ACDI/VOCA Zambia

21/01/2025

20/01/2025

Mulungushi University, in collaboration with the USAID EDGE project, has been instrumental in advancing sustainable agricultural practices and promoting entrepreneurial growth.

Dr. Malunga Mwape, a former EDGE Business Advisor, is a lecturer at Mulungushi and Manager of their beekeeping projects. shares insights on Mulungushi’s journey with EDGE. "We began our partnership with USAID EDGE in 2021, working with local honey producers with a focus on honey value addition. We currently offer beekeeping as a short course to over 200 students and plan to introduce it as a full-time program."

Beekeeping has emerged as a critical area of focus for farming communities due to its dual environmental and economic benefits. "The local community is taught to keep bees because they protect the environment, which is an excellent strategy to combat climate change," Dr. Malunga emphasized. "Additionally, beekeeping is a profitable venture. A single beehive can produce up to 40kg of honey, generating at least K2,400, as honey is sold at K60 per kilogram. Additionally, the wax can be sold separately to generate even more income."

Under Dr. Malunga's guidance, Mulungushi University is mentoring 31 honey producers, offering comprehensive training in record-keeping, business management, customer care, and loan acquisition. The university also serves as an off-taker, ensuring a stable market for these SMEs.

The success of this initiative extends beyond the primary honey market. "The local market is saturated, but thanks to the personal initiative training by USAID EDGE, we have added value by producing honey drinks and biscuits," Dr. Malunga said. "We are now targeting markets in Congo DR and Malawi. Additionally, we plan to start harvesting bee venom, which is used in biomedicine."

Via its Business Advisor model, and persistent efforts to equip SMEs with innovative tools and solutions, the USAID EDGE project is empowering agricultural businesses to thrive in competitive markets, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth.

17/01/2025

In the heart of Chibombo District, the New Apostolic Church Relief Organization (NACRO) is making a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable communities. As a humanitarian and development wing of the New Apostolic Church, NACRO is dedicated to improving livelihoods through sustainable agricultural practices and skills training.

Since 2021, NACRO has been actively participating in the USAID Enterprise Development and Growth Enhanced (EDGE) Activity as a producer and processor in horticulture products and poultry. Through targeted training programs and technical support, USAID EDGE has empowered NACRO to enhance its operational efficiency, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and adopt sustainable practices.

One notable achievement is NACRO's successful partnerships with Rivonia and Luano Honey. Through USAID EDGE's market linkages, NACRO secured a significant market for its tomato puree. Luano Honey now processes the puree into a variety of flavoured sauces and marinades, catering to both domestic and international markets. This partnership has enabled NACRO to offload 6 tons of tomato puree per month, generating substantial incomes.

Over the past 4 years, NACRO has been a committed participant at USAID EDGE-sponsored regional business-to-business events, trade fairs, and symposia, which increased NACRO’s visibility with producer farmers, financial service providers and key ecosystem players.

NACRO also received training in poultry in poultry feed formulation, digitization, and quality standards.

"USAID EDGE has been instrumental in our growth," says a NACRO Executive Director, Dr Katungu Mukelabai.
"The training has empowered us to take control of our feed costs, reducing them by 30% through self-production. This strategic move has significantly enhanced our overall profitability.”

NACRO's innovative approach has transformed the lives of over 400 households in Petauke District by empowering them to produce clean energy and sustainable fertilizer. With USAID EDGE's support, NACRO seeks to unlock the potential for further growth and impact through debt/grant finance.

In addition to its commercial endeavors, NACRO has also made significant strides in its educational offerings. In 2024 NACRO received a USD 50,000 grant from the TEVET Fund, a Government of Zambia fund for tertiary institutions to provide financial support to vulnerable students who cannot afford user fees for skills training. Via this support, NACRO has expanded its skills training capacity from 300 to 750 students every six months. Furthermore, USAID EDGE's assistance facilitated the recruitment of 5 students. This investment empowers more individuals with agricultural knowledge and skills, contributing to the growth of the sector.

NACRO's success story is a testament to the power of partnership and the transformative impact of targeted support. By leveraging the resources and expertise provided by USAID EDGE, NACRO is not only improving the livelihoods of its beneficiaries but also contributing to the sustainable development of the Chibombo District and beyond.

15/01/2025

Impuls Africa

14/01/2025

Mwiza Chilembo, owner of Maca seedlings in Kabwe, Central Province, is a thriving seed grower and a proud and long-time SME participant in the USAID EDGE project.

Since joining the initiative in 2021, Mwiza has been an active beneficiary of the project's myraid capacity-building, awareness raising and networking opportunities, which have significantly enhanced her business and leadership skills.

In 2022, Mwiza took on the role of a Business Advisor, mentoring 13 SMEs. This experience has not only broadened her professional perspective but also instilled a strong sense of responsibility and selflessness, as she has become deeply committed to supporting the growth and success of the SMEs under her guidance.

Through the USAID EDGE project, Mwiza has accessed a wealth of opportunities, including financial support from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

This funding has enabled her to install a borehole and purchase land to expand her seedling business. What started as a small venture, with just 800 seedlings, has now grown into a thriving enterprise with 100,000 seedlings. Today, Mwiza employs six workers and two interns, contributing to her community's economic development.

In addition to her seedling enterprise, Mwiza has leveraged her Personal Initiative training from USAID EDGE to become an off-taker for Good Nature Agro (GNA). Under this initiative, she works with 250 farmers cultivating a total of 450 hectares of soya beans and 50 hectares of groundnuts, providing market access for local farmers.

USAID EDGE is dedicated to enhancing the competitiveness of SME products by strengthening management and marketing capacities, improving networking opportunities, and promoting robust input-output relationships. Former Business Advisors like Mwiza are now using their experience under USAID EDGE, to create ripple effects and impacts beyond USAID EDGE's life of project!

10/01/2025

Impuls Africa

09/01/2025

Agness Ndililwa, a dynamic farmer and entrepreneur from Mpongwe, is leading the way in sustainable agriculture. Her innovative farming practices are a testament to how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can effectively address the challenges of climate change, while boosting agricultural productivity.

During the last farming season, Agness cultivated 10 hectares of maize and harvested a remarkable 1,300 bags, each weighing 50 kilograms. Despite facing a dry spell, her yields outperformed many others due to her forward-thinking approach.

Key to her success is the adoption of Plant Catalyst, a soil solution that significantly improves soil health and moisture retention. By applying this eco-friendly solution bi-weekly, Agness has stabilized soil pH levels and reduced the need for excessive irrigation. Additionally, her choice of drought-resistant maize seeds has proven instrumental in achieving substantial yields, even under adverse weather conditions. To further safeguard her investment,Agness insures her fields at an affordable rate of K200 per 0.5 hectares. This insurance provides a safety net against potential losses due to drought, guaranteeing compensation for half the expected yield.

Agness is not only focused on her own success but also on empowering her community. She actively educates her neighbors about these climate-smart practices, contributing to environmental preservation and food security. This season, she has scaled up her operations to 30 hectares of maize, demonstrating her commitment to sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.

Agness attributes much of her success to the support she received from the USAID Enterprise Development and Growth Enhanced (EDGE) project. “EDGE has been with me since day one. Through the support provided by USAID EDGE, I have been able to establish a resilient and thriving business. This not only improved my livelihood but also contributed to addressing the effects of climate change in agriculture.” Agnes is but one of hundreds of USAID EDGE SMEs who have similar testimonials to share with fellow Zambians and USAID.

07/01/2025

06/01/2025

Two Zambian small and medium enterprises (SMEs), Kazilimani Farm and Beautiful Gardens, have experienced significant growth and transformation thanks to strategic partnerships and tailored support from USAID EDGE, through its partner MCA.

Initially a solo venture, Kazilimanii Farm, under the leadership of Elvis Sakala, has blossomed into a thriving enterprise employing over 100 people. With MCA's guidance in business valuation and financial management, the company has expanded into construction and secured substantial contracts worth over
ZMW6 million.

The support provided by MCA's consultancy firm and accounting intern has been instrumental in streamlining operations, attracting financiers, and securing asset financing for a tipper truck. Sakala emphasizes the long-term impact of this partnership, stating, "The knowledge we've gained will continue to guide us, and we aim to further enhance our professionalism by bringing in more qualified personnel."

Maybin Liyali, owner of Beautiful Gardens, credits MCA's training and support for enabling the company to access critical financing. “With the help of a bankable business plan and expert guidance from MCA's accounting interns, Beautiful Gardens secured significant funding: a K400,000 truck from the Citizen Empowerment Commission (CEC) and K197,000 from the Constitutional Development Fund (CDF) for inputs.”

Both Kazilimani Farm and Beautiful Gardens exemplify the drive and committment that SMEs should embrace. By addressing key constraints in access to finance and providing tailored support to SMEs, USAID EDGE, through MCA, is empowering Zambian entrepreneurs to achieve their full potential and contribute to the nation's economic development.

20/12/2024

16/12/2024

16/12/2024

Meet Mary Hanyanga: A True Champion of Climate-Smart Agriculture 🌾

At 58 years old, Mary Hanyanga from Shaluwale Village in Chief Shakumbila’s Chiefdom, Shibuyunji District, is a true example of resilience and determination. As a widow and mother of five, she has taken on the role of sole provider, working tirelessly to support her family and create a better future through sustainable farming.

After participating in the Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) training with Impuls Africa under the USAID EDGE project, Mary took decisive action to enhance her farming practices. She began collecting cow manure, which she now skillfully applies to her ripper lines in the cornfield. By balancing resources between her 11 cattle, 26 goats, and crops, she has seen remarkable results. Her crops are now healthier and heavier, proving the power of sustainable techniques.

Mary’s journey is a shining example of how knowledge and determination can transform lives. She has not only secured a better future for her family but also serves as an inspiration to others in her community.

At Impuls Africa, we are incredibly proud to support Mary and share her inspiring story. Her success is a reminder that together, we can make a difference through sustainable agriculture and innovation. 🌍✨

ACDI/VOCA Zambia