Nigeria - Business creation project

Décrivez votre projet en quelques mots

THACK is an agro-allied initiative aimed at providing food security and better working conditions for Nigerian Farmers. It's a tomato product aimed at empowering tomato farmers while increasing the availability of the product all year round.

01.01 Décrivez votre projet en détail

THACK stands for Tomato Hack. It aligns with the sustainable development goals by focusing on minimal waste, environmental protection, fair compensation for farmers and workers, and recyclability and sustainability. THACK purchases tomatoes from farmers during the harvest season. Any tomatoes that can't be transported immediately are stored in zero-energy cooling chambers, which are cheap and easy to construct in the rural areas where the tomatoes are harvested. The finished tomato products are packaged in recyclable glass jars that consumers can return for huge discounts on future purchases. THACK does not aim to directly grow its tomatoes because the region already has abundant tomato resources. THACK wants to demonstrate that food security in tomatoes can be achieved using current technology such as using plastic crates to transport tomatoes, zero-energy storage facilities to prolong the shelf life of raw tomatoes, and water dump tanks to reduce loss and wastage during processing.

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

THACK is aimed at fighting food insecurity. It does this in two ways. Firstly, by making the product available. Secondly, by providing it at an affordable price. Every year, Nigerian farmers suffer up to 45 percent losses of their tomato harvest. These losses are the result of a combination of factors: diseases, pests and inadequate storage and processing (John Babadara, 2023). Farmers in Plateau state are no strangers to this menace. This problem persists despite tomato constituting 20 percent of Nigerian’s daily consumption. THACK wants to take the produce from these farmers and process them locally to extend their shelf life, thereby preserving the farmers’ incomes and making the processed produce available at affordable costs long after it is out of season. THACK aims to optimize the tomato value chain starting from the farmers by providing them with better inputs and education; to local processing, storage and improved transportation with proven methods in the industry.

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).

Firstly, THACK is a win for food security. It will keep shelves filled with food that would otherwise not be available all year round. Secondly, THACK benefits the local economy. Because we refuse direct vertical integration, we can keep farmers on their farms with better returns for their labour. THACK also benefits the local economy by providing jobs in the community. Thirdly, THACK benefits the environment through its eco-friendly approach to production and consumption. These approaches include heavy recycling and sustainable farming practices that will be encouraged on partnering farms(More on this under the SDG goals).

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

The targeted beneficiaries are the consumers, the farmers and the society. The consumers are introduced to a product that assuages their access to an indispensable commodity at affordable prices. It also assuages their fears of cancer from consuming too much chemically processed food. It also benefits the small scale farmers that THACK works with. The farmers’ harvest is preserved and their profits maximized due to the improved access to improved farming techniques and an immediate market that guarantees their products are taken off their hands before post-harvest losses can take their toll. The society as a whole also benefits from the increased supply of the product which will drive prices down and reduce scarcity.

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

01/12/2023

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

3

01.07 Parmi les autres propriétaires, combien sont des femmes ?

1

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

Ezeanya Great blends legal expertise with real-world business acumen. His law degree with a specialization in consumer protection underlines a commitment to ethical business practices. His training as an SDG leader by the Plateau State Government during his NYSC service highlights his passion for driving positive social and environmental impact. Akuenu Chioma is an accountant. She runs a confectionery business that demonstrates her entrepreneurial spirit, leadership capabilities, and ability to translate financial insights into actionable business strategies. She has a talent for identifying and capitalizing on opportunities, reaching target audiences, and driving business growth. Ugo Chime is a serial entrepreneur. He possesses a deep understanding of supply chain management and cost optimization strategies, honed through his firsthand involvement in logistics and procurement. He leverages on this experience to navigate and adapt to the ever-changing business climate in the country.

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 :

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

d) Produits de base (aliments, boissons, produits ménagers et personnels)

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

Tomato farming in Plateau state is traditionally done by small scale farmers many of whom suffer heavy post harvest losses. These farmers are left vulnerable to poverty being unable to pay back loans taken from credit institutions. Our startup protects farmers from these losses by taking them at harvest, storing them properly and processing them. This preserves the farmers’ incomes enabling them to lead better lives far from the menace of poverty. THACK's establishment will also create well paying jobs for its employees enabling them support themselves and their families.

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

5

02.02.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

THACK is a food security project that creates large stores of essential vegetables. Nigeria’s vegetable market is highly seasonal and therefore suffers high price fluctuations. By creating stockpiles that will be available in and out of season and at stable and affordable prices, access to food is ensured. Fobstoc will provide increased technical knowledge with lectures in local languages from professionals to encourage sustainable farming practices.

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

4

02.03.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

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

1 - Pas du tout d'accord

02.04.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

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

2

02.05.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

In Plateau State, the major factor keeping girls out of school is poverty. If the farmers earned more, they would be able to school all their children. By buying the farmers' produce instantly before post harvest losses set in, the farmers' incomes are bolstered, allowing them to school their children regardless of gender.

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

2

02.06.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

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

1 - Pas du tout d'accord

02.07.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

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

6

02.08.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

Through the establishment of our business, jobs will be created both directly and indirectly. The farmers who work with us will be paid at a time when their goods are will fetch premium price for their quality, thereby boosting farmer's income. THACK is also committed to giving those in its direct employment decent pay. By paying company tax and other dues THACK will contribute to the economic growth of the nation. This is in addition to its production activities contributing to the nation's GDP. By producing within the nation and with local resources THACK will reduce dependence on foreign products further strengthening the economy.

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

4

02.09.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

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

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.10.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

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

5

02.11.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

The tomato farmers who are our target reside mainly in settlements away from the cities. Due to poor harvests many leave the villages and come to the cities in search of work. This rural urban migration puts a strain on facilities in the city while leaving the essential industries in the countryside that cater for the cities undermanned. By giving them a stable income, they remain in the countryside and help build their communities preventing cities from becoming overwhelmed by the influx of job and livelihood seekers.

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

THACK is big on recyclability. Instead of the disposal single use wrappings that tomato paste regularly comes in, THACK envisions a 375ml glass jar. This glass jar is to be returned after use much like soft drink bottles at the depot. To encourage this, buyers who return their previous jars get a 25 percent discount on new jars purchased. This is to encourage a recycling culture and promote a circular economy among Nigerians.

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

THACK participates in climate action through eco-friendly policies. With its reusable packaging it aims to mitigate land and water pollution that results from the single use packaging that is used in the traditional tomato paste industry. By encouraging sustainable practices on partnering farms, such as cover cropping, crop rotation and integrated pest management systems THACK will reduce soil erosion and creeping desertification, while reducing the use of chemical pesticides that are harmful to the environment. THACK also follows a no waste policy that sees byproducts of the manufacturing process returned to the farm as compost. Consumer education will also be embarked upon on the labels of products aiming to win more people for climate action.

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

4

02.14.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

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

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.15.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

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

1 - Pas du tout d'accord

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.

2

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

5

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

3

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

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

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

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

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.

5

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

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

05.08 Justification de mon projet

Our product is chemical and additive free. It is purposed to be the closest alternative to ubiquitous homemade tomato paste in flavor and cost. THACK as we call our product, like homemade tomato is designed to be used alongside the traditional paste found in the market.

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

While all tomato paste makers can be considered competition. That wouldn't be entirely true. THACK is the result of a survey which shows that consumers use a combination of homemade tomato sauce along with traditional tomato paste. In many cases, if a suitable alternative is found, many users would switch to a more natural alternative. This is where THACK comes in, with its natural flavor, no chemical additives and competitive pricing, THACK has no real competition. (we can make available the results of the survey.)

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

On a personal scale, I've often given small loans to female entrepreneurs.