Infinity Farm
Kwasi Bame Anokye, who studied political science, had a business idea two years ago: back in Ghana, the student wanted to set up a snail farm. Of course, anyone hearing this for the first time might raise their eyebrows for a moment – after all, snails are not exactly a typical farm animal. But, says Kwasi, "From snail meat to their slime to snail shells - we can use all of that to improve people's lives." Yes, snails are a delicacy and a sustainable source of protein. But Kwasi knew that it is not only their meat that is in demand. Snail slime is also a sought-after ingredient in the cosmetics industry, and the shells can be used to make a wide variety of materials, such as ceramics, paint and paper.
Kwasi's journey from business idea to running a sustainable snail farm
In order to start growing snails and selling them to consumers and buyers from different sectors, Kwasi needed financial support. Together with a friend who lives in Germany, he therefore successfully applied for the Original WIDU Grant for his company Infinity Farm.
The new entrepreneur used the money from the Private Investment and the WIDU Grant to buy snails and feed, to create a position for a farm manager and, above all, to buy building materials for his farm. In the meantime, his farm is humming and Kwasi has even been able to create a second job. Looking back, he says about his participation in WIDU: "As a new business, this investment was the most important tool for building up the farm. Without this investment, it would have been impossible for me to buy the materials and resources needed for the first phase of the project."
Support from Germany
His diaspora donor Jacob Sarfo wholeheartedly supports the new entrepreneur. A student at the University of Göttingen, Germany, Jacob is passionate about the development of agriculture in Africa and sees it as a tool to promote economic growth to eradicate poverty, especially in rural communities. He says: "I am happy to be part of WIDU to support my friends and family to deepen their involvement in the agricultural sector in Ghana."
Winner of the Agri-Business Award at the WIDU Awards Ghana 2023.
Snail farming is a sustainable source of protein that requires minimal resources and has a low impact on the environment. Because Kwasi distributes his snails locally, residents in his hometown now don't have to go to Kumasi to buy them, saving them time and nerves. Moreover, he recycles his product completely and can draw profit from all parts of his snails. His sustainable business concept also convinced the jury of the WIDU Ghana Award 2023. He won the Agri-Business Award, for his innovative approach to using his by-products.
