Improved & Sustainable Agricultural Value Chain
Innovation Type:
Water-Food
Product Segment:
Energy – Farm Input
Country of Incorporation:
Zambia
Country of Implementation:
Zambia
Company Stage:
Stage 4: 10,001 to 999,999 end-users
Seeking Investment:
Yes, $1 million USD
Financing Goals:
Seeking debt (commercial or DFI)
Seeking combination of debt and equity
Contact Name:
Conrad Bwalya
Contact Email:
Challenges
In Zambia unpredictable weather, severe climatic conditions, water scarcity, and growing pressure on the agriculture supply chain means that there is risk of farmers facing pricing volatility.
Additionally, the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the soil is common because farmers must cater to the region’s staple crop demands (i.e., maize and soya). While these fertilizers contribute positively to crop yields, excessive use can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient loss in the soil.
Solutions
Bwando Farms and its supply chain found efficient ways to provide sufficient food and water for people and livestock while also complying with emissions initiatives. As a vegetable and pig farm, the innovator produces organic fertilizer from pig manure. To enhance soil ecosystems and restore its biology, the innovator trains smallholder farmers on compost production as well as regenerative land management practices to reverse degradation in soil, water, and air quality. These practices also improve animal welfare.
Bwando Farms also invested in a meat processing plant and feed-mill that is more efficient in processing safe meats and grains from smallholder farmers and will lower their transportation and costs of feed.
