Zimbabwe - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

AI powered precision farming. Our user-friendly technology will empower farmers to thrive through droughts, climate change and market challenges by boosting yields and reducing waste. This technology will also create jobs and build a sustainable economy.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

This project involves developing a comprehensive suite of user-friendly AI powered precision farming solutions tailored to the specific needs of African farmers. The precision technology will consist of: Smart Sensors for collecting real time data on soil moisture, weather, and crop health; AI- Powered Insights whereby the data obtained will be fed into the AI engine, generating customized recommendations for irrigation, fertilization and pest control; Actionable Apps where farmers will access these insights through a user friendly mobile app, available in local languages, consisting of written and audio instructions. The project will start small, focusing on user adoption and affordability, followed by partnerships with NGOs, government agencies, and local businesses to ensure widespread access and sustainable impact.

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

The project targets the resolution of two major challenges in Zimbabwe, namely food security and unemployment. Small-scale and medium scale farmers face problems such as drought, erratic rainfall patterns, limited access to resources and fluctuating market prices. The traditional farming methods often lead to water waste, inefficient resource use, lower yields and in turn decreased food security. Our project will therefore help overcome these challenges by boosting crop yields, farmer income and minimizing food waste. The project will also create job opportunities in the fields of data analytics, biotechnology, software engineering, local distribution, and agriculture.

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

The major benefits of our AI powered precision farming technology include: food, security, water conservation, reduced pollution, sustainable practices, climate resilience, job creation, financial empowerment and economic growth. The technology will provide food security by empowering farmers to optimize yields, feeding communities and reducing hunger. Water will be conserved through smart irrigation, and the use of real time data, dramatically reducing water waste. The technology will also help minimize agricultural runoff that harm waterways by helping farmers use fertilizers and pesticides more efficiently. Sustainable practices will also be implemented by promoting soil health and water retention, which will foster long-term lend productivity. Farmers will also gain insight to adapt to changing with patterns, therefore mitigating the impact of droughts and floods. Beyond the farm, this project will generate job opportunities and foster economic growth.

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

The target beneficiaries for Sanitech technology include medium to small scale, farmers in Zimbabwe, particularly those lacking access to advanced resources. By providing data, driven insights on weather, soil and crops in their local language, the project will empower these farmers to adapt to climate change. The project also seeks to help tech savvy individuals, which comprise of younger farmers, comfortable using smart phones, and eager to leverage new technologies to improve their agricultural practices. Climate vulnerable communities where droughts, floods or extreme weather prevails, will also benefit from this technology as it will provide needed data tools for informed decision-making. The project will also help rock communities by increasing farm productivity which will lead to food, security and economic growth within rural communities. Last but not least, consumers will have access to high-quality food, and the society at large will have job opportunities.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-01-08

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

1

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

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

Mr Melody Fidel the founder and CEO of the Stability and Sustenance organization that teaches practical skills and supports small business ventures and entrepreneurs. He has also won awards in business including the Future Awards Prize for service to young people.

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

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bongisani-dhlamini

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

h) IT (digital services, equipment and software)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

The project will optimize resource use, leading to bountiful harvests and a reliable income stream for farmers. higher income, who allow farmers invest in their farms, families and education, therefore breaking the cycle of property. The AI insights will help farmers choose profitable. Crops and predict market demands, ensuring fair compensation. This project will also generate opportunities for data analysts, agricultural specialists, biotechnologist and local distributors in rural communities. This will result in financial stability amongst community members. Increased farm productivity, who also lead to stable food availability, and lower prices, benefiting low income families. Overall, arriving agricultural sector who stimulate rural economies, creating jobs and boosting overall prosperity.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

The project will optimize resources, leading to higher yields, feeding more families and reducing food insecurity. Post harvest losses will also be minimized, ensuring more food reaches those who need it most. The AI technology will also promote soil health and water, conservation, enabling long-term food, security for generations to come. Market efficiency will also be improved as the AI technology will help farmers connect with fair markets, reducing food, price, volatility, and improving access for consumers.

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

By promoting food security through optimum harvests, the project will ensure access to a wider variety of nutritious food for communities leading to healthier populations. Increased from productivity will help combat malnutrition, particularly amongst children. This will promote healthy growth and development for future generations. The AI powered precision farming technology will result in improved livelihoods through an increase in farm income, allowing families to invest in healthcare and sanitation. This will significantly improve the well-being of people in society. Communities will also be provided with fresh and healthy food choices filled with a wide range of vitamins and macronutrients necessary for the development of a healthy immune system, which can fight opportunistic diseases effectively.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

This project contributes to the quality education goal through the proposed use of user-friendly apps available in local languages, therefore bridging the digital gap, and empowering even the most marginalized farmers, regardless of background. The project will provide AI recommendations, which will become ongoing learning tools that will foster best practices and the culture of continuous improvement. This project levels, the education field by opening doors for new agricultural careers, requiring advanced skills. Overall, all farmers will be empowered to become digitally literate, enabling them to thrive in vast and international markets. and international market.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

The project does not have any gender limitations, as it will also be working to promote female farmers to take action in a male dominated market, thereby promoting will help bring gender equality. The project will also foster the economic independence of women, strengthening their role, then role communities and breaking down stereotypes. By bridging the gender yet in knowledge and technology, this project will pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for all African farmers.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

2

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

The project will empower, farmers and people in society to unlock economic opportunities aligning perfectly with the UN’s SDG for decent work and economic growth. This will be achieved through an increase in productivity which will optimize resources and boost from yield, leading to higher incomes for farmers and increased economic activity. The project will also help in job creation by fostering new job opportunities in the fields of data analysts, agricultural specialist, biotechnology and local distributors – as the project expands. The project will also help farmers connect with fair markets, reducing price, volatility, and attracting investments in the agricultural sector. An increased farm income will also help strengthen communities, stimulating local of businesses and economic growth at primary stages, fostering economic diversification.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

This project promotes innovation through its ability to analyze real time data on soil, Weather, and crops, promoting innovation in precision farming techniques. The platform will also facilitate the exchange of best practices and innovative solutions between farmers and a cultural specialist, accelerating industry – wide progress. The project will also provide AI insights that will inform the development of targeted infrastructure project, such as irrigation systems and storage facilities tailored to specific regional needs. The project will also enable partnerships with local businesses which will foster the development and production of affordable senses in technology, boosting the domestic, agricultural technology industry. The AI technology will also help identify under utilized regions with high agricultural potential, promoting investments in transportation infrastructure. Sensor data will also predict equipment failure, allowing for preventative maintenance.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

The project will help to optimize resource use, minimizing, post harvest losses, and ensuring efficient food supply chains, benefiting both rural and urban populations. For example, the AI technology could predict market demand, allowing farmers to adjust production and minimize food spoilage it could also suggest resistant crops, mitigating change risks for rural communities, and ensuring a steady food supply for nearby cities. The technology will also connect farmers with local markets, shortening food, transportation, distances, and reducing associated, environmental impact, fostering, stronger rule-urban linkages. Overall the technology will help farmers adapt to changing with the patterns, promoting sustainable practices that minimize soil, erosion, and protect local ecosystems. The AI technology will also promote water, conservation and soil health, leading to a more sustainable, cultural footprint near urban areas.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

The AI technology will help optimize pres use, minimizing water, waste, and promoting techniques like composting to turn our cultural waste into valuable fertilizer. The project’s technology will also facilitate informed crop selection and planting cycles, minimizing post harvest, losses, and optimizing resource allocation throughout the agricultural cycle. The technology who also help to extend product lifespan by helping farmers maintain equipment through sensor data, extending its lifespan and reducing the need for constant replacement. The technology will also provide data on crop residues and byproducts, which will help inform the development of local recycling initiatives, creating new resources within the agricultural system. Overall, our project will empower farmers to contribute to a circular economy by minimizing waste, extending product, lifespans, and promoting resource recovery.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

4

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

6

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

The project will help reduce fertilizer runoff, minimizing pollution of waterways and harm to marine ecosystems. For example, the AI technology could suggest the use of slow release fertilizers that minimize nutrient leaching, reducing harmful algal blooms in costal waters The AI technology will also promote practices that build healthy soil, such as cover crops, reducing erosion and sediment runoff which affects coral reefs and marine life. The project could also promote sustainable aquaculture practices, minimizing pollution from fish farms. The AI technology could also provide data that will inform farmers about policy decisions regarding agricultural practices near waterways, promoting regulations that protect marine life.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

The precision farming technology will optimize resource use, minimizing land degradation and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. For example the AI technology could suggest planting drought resistant crops, reducing water needs and preventing desertification. The AI technology will also empower farmers to maximize yields on existing land, minimizing the need to clear new areas for agriculture, therefore reducing deforestation. For example, the AI technology could suggest high yield crop varieties that require less space, reducing pressure on natural habitats.

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

2

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

The project will promote tech collaborations by partnering with global tech companies to continuously improve the AI platform, ensuring access to cutting edge solutions for African farmers. For example, partnerships could be formed with satellite imagery companies that provide real time data on crop health and weather patterns. The project will also be able to attract investments from international organizations through collaboration, therefore supporting infrastructure development, and market access for African farmers. The project could also foster an open source environment, encouraging developers, worldwide to contribute tools and solutions to the platform. For example, partnering with universities across the globe, to develop AI models specifically tailored to unique African agricultural challenges. the platform will also facilitate global knowledge exchange between African farmers and agricultural experts worldwide.

05.01 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

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

3

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

2

05.08 Justification

From my research, there aren’t many specific mentions of precision agriculture service providers in Zimbabwe making this idea highly innovative and unique. This project is also unique due to its user friendliness, as it will provide options for local language needs of Zimbabwean farmers. The project will also integrate low cost sensor technologies and data collection methods suitable for resource constrained farmers. The project also seeks to address current challenges in Zimbabwean agriculture such as drought, women in agriculture and local partnerships. Given the frequency of droughts in Zimbabwe, precision farming will be very useful and innovative. The project will empower women farmers through access to technology and knowledge. By partnering with local universities, tech companies and agricultural specialists, the project solutions will be tailored to specific needs of Zimbabwean agriculture.

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

As a result of the newness of widespread precision farming solutions in Zimbabwe, there might not be a direct number of competitors for this specific project. However, possible competitors include Existing Ag-tech companies which might want to venture into this program, or international precision farming companies that might see Zimbabwe as a potential market. What makes my project unique is the focus on small scale farmers and open source approach.

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

I have managed to promote the role of female entrepreneurs in my community by participating in women empowerment mentorship programs, as well as workshops and events on business skills, financial literacy and networking opportunities. Examples of such programs include women in stem as well as mentorship from professor Ethan Moyo, CEO of Zueth petroleum. I have used these experiences to help me start a business as female entrepreneur, and to also help my female friends start their own businesses. I have also participated the global African women initiative, hosted by I-Train Africa, I have also taken courses from international organizations such as Potentialife based in the United Kingdom, which promotes women empowerment, therefore helping me to effectively take action in my community.