Final Four Competition - Tunisia presentation - Enactus World Cup 2022 @Enactus Tunisia

Summary

The video highlights Tunisia's agricultural challenges, including land desertification and water scarcity, which have led to economic difficulties for farmers. In response, a young entrepreneur named Tiwal developed a project called 'Apec' to produce cattle feed using 100% local ingredients. The project emphasizes sustainability, recycling agro-industrial byproducts, and minimizing waste, offering a 35% cheaper feed. Apec has positively impacted farmers, generated significant revenue, and has plans to expand to neighboring countries like Algeria. The initiative also integrates technology to connect farmers, ensuring a win-win situation for the agricultural sector.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Tunisia has a rich agricultural history, evolving from the granary of Rome to facing severe water scarcity and desertification.
• 🌾 Farmers in Tunisia are facing significant challenges, with 75% of the land suffering from desertification and water scarcity worsening.
• 💡 A young woman named Tiwari started a project called Apec to provide a sustainable solution to Tunisia's agricultural crisis, using 100% local cattle feed ingredients.
• 📉 The cost of cattle feed has skyrocketed due to the high import prices of ingredients like corn and soya, prompting Apec to create cheaper, locally sourced alternatives.
• ♻️ Apec’s innovation includes recycling agro-industrial byproducts like rosemary leaves and sesame waste, aiming to reduce waste and improve sustainability.
• 🔬 The project has been scientifically validated and certified by international bodies, ensuring the quality and authenticity of its 14 different cattle feed formulas.
• 📈 Despite challenges, Apec has achieved significant progress, generating $88,000 in revenue within the past 8 months and impacting over 40 farmers and their families.
• 🚚 To address transportation issues, Apec partnered with delivery companies to ensure distribution of cattle feed across Tunisia and launched an online platform for farmers.
• 🇩🇿 Apec plans to expand its operations into Algeria, with future projections of producing 16 tons of feed per day, generating $5 million annually in the next five years.
• 🌱 Apec’s initiative is part of a broader mission to promote sustainability, reduce import costs, minimize CO2 emissions, and foster a circular economy in Tunisia.

Q & A

What challenges is Tunisia currently facing in its agricultural sector?

Tunisia is facing significant challenges such as water scarcity, desertification affecting up to 75% of the land, and a large exodus of engineers and farmers. Additionally, the agricultural sector is struggling with high costs of imported cattle feed components like corn and soya, and a declining number of young farmers willing to invest in their parents' fields.

What innovative solution did the young entrepreneur Tiwari propose to address the agricultural challenges in Tunisia?

Tiwari proposed a solution called 'Apec,' which offers cattle feeds made from 100% local ingredients like beans, barley, and wheat bran, as well as agro-industrial byproducts like rosemary leaves, molasses, and canola meal. This project helps reduce dependency on imported ingredients, lowers costs for farmers, and contributes to a circular economy by recycling agro-food industry waste.

How does Apec's cattle feed compare to competitors in terms of price and quality?

Apec offers cattle feed that is 35% cheaper than competitors, while also improving the quality by increasing the amounts of proteins, vitamins, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids. The feed also extends the meat conservation period by 21 days.

What impact has the Apec project had so far in Tunisia?

The Apec project has generated a total revenue of $88,000, directly impacted 40 farmers, and indirectly improved the lives of over 13,000 Tunisian citizens. It has reduced the risk of bankruptcy for farmers and contributed to minimizing the country's importation fees by about $160 million. Additionally, it has helped preserve the environment by reducing CO2 emissions by 530 tons.

What are the future goals of the Apec project in terms of expansion and revenue generation?

Apec plans to expand its operations by launching a production unit in Algeria by the end of the year. Within two years, they aim to produce 16 tons of feed per day and generate $1.5 million in revenue. In five years, they aim to produce 16 tons daily, reaching $5 million in revenue. The company also plans to develop poultry feed and impact over 300,000 needy families.

What steps has Apec taken to ensure the quality control of its products?

Apec ensures quality control through two engineers working in the production unit who conduct regular analyses of the feed formulas. Additionally, the company partners with veterinarians to monitor the quality of meat and milk from cattle that consume the feed.

How does Apec's platform help farmers and agriculturists in Tunisia?

Apec's platform offers forums and consultations from experts to improve breeding productivity and livestock traceability. It also allows agriculturists to exchange the crops they produce for Apec's cattle feed, encouraging farmers to cultivate the ingredients used in Apec’s formulas.

What certifications has Apec received for its products?

Apec's 14 different feed formulas are patented and have been tested and certified by SGS, an international leader in inspection, verification, and certification. This certification allows Apec to export its products globally.

What were some of the initial challenges faced by Apec during its launch?

Apec initially faced challenges in launching its own production unit, which led them to outsource their feed production. However, after winning competitions and generating product sales, they were able to invest $10,000 in the necessary equipment to establish their production unit.

How does Apec's project contribute to sustainability and a circular economy?

Apec contributes to sustainability by recycling agro-industrial byproducts and agro-food waste, creating a circular economy. Their project helps minimize waste, ensures zero-waste practices, and reduces environmental impact by preventing 530 tons of CO2 emissions annually.