On 28th October 2024, MazaoHub had the
honor of hosting representatives from AlphaMundi Foundation, an organization
committed to driving social impact investments that empower businesses and
communities. Their focus on sustainable development and financial inclusion
aligns closely with our mission, making this visit a significant milestone in
our journey.
Starting
the Journey at Mtwara Farmer Excellence Center
The visit began at our Mtwara Farmer
Excellence Center, strategically located at the market near Masjid Albany
Mosque. We chose this location deliberately to be close to where farmers
deliver their goods, making us more accessible and visible to them. As farmers
visit the market to trade, they can easily approach our center and inquire
about the services we offer.
During the visit, Alphamundi’s Nora and
Clair were thrilled to learn about our operations and explore our soil testing
technology. The opportunity to witness how we automate real-time data
collection and analyze critical soil metrics within minutes left them impressed
by our commitment to precision agriculture.
Engaging
with Farmers: Mr. Mohammed Journey.
After the center visit, we headed to meet
one of the farmers benefiting from MazaoHub’s support. Mr. Mohammed, a cashew
nut farmer managing 2 acres of land, welcomed us to his farm. While his primary
crop is cashew nut trees, he also practices intercropping with cassava to
diversify his production. Mr. Mohammed expressed his gratitude for our agronomist,
Jason, who has been providing tailored guidance to help him increase his
yields.
As an experienced agronomist, Jason focuses
on a comprehensive approach to cashew nut farming, advising on best practices
to maximize productivity and sustainability. For instances the importance of
proper spacing between cashew trees to allow sufficient sunlight and air
circulation, which helps in reducing diseases like powdery mildew. He also
adviced Mr.Mohammed to conduct timely pruning to maintain tree health and improve
fruit quality. Jason has guided Mr. Mohammed on conducting soil tests to
determine the nutrient content, allowing for precise fertilizer application
based on the soil’s needs.
At
Mr.Mohammed cashwenut Farm.
Jason also explained the significance of
integrated pest management (IPM), encouraging Mr. Shingano to use biological
pest control methods, such as introducing natural predators to control harmful
pests. In addition, he has taught Mr. Mohammed the ideal timing for pesticide
application to prevent pest infestations without harming beneficial insects.
On the cassava intercropping front, Jason
recommended planting cassava at strategic intervals to ensure it doesn’t
compete for nutrients with the cashew trees, thereby boosting the overall yield
of both crops. He also shared tips on crop rotation and water conservation
techniques to make the most out of available resources.
Mr. Mohammed shared how these tailored
insights and consistent guidance on best farming practices have significantly
improved his productivity, leading to healthier crops and increased income.
Meeting
Mr. Mgogo and Mr. Chiwaya: Tackling Challenges Together
Our next stop was at the farms of Mr. Mgogo
and Mr. Chiwaya, who have been engaging with Jason for three months. Both
farmers specialize in growing cashew nuts—a vital crop for the Mtwara region,
which is renowned for its high-quality cashew nut production. When we asked
them about the challenges they face, both farmers pointed out the difficulty in
accessing capital to invest in their farms.
This is why MazaoHub has partnered with
CRDB Bank to secure credit guarantees for our farmers. Through this
partnership, farmers can now access essential inputs on credit without needing
cash at hand. This system ensures that they can practice farming in a timely
manner with all necessary resources available.
A
Transparent Future: Inviting More Investors.
At MazaoHub, we are committed to
transparency, innovation, and empowering farmers. While we are excited about
the interest shown by Alphamundi Foundation during their visit, we welcome the
opportunity for other investors to join us on this journey. We believe in the
power of collaboration and invite you to come and experience our work
firsthand.
We are Welcoming more Visitors to come
Learn more of what we do at MazaoHub.
By partnering with us, you can play a vital
role in driving sustainable agricultural development and making a lasting
impact in the communities we serve. Together, we can transform the agricultural
landscape, improve farmers’ livelihoods, and create a brighter future for all.
Join us in this mission—MazaoHub is home, and we would be thrilled to welcome
you back!