South Africa - Business creation project

Décrivez votre projet en quelques mots

House Harvest is a youth and women led aquaponics farm that produces african foods, high value crops and a variety of fish for peri urban communities.

01.01 Décrivez votre projet en détail

House Harvest is an innovative aquaponics farm that specializes in the sustainable cultivation of African produce, high-value herbs, baby leaf greens, and fish such as tilapia, koi, and catfish. By integrating aquaculture and hydroponics, we create a closed loop system that maximizes resource efficiency, conserves water, and eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. We utilize battery storage for energy through using inverters to pump and run our system. We also rear black soldier flies to produce eco-friendly fish feed and frass, further reducing our environmental impact and promoting circular economy principles. We offer training programs and workshops on sustainable farming practices, equipping local farmers with the skills needed to adopt aquaponics and other innovative methods. Our #FarmSpaces show on Twitter expands our reach, fostering a global dialogue on sustainable agriculture

01.02 Quel est le problème principal que vous essayez de résoudre ?

House Harvest addresses the critical problem of food security and environmental sustainability in agriculture. Traditional farming methods often rely heavily on water, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides, which deplete natural resources and harm the environment. Additionally, many communities face challenges in accessing fresh, nutritious, and locally-grown produce year-round, exacerbating issues of food insecurity and poor nutrition. Our aquaponics system conserves water, reduces waste, and eliminates the need for harmful chemicals. By producing both fresh produce and fish, we ensure a reliable supply of nutritious food for local communities, enhancing food security and promoting healthier diets. House Harvest was founded in eMalahleni as the founder was born and bred in a mining town and has witnessed environmental degradation and neglect, as the Just Transition progresses - we aim at addressing new skills in the food-energy-water nexus for women and youth predominately

01.03 Dites-nous quels sont les principaux avantages et/ou bénéfices de l'utilisation du produit/service que vous souhaitez fournir par votre projet (au moins 3).

1) Our aquaponics system integrates fish farming and plant cultivation in a closed-loop system, significantly conserving water and eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This method reduces environmental impact, promotes biodiversity, and supports a healthier ecosystem. 2) By producing both fresh produce and fish, House Harvest ensures a reliable, year-round supply of nutritious food. This helps local communities access fresh, locally-grown produce and fish, addressing issues of food insecurity and promoting healthier diets. 3) House Harvest provides training programs and workshops on sustainable farming practices, equipping local farmers with valuable skills. By creating job opportunities, particularly for women and young people, our project fosters economic development and community resilience.

01.04 Veuillez décrire précisément à qui s'adressera le produit/service de votre projet. Quels sont les bénéficiaires visés ?

Our primary beneficiaries are local communities facing food security challenges. By providing a reliable supply of fresh, nutritious, and locally-grown produce and fish, we help improve their access to healthy food options. We target local farmers and agricultural workers, offering training programs and workshops on sustainable farming practices. These initiatives equip them with the skills needed to adopt innovative methods like aquaponics, enhancing their productivity and sustainability. House Harvest focuses on empowering women and young people by creating job opportunities and providing a supportive work environment. By fostering economic development and offering fair wages, we contribute to the social and economic upliftment of these groups. Lastly, we target restaurants, malls and retail.

01.05 Quand avez-vous commencé à travailler sur votre projet ?

01/02/2024

01.06 Combien y a-t-il de propriétaires sur votre projet en plus de vous ?

0

01.07 Parmi les autres propriétaires, combien sont des femmes ?

0

01.08 Veuillez décrire le profil des autres propriétaires de votre projet (compétences, expérience, etc.).

-

01.09 Si vous avez un site web, une page sur les médias sociaux (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin...) ou une application, veuillez fournir le(s) lien(s) ici :

https://www.househarvest.co.za

01.10 Quel est le secteur d'activité qui décrit le mieux votre projet ?

b) Matériaux (agriculture, pêche, produits chimiques, matériaux de construction, conteneurs et emballages, métaux et mines, papier et produits forestiers)

02.01.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Pas de pauvreté'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.01.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

By creating economic opportunities and improving livelihoods in local communities. Our aquaponics farm provides job opportunities, particularly for women and young people, fostering economic development and social upliftment. By offering fair wages and a supportive work environment, we empower marginalized groups, helping them achieve financial stability and economic independence. We also addresses food security, ensuring a reliable supply of fresh, nutritious, and locally-grown produce and fish. This improves access to healthy food options, reducing the financial burden of purchasing expensive, imported food.

02.02.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Faim Zéro'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.02.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

By focusing on sustainable agriculture, we promote methods that conserve water, reduce waste, and eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This not only enhances food security but also ensures that the food produced is safe and nutritious. Our black soldier fly rearing further supports sustainability by creating eco-friendly fish feed, reducing reliance on commercial feeds and promoting a circular economy.

02.03.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Bonne Santé et Bien Être'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.03.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

Our project also promotes physical activity and a healthier lifestyle through community engagement in farming activities. By fostering a connection to the source of their food and promoting sustainable practices, we encourage healthier lifestyle choices and a greater appreciation for nutritious food. Overall, House Harvest supports the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages through sustainable, nutritious food production and community empowerment

02.04.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Éducaiton de Qualité'

4

02.04.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

02.05.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Égalité entre les Sexes'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.05.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

We prioritize the recruitment and training of women in our workforce, ensuring equal opportunities for employment and skill development. By offering fair wages and providing a supportive work environment, we empower women to participate fully in the agricultural sector and achieve economic independence. House Harvest actively engages with women in local communities, offering training programs and workshops specifically tailored to their needs and interests. These initiatives aim to build confidence, enhance leadership skills, and promote entrepreneurship among women, enabling them to take on more active roles in decision-making processes and contribute to the economic development of their communities.

02.06.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Eau Propre et Assainissement'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.06.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

Our aquaponics system is designed to maximize water efficiency by recycling and reusing water within a closed-loop system. This significantly reduces water waste and ensures the sustainable use of water resources. e also raise awareness about the importance of clean water and sanitation practices. By empowering local communities with knowledge and skills, we promote behavior change and encourage sustainable water and sanitation practices at the household level. Overall, House Harvest is committed to ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all through our innovative aquaponics farming practices, environmental stewardship efforts, and community engagement initiatives.

02.07.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Énergie Propre et Abordable'

6

02.07.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

House Harvest indirectly contributes to the affordable and clean energy goal through our sustainable farming practices. By utilizing aquaponics, we significantly reduce energy consumption compared to traditional farming methods. Our closed-loop system requires minimal energy inputs for water circulation and aeration, leading to lower energy costs and increased energy efficiency and that is why we use battery storage and are working our way to utilize solar energy.

02.08.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Travail Décent et Croissance Économique'

4

02.08.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

02.09.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Industrie, Innovaiton et Infrastructure'

6

02.09.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

Our aquaponics system represents a novel approach to agriculture, integrating fish farming and plant cultivation in a closed-loop system. This innovative method not only maximizes resource efficiency but also reduces environmental impact, fostering sustainable industrialization in the agricultural sector.ur focus on infrastructure development includes the design and implementation of sustainable farming infrastructure. We invest in infrastructure improvements such as water management systems, greenhouse structures, and renewable energy integration, enhancing the resilience and efficiency of our operations.

02.10.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Réduction des Inégalités'

4

02.10.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

02.11.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Villes et Communautés Durables'

6

02.11.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

Our aquaponics farm model provides local communities with access to fresh, nutritious, and locally-grown produce and fish, reducing reliance on imported food and promoting food security. Finally communities can have acess to foods in their areas Additionally, our focus on sustainable farming practices, such as water conservation and organic cultivation, contributes to environmental sustainability and resilience. By reducing water consumption and eliminating chemical inputs, we help mitigate the environmental impact of agriculture and promote a healthier ecosystem.

02.12.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Consommation et Production Responsable'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.12.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

Our aquaponics system embodies the circular economy concept by creating a closed-loop system where waste from one process becomes a resource for another. For example, organic waste from fish farming is utilized as nutrient-rich fertilizer for plant cultivation, while plant roots filter and purify water for the fish. This minimizes waste generation, reduces resource consumption, and promotes efficient use of resources. Furthermore, we prioritize sustainable production methods, such as organic cultivation and integrated pest management, to minimize environmental impact and ensure the production of safe and nutritious food. By eliminating the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, we promote healthier ecosystems and reduce pollution, contributing to sustainable consumption and production patterns.

02.13.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Luttle contre les Changements Climatiques'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.13.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

By mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices.Our aquaponics system significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to traditional farming methods by minimizing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, our closed-loop system conserves water and energy, further reducing our carbon footprint. We promotes climate-resilient agriculture by embracing sustainable farming practices that enhance ecosystem resilience and adaptation to climate change. By prioritizing organic cultivation, water conservation, and biodiversity preservation, we help build resilience against extreme weather events and other climate-related risks.

02.14.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Vie Sous-Marine'

5

02.14.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

While House Harvest's primary focus is on land-based aquaponics farming, we indirectly contribute to the Life Below Water goal through our sustainable practices and promotion of environmental stewardship.While our direct impact on marine ecosystems may be limited, House Harvest is committed to promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship practices that contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. Our closed-loop aquaponics system minimizes water usage and prevents nutrient runoff, thereby reducing pollution that can negatively impact marine ecosystems. By eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, we prevent harmful substances from entering water bodies and help maintain water quality.

02.15.01 Mon projetp contribue à l'objectif 'Vie Terrestre'

5

02.15.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

By producing a high yield of fresh produce and fish in a smaller footprint, we help reduce pressure on land resources and prevent further land degradation. Our focus on organic cultivation and biodiversity preservation supports the health and resilience of terrestrial ecosystems. By avoiding the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, we prevent soil degradation and promote soil health, essential for maintaining terrestrial biodiversity. House Harvest actively engages in reforestation and afforestation initiatives as part of our commitment to environmental stewardship. By planting trees and restoring degraded land, we contribute to habitat restoration and biodiversity conservation, helping to halt and reverse land degradation especially in mining areas Through our sustainable farming practices and conservation efforts, House Harvest plays a role in protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, aligning with the goals of the Life on Land targ

02.16.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Paix, Justice et Institutions Efficaces'

4

02.16.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

02.17.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Parteneriats pour la Réalisation des Objectifs'

4

02.17.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

05.01 Il existe un grand nombre de clients qui utilisent déjà un produit/service très similaire à celui que nous envisageons de créer.

4

05.02 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer représente un type de produit/service entièrement nouveau

6

05.03 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer pourrait être décrit comme une nouvelle technologie

6

05.04 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer est une amélioration d'un produit ou d'un service existant

6

05.05 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer pourrait être décrit comme une extension d'une gamme de produits ou de services

6

05.06 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer répond à une demande ou à un besoin qui n'a pas été satisfait par d'autres produits/services.

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

05.07 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer est une nouvelle version d'un ancien produit/service

3

05.08 Justification de mon projet

The aquaponics system we envision utilizes innovative technology to optimize resource efficiency and maximize production output. From advanced filtration systems to automated monitoring and control mechanisms, our system leverages cutting-edge technology to create a highly efficient and sustainable farming solution. our innovative approach adds value by offering a more efficient and integrated solution that meets the growing demand for sustainable agriculture. With increasing concerns about food security, water scarcity, and environmental degradation, there is a growing need for innovative solutions like ours. We represent a new version that addresses key shortcomings of traditional systems. By incorporating advanced technology and optimizing system design, we offer a more efficient and sustainable solution that is tailored to the needs of modern agriculture.

05.09 Qui sont vos principaux potentiels concurrents et qu'est-ce qui vous différencie d'eux ?

Other aquaponics farms such as Fin leaf and Ezulwini aquaponics farms are my competitors and they are doing such an amazing job. How I stand out is that I aqcuired my aquaponics experience at FinLeaf farms for 1year and I am born and bread in Witbank. As a female farmer, I leverage on my skills and location to stand out because I know the environmental impacts of water, land contamination and I understand that growing food requires market understanding. I differentiate myself by growing foods that are nutritious and research on African foods I can gfrow aquaponically to provide for communities

10.06 Menez-vous des actions au sein de votre communauté pour promouvoir le rôle des femmes entrepreneurs ?

We organize workshops specifically tailored to female farmers and entrepreneurs, providing them with training and resources to succeed in the agricultural sector. Topics covered include sustainable farming practices, business management, and aquaponics, I also mentor 2 females in aquaponic farming. #farmspaces on Twitter is a project I started 4 years ago and most of my guests have been females in the agriculture industry doing amazing work