Decentralized Agricultural Supply Chain on the Cardano Blockchain

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

Using Cardano Blockchain, I'll start irrigation farming, connecting farmers with buyers. This ensures fair pay, lowers costs and promotes sustainability, addressing Northern Nigeria's food scarcity.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

I am deeply committed to the principles of transparency and accountability in my project. Opening up the project as an open-source initiative with the GNU General Public License (GPL) is a deliberate and strategic decision driven by the belief that collaborative development leads to stronger, more robust outcomes. By embracing an open-source approach, I am inviting a diverse community of developers, experts, and enthusiasts to scrutinize, contribute, and enhance the project. This collaborative spirit not only ensures a higher level of accountability but also brings in a wealth of perspectives, skills, and experiences that can significantly improve the overall quality and effectiveness of the project. Transparency is at the core of this decision. Providing unrestricted access to the project's source code allows anyone interested to inspect the inner workings, identify potential issues, and propose solutions. This level of openness fosters trust and confidence among stakeholders, be they contributors, users, or those considering supporting the project. Moreover, the open-source nature of the project aligns with the broader ethos of knowledge-sharing and community-driven innovation. It creates a space for collective problem-solving, encourages learning, and contributes to the growth of a supportive ecosystem. While I am the sole contributor to the project at this stage, I believe that opening it up to the wider community establishes a foundation for long-term success. As the project evolves, having a community of engaged contributors can lead to more resilient and adaptive solutions.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

In addressing the acute food scarcity in Northern Nigeria, my proposed solution revolves around initiating irrigation farming and establishing a decentralized Cardano blockchain platform. The core issue involves the struggles of local farmers, soaring costs, and the threat to sustainability. Leveraging technology for transparency and efficiency, irrigation farming aims to revolutionize traditional practices, mitigating climate uncertainties. The decentralized Cardano platform facilitates direct connections between farmers and consumers, ensuring fair compensation, reducing costs, and fostering sustainable agriculture. This approach engages farmers, consumers, and agricultural experts, creating a community built on trust and mutual benefit. To demonstrate impact, the project will measure increased yields, cost reductions, and the adoption of sustainable practices. What sets this solution apart is its integration of cutting-edge technology into agriculture, aligning with Cardano's vision of decentralization, transparency, and sustainability. Beyond addressing an immediate problem, the project showcases the potential for blockchain to drive positive change in underserved sectors, demonstrating the broader societal impact in line with Cardano's principles.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

The success of this project holds profound value for the wider Cardano community by demonstrating how blockchain, specifically through a decentralized Cardano platform, can effectively address tangible challenges in sectors often overlooked. Through quantifiable metrics like increased crop yields and cost reductions, coupled with qualitative feedback from farmers and consumers, the impact will be transparently measured. The project's outcomes and opportunities will be extensively shared with the Cardano community through progress reports on forums and social media, presentations at Cardano events, and open-sourcing the developed codebase. This initiative aims not only to showcase the adaptability and scalability of Cardano's blockchain but also to inspire community members to explore innovative applications of blockchain technology in addressing global challenges.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

My capability to deliver this project with high levels of trust and accountability is rooted in a combination of practical farming experience and a formal education in Computer Science and Engineering, acquired during my studies in India. Growing up, I engaged in farming from an early age, gaining firsthand insights into the challenges faced by local farmers. This hands-on experience, coupled with a comprehensive understanding of modern technologies, uniquely positions me to bridge the gap between traditional practices and innovative solutions. To validate the feasibility of the project, I plan to undertake a systematic approach. First, I will conduct a thorough feasibility study, analyzing the local agricultural landscape and market dynamics. This step ensures that the proposed irrigation farming and blockchain-based platform align not only with the needs of Northern Nigeria but also with sustainable and scalable solutions. Collaborating with agricultural experts, I will verify that the chosen methods are both practical and environmentally conscious. In terms of financial management, my commitment to transparency and accountability is steadfast. I will establish a clear and detailed budget that outlines every aspect of fund allocation, ensuring stakeholders have a transparent view of financial planning. Regular updates on expenditure and progress will be provided, and the decentralized features of the Cardano blockchain will be leveraged to implement smart contracts. These contracts will transparently track fund utilization, ensuring that funds are managed with precision and integrity. My dual background in practical farming and technology, alongside a commitment to transparent financial management, forms a robust foundation for successfully delivering this project. Through these capabilities, I am poised to navigate the complexities of both traditional farming practices and innovative blockchain solutions, fostering trust, transparency, and accountability throughout the project's lifecycle.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Month 1–2: Feasibility Study and Research Status: The feasibility study and research have already been conducted.

• Collaborate with agricultural experts to validate the suitability of irrigation farming methods in the context of Northern Nigeria.
• Define acceptance criteria: Complete feasibility report with validated methods and a clear understanding of local agricultural needs.

Month 3–4: Platform Design and Development Kickoff

• Initiate the design phase of the decentralized Cardano blockchain platform, incorporating insights from the feasibility study.
• Begin the development of the platform, focusing on key features such as direct farmer-consumer connections, fair compensation mechanisms, and transparency through blockchain.
• Define acceptance criteria: Initiate platform design and development with a clear roadmap and initial prototypes.

Month 5–6: Pilot Implementation and Testing

• Implement a pilot phase in a selected region, involving a group of farmers and consumers.
• Test the platform's functionality, scalability, and user experience.
• Gather feedback from pilot participants to identify areas for improvement.
• Define acceptance criteria: Successful pilot implementation with positive feedback and identified areas for enhancement.

Month 7-8: Iterative Enhancements and Full-Scale Rollout Plan

• Incorporate feedback from the pilot phase to enhance the platform's features and usability.
• Develop a full-scale rollout plan, considering scalability, user onboarding, and marketing strategies.
• Define acceptance criteria: Enhanced platform features based on pilot feedback and a comprehensive rollout plan.

Month 9: Full-Scale Platform Rollout and Evaluation

• Execute the full-scale rollout of the decentralized platform across the targeted regions in Northern Nigeria.
• Monitor and evaluate platform performance, user adoption, and impact on farming practices.
• Conduct a final assessment to measure the project's success against predefined goals and objectives.
• Secure additional land for irrigation farming, if required.
• Define acceptance criteria: Successful full-scale platform rollout, positive impact on farmers and consumers, and achievement of project goals, with secured land for irrigation.

Full-Scale Platform Rollout and Impact Evaluation

Description: The final milestone encompasses the execution of the full-scale rollout of the decentralized Cardano blockchain platform across targeted regions in Northern Nigeria. This phase involves widespread implementation, user onboarding, and the comprehensive evaluation of the platform's impact on local farming practices and food accessibility.

Milestone Outputs:

1. Successful deployment of the decentralized platform, connecting farmers directly with consumers.
2. Comprehensive user onboarding achieved, ensuring a smooth transition for both farmers and consumers.
3. Real-time monitoring tools implemented to track platform performance, user engagement, and transactional activities.

Acceptance Criteria:

1. Platform Functionality: The platform must be fully operational, allowing farmers to list their produce, consumers to make direct purchases, and transparent smart contracts facilitating fair compensation.
2. User Adoption: Achieve a target percentage of farmers and consumers onboarded onto the platform within the specified timeframe.
3. Transaction Validation: Implement real-time monitoring tools to validate and verify transactions on the Cardano blockchain, ensuring transparency and accuracy.
4. Positive Impact: Conduct a comprehensive impact assessment, measuring key indicators such as increased crop yields, reduced costs, and improved livelihoods for farmers. Positive feedback from users regarding improved food accessibility and fair compensation.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Project Team:

1. Barnabas Zakariya

• Role: Project Lead
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barnabaszaka/
• Responsibilities: Oversee the entire project, manage team communication, coordinate with stakeholders, and ensure the successful implementation of the decentralized platform.

Engagement Details:

• Communication Channels: Discord, WhatsApp, and Telegram
• Engagement: Engaged with relevant individuals and organizations through Discord, WhatsApp, and Telegram, establishing direct lines of communication.

Recruitment Plan:

• If additional team members are needed, I will seek individuals with expertise in blockchain development, smart contract programming, and agriculture technology.
• Skills required include proficiency in Cardano blockchain development, experience in decentralized application (DApp) design, and a background in sustainable agriculture practices.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

-Feasibility Study and Research (Completed) 0 Ada:

• Already conducted independently.

-Platform Design and Development Kickoff (10155.71 Ada):

• Hire blockchain developers for initial design and development
• Software tools and licenses for development
• Contingency fund for unforeseen development challenges

-Pilot Implementation and Testing (10155.71 Ada):

• Outreach and onboarding of pilot participants
• Platform testing and bug fixing
• Marketing and awareness campaigns for pilot region

-Land Acquisition and Water Borehole (15233.57 Ada):

• Land acquisition for irrigation farming
• Water borehole drilling

-Iterative Enhancements and Full-Scale Rollout Plan (7616.78 Ada):

• Developer fees for iterative platform enhancements
• Full-scale rollout planning and coordination
• Marketing and community engagement for full-scale rollout

-Crops and Agricultural Supplies (5077.86 Ada):

• Purchase of initial crops and seeds
• Agricultural supplies (fertilizers, tools, etc.)
• Contingency fund for unexpected agricultural expenses

-Documentation and Reporting (2538.93 Ada):

• Expenses for project documentation and reporting.

-Contingency Fund (5077.86 Ada):

• Reserved for unexpected expenses or adjustments in project execution.

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

Resource Allocation Justification:

-Developer Fees:

• The budget allocates a significant portion to developer fees, recognizing the specialized skills required for blockchain development on the Cardano platform. These fees are competitive and justified by the intricacies of implementing decentralized irrigation farming features, requiring expertise in smart contract development and blockchain integration.

-Software Tools and Licenses:

• Essential for platform development, the cost is justified by the need for licensed software tools. In the context of irrigation farming, these tools are crucial for implementing secure and efficient features that enable direct farmer-consumer connections, fair compensation mechanisms, and transparent transactions on the Cardano blockchain.

-Community Engagement and Marketing:

• Outreach and Awareness:
• The funds allocated for marketing and community engagement play a pivotal role in promoting the decentralized platform's features, especially those related to irrigation farming. Creating awareness about the benefits of sustainable agriculture and transparent supply chains contributes to building a user base and ensures the long-term sustainability of the project.

-Project Management:

• Coordination and Oversight:
• A portion of the budget is dedicated to project management, which becomes even more crucial with the addition of irrigation farming. Coordinating activities related to land acquisition, water borehole drilling, and crop procurement demands meticulous oversight to ensure seamless integration with the blockchain platform. Project management becomes a linchpin in overseeing both technological and agricultural aspects.

-Documentation and Reporting:

• Transparency and Accountability:
• The allocation for documentation and reporting is vital for maintaining transparency and accountability, especially considering the expanded scope of the project. Detailed reporting on both technological developments and on-the-ground agricultural activities ensures that the Cardano community is well-informed about the project's progress and impact.

-Contingency Fund:

• Risk Mitigation:
• The inclusion of a contingency fund becomes even more crucial with the introduction of irrigation farming. Unforeseen challenges related to agricultural practices, weather conditions, or local regulations may arise, and the contingency fund serves as a prudent measure to address these unexpected situations, ensuring the project's resilience and adaptability.

-Value for Money:

• Proportional Costs:
• The costs are aligned with industry standards and are proportional to the complexity of the project. Developer fees are specifically tailored to the specialized nature of Cardano blockchain development required for decentralized irrigation farming features.

• Sustainable Impact:
• The project's enhanced focus on sustainable agriculture, including irrigation farming, aligns seamlessly with Cardano's commitment to environmental responsibility. The long-term benefits of increased crop yields and fair compensation not only contribute to sustainable growth but also foster a positive environmental impact by promoting efficient water use and reducing agricultural waste.

The adjusted cost breakdown reflects a strategic investment in a project that integrates blockchain technology with sustainable agriculture, delivering maximum value for the Cardano ecosystem. The allocation of resources is designed to ensure the success and enduring impact of the project, encompassing both technological innovation and on-the-ground agricultural practices.