Joseph works in agriculture. He’s also an aspiring businessman, but was struggling to produce the quality of crops he needed to survive in a competitive marketplace. Sales were poor and his income was low.

Farm Africa’s Growing Futures project was developed for young people exactly like Joseph. The aim is to create a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs – helping them reach their potential by providing critical training in business and technical skills.

For Joseph, this meant learning new soil management and seed bedding techniques to boost the quality and size of his harvest. We also showed him the advantage of crop diversification. He now grows spinach and kale as well as cabbages.
Since joining the Growing Futures project, Joseph has seen a 65% increase in his profits.

When we last spoke to him, Joseph was saving his extra money to buy a new house with more land. He would also like to invest in his business by buying a truck to transport his produce to markets.

More than just a job, farming is now his legacy. It’s a gift. An enterprise that can be handed down for generations.

‘We teach our children how to farm, we show them what to do. Every weekend they come and help us... It is important for them to learn how to farm for themselves. Tomorrow they may lack a job, but with farming they will always be able to employ themselves.’

Farm Africa’s Growing Futures project has 400 members like Joseph. It’s a flourishing programme, and one that’s set to continue. Watch out for more news from this project later in the year.