Empowering Farmers and Merchants: A Cardano-Based Platform for Agricultural Growth and ADA-Backed Financing

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Yikanu shibru

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

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

71540

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

11

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

No

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

The problem is the lack of direct access to market services for rural farmers, that prevent there business growth. My project connects farmers with merchants and provides access to ADA-based loans.

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

Yes

[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.”

-Technical Infrastructure: Reliable app for transactions.

-Partnerships: Collaboration with local organizations.

-Regulatory Compliance: Adherence to local laws.

-Financial Services: Partnerships for loans and payments.

-Education: Training for users on platform and ADA.

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

Yes

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

We make it open source because, to make it to suit different customers who live in different country so they can modify it to the situation.

On top of that farmer have different level of education in different country so make it open source will enhance the user.

[METADATA] Horizons

Agriculture

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

I perceive the problem as the lack of direct financial access and transparent transaction systems for farmers in developing countries, particularly in Ethiopia. Many farmers struggle to connect with merchants, access loans, or sell their products at fair market prices due to limited digital infrastructure and reliance on inefficient traditional banking systems. This causes financial exclusion, limited market reach, and post-harvest losses. My approach addresses this by using a unique digital identity verification system powered by Cardano blockchain, providing both security and transparency. For farmers, verification includes submitting government documentation confirming their identity, farm location, land size, and a photo for visual identification. This ensures trust in their legitimacy. Similarly, merchants are required to provide their business license PIN, active license status, and tax compliance information, ensuring that they are legitimate and legally operating. The use of blockchain’s immutability ensures the security and reliability of this process.

My project engages both farmers and merchants directly. Farmers can list their products on the platform, while merchants can browse offerings and transact seamlessly. Additionally, the ADA-based loan system allows farmers to access loans based on the amount of ADA they deposit or the assets they hold. Loans are provided by merchants, and collateral agreements are made, where farmers can pledge their land, crops, or ADA. These agreements are recorded on the blockchain using smart contracts, ensuring transparency and trust. If a farmer defaults on repayment, the Cardano community will block the farmer’s account, preventing future transactions and protecting merchants. This system incentivizes both parties to uphold their agreements and creates a secure environment for all.

I will demonstrate impact by tracking the number of registered farmers and merchants, the volume of ADA transactions, and the financial improvements for farmers. Surveys and feedback will help evaluate the user experience, and success will be measured through increased financial inclusion and reduced post-harvest losses for farmers. This holistic approach will foster trust, reliability, and fairness, benefiting both the agricultural and merchant communities.

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

The success of my project will enhance the Cardano community by increasing membership and fostering a robust ecosystem for users. By providing a secure platform for transactions, the project will attract farmers and merchants to join Cardano, leveraging its blockchain technology for practical applications. This increased adoption will create a higher demand for ADA transactions, as users engage in verified exchanges, promoting trust and further growth within the community. As farmers and merchants experience the benefits of using ADA, they will become advocates for Cardano, expanding its reach.

To measure the impact, I will track key performance indicators such as the number of farmers and merchants signing up and actively using the application. Analyzing transaction volumes will provide insight into the platform's effectiveness. Additionally, I will gather feedback through surveys, allowing users to share their experiences. Comparing two communities—one using the Cardano agricultural platform and one that is not—will help quantify the benefits of adopting the system.

I plan to share the outputs and results of my project through comprehensive reports that highlight key findings and success stories. These reports will include data on user adoption, transaction volumes, and user feedback. I will disseminate this information via community meetings, social media, and online forums dedicated to Cardano users. Additionally, I aim to create engaging content featuring user testimonials to illustrate the platform's positive impact, promoting transparency and encouraging further participation in the Cardano ecosystem.

[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?

I am well-suited to deliver this project due to my deep-rooted passion for technology and nature, combined with personal experiences that have shaped my understanding of the challenges faced by farmers. Growing up in the countryside with my family, who owned farming land, I witnessed firsthand the struggles caused by inadequate transaction and loan systems. Many farmers in my community faced financial difficulties and even bankruptcy due to these limitations, motivating me to find innovative solutions to improve their circumstances.

My enthusiasm for technology drives me to explore how blockchain can revolutionize financial access for farmers, enabling secure transactions and transparent loan systems. This background gives me a unique perspective on the needs of the agricultural community and the importance of creating a system that fosters trust and supports economic growth.

I am committed to leveraging my insights and passion to develop a platform that will effectively address these challenges, ensuring farmers can connect with merchants, access loans, and thrive in their businesses. My dedication to this cause, coupled with my technical interest, positions me as a capable and feasible candidate to lead this project to success.

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

Research and community engagement

Development of digital identity verification system

creation of the ADA loan system

platform testing and iteration

launch and marketing

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

The role of Yikanu shibru

(App developer)

Research User Needs: Analyze feedback from surveys.

Develop Identity Verification: Create a secure system for user data.

Implement ADA Loan System: Build backend logic for loans and transactions.

Conduct Platform Testing: Test usability and security, fix issues.

Prepare for Launch: Finalize features and create user support materials.

The role of Betel shibeshi

(Community Engagement Specialist)

Conduct Community Research: Engage farmers and merchants for insights.

Educate Users: Organize workshops and create promotional materials.

Collect Feedback: Gather user input during beta testing.

Implement Marketing Strategy: Promote app through social media and partnerships.

Provide Ongoing Support: Monitor user engagement and address concerns.

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

Total Budget: 71,540 ADA

Project Duration: 11 months

Milestone 1: Research & Initial Planning

Activities:

Conduct surveys to assess farmers' needs and gather data.

Set up communication channels with government bodies for verification processes.

Engage with the local agricultural community to introduce the project.

Estimated Cost:

Surveys: 6,000 ADA

Communication and partnerships: 3,000 ADA

Travel expenses to meet key stakeholders: 4,000 ADA

Total for Milestone 1: 13,000 ADA

Milestone 2: App Development for Farmers

Activities:

Develop the app interface for farmers, including identity verification and product listing.

Test the app with a small group of farmers to gather feedback.

Estimated Cost:

App development: 17,000 ADA

Testing and modifications: 4,000 ADA

Total for Milestone 2: 21,000 ADA

Milestone 3: App Development for Merchants

Activities:

Build the app interface for merchants, ensuring they can access product listings and perform transactions.

Integrate business license verification and ADA transaction systems.

Estimated Cost:

App development: 12,000 ADA

Integration of verification systems: 3,000 ADA

Total for Milestone 3: 15,000 ADA

Milestone 4: Community Engagement & Marketing

Activities:

Travel to the countryside to introduce the app to farmers and merchants.

Educate farmers on how to use the app and access loans.

Begin advertising the project on social media and local platforms.

Travel expenses: 6,000 ADA

Social media and local advertising: 5,000 ADA

Educational materials and workshops: 3,000 ADA

Total for Milestone 4: 14,000 ADA

Milestone 5: Final Testing & Launch

Activities:

Finalize the app based on feedback.

Conduct large-scale testing with multiple users.

Official launch of the app to the Cardano and agricultural community.

Final testing: 5,000 ADA

Launch event and promotional efforts: 3,540 ADA

Total for Milestone 5: 8,540 ADA

Total Estimated Cost for Entire Project: 71,540 ADA

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

The benefits of my project offer strong value for money for the Cardano community and ecosystem by increasing ADA usage, opening new markets through agriculture, and expanding the user base. It empowers rural farmers with financial services, boosting local economies and ADA demand. The project's robust verification system builds trust and credibility, attracting future partnerships and promoting long-term growth within the Cardano ecosystem.