Stage of Innovation: MVP (You have a product ready to go to the market)

Problem: What if Africa no longer needed to import most of its food products, agricultural value chains were strengthened, profitable and eco-friendly and indigenous technologies were commonplace in farming? In urban African cities, it's sometimes difficult to get fresh veggies consistently or to know it is coming from a safe, reliable source leading to mass importation. We need efficient local farmers. But what if we could make agriculture exciting for youth, lower the risk of doing it year-round regardless of location, with little to no Land and no SOIL, and cut out long transportation times with simple technology? Today and age, farmers in Nigeria still rely on crude tools for farming and storage, which can inadvertently affect productivity and negatively affect the climate due to crude machinery activities. 88% of Nigerians are considered small-family farmers. Access to machinery has caused more than 72% of Nigerian smallholders to live below the poverty line of USD1.9 a day. This innovation provides an opportunity for all to engage without the limitations of finance.

Unique Selling Point: People are currently trying to address the issue of food shortages in Nigeria through various means, including traditional agriculture, importation of food, and aid from international organizations. However, these solutions have proven to be unsustainable, unreliable, and costly. Smartel's solution is different in several ways. Firstly, our technology utilizes hydroponics and vertical farming, allowing for increased crop yields in a smaller space, reduced water usage, and year-round production regardless of location. This sets us apart from traditional agriculture, which is heavily dependent on land and weather conditions. Secondly, our solution is more sustainable and environmentally friendly than importing food or aid from international organizations, as it reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and supports local food production. Lastly, our solution is affordable and accessible to smallholder farmers and communities with limited resources. This sets us apart from other technological solutions that are often expensive and inaccessible to those who need them most. Overall, Smartel's solution is unique in its combination of innovative technology, sustainability, and accessibility, making it a game-changer in addressing the pressing issue of food shortages in Nigeria.