and Farmers: Engaging local youth and aspiring farmers in aeroponics provides skill development, employment opportunities, and empowerment. o Environment: Reduced water usage and minimal chemical runoff benefit the ecosystem. 2. Target Market: o Restaurants and Cafés: These establishments seek fresh, high-quality produce for their menus. o Local Markets: Direct sales to consumers who value locally sourced, pesticide-free vegetables. o Home Gardeners: Offering aeroponic seedlings and kits for urban gardening enthusiasts. o Educational Institutions: Schools and colleges interested in sustainable agriculture and workshops.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-06-10

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

3

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

3

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

Courage Msimanga- Entrepreneur, Business Development, Business Management Karen Zulu- International Trade, Farming Similo Zulu- Farming Sandra Zulu - Chemical Engineering

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

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

l) Agriculture

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Our solution makes farming practises affordable, therefore profitable for families in the Business. The farming practises also create employment

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

We are facilitating for the provision of food locally

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

We are promoting healthier eating, variety in diets

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

We are introducing innovative farming practices, the youth can learn this skill for the future

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

3

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

We

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

2

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

5

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

We will improve Bulawayo's export potential

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

5

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

3

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

We are improving Bulawayo's sustainable urban practices.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

5

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

We are improving access to healthier food and sustainable farming practises

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

We are promoting sustainable land and resources management

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

2

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

2

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

We are reducing land deforestation through reducing the need to clear land for farming purposes as our initiative is focused on soil-less farming

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

3

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

2

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

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

2

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

4

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

3

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

5

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

4

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

4

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

4

05.08 Justification

1. Vertical Cultivation: Unlike traditional soil-based farming, aeroponics maximizes space by growing crops vertically in towers. This efficient use of limited area is ideal for urban environments with scarce land. 2. Water Efficiency: Aeroponics reduces water consumption significantly—up to 95% less water compared to soil-based methods. In water-stressed regions like Bulawayo, this resource-saving approach is invaluable. 3. Direct Nutrient Delivery: The misting system delivers nutrients directly to plant roots, ensuring optimal absorption. This precision minimizes nutrient wastage and promotes faster growth. 4. Climate Resilience: Aeroponics provides a climate-controlled environment, shielding crops from extreme weather events. As climate patterns shift, this resilience becomes crucial for consistent food production. 5. Local Food Security: By cultivating high-value crops within the city, the system enhances food security. Residents gain access to fresh, locally grown produce year-rou

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

In Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, several players are venturing into innovative farming methods, including aeroponic farming practices. Our main competitors are: 1. AeroFarms: o AeroFarms, a global leader in aeroponics, focuses on sustainable, pesticide-free produce using vertical farming systems1. o Competitive Advantage: Our venture can differentiate by emphasizing local production, fresher vegetables, and community impact. 2. Vitagrow: o Vitagrow contextualizes hydroponics and vertical agriculture for Zimbabwe, partnering with organizations like the o Competitive Advantage: Our localized approach can offer cost-effective hydroponic nutrients, reducing reliance on expensive imports. 3. Our Competitive Edge: o Local Freshness: We provide locally grown, nutrient-rich vegetables, minimizing transportation distances. o Sustainability: Our closed-loop aeroponics system conserves water, reduces waste, and promotes eco-friendly

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

Yes, i run the Zimbabwe Annual Women of Excellence Awards, aimed at recognizing women excelling in multiple industries and sectors. These are run through a 10 Day program coupled with a Business fair where they advertise their businesses, a business shower where they choose a business to fund and they make contributions as well as an Awards Dinner. I also facilitate programs for entrepreneurial aptitudes development for women through partnerships with organisations promoting womens rights.