The incubé-e-s describe their experience (Part 1)

The incubating agro-engineers in Ibi and Mongata shared with us earlier this month their experience with the project so far. Although they had to overcome many unexpected challenges, there is also a lot of optimism with the incoming cassava harvest and the numerous lessons learned. We start with the initial impressions from 5 incubé-e-s from Ibi.

Aaron Mbuyamba

 “Having 5 hectares at my disposal allowed me to express myself, to decide on what to cultivate, etc. (...) Normally season B starts on February 15, and I started planting on March 15. With regards to the climate, there was drought. (...) I learned many things, for example how to create and manage a business. Also training with GIS, which is useful to locate a plot on a map and to convince someone, to show with details on an image. (...) I had never worked with people before. I learned to manage people, with a team of up to 30 people. I learned to act like a real leader, to not give to caprices, to not get upset easily for example. In terms of diversification, I have fish that are growing well. I also always had in mind the idea of raising chicken.”

Dieudonné Otshudi

“The project brought expertise, practical training with management. (...) There was a delay in terms of execution with regards to the calendar, which caused many failures in our fields. (...) I had a contact with the reality of agroforestry. I learned how to manage a business; how to manage temporary workers. I am putting into practice what I learned. (...)[The incubator] gave us a hand. But I can’t place all my hope on it due to the uncertainty of rentability.”

Patrick Kabangi

"I succeeded only with peanuts so far. I planted 2.5 hectares and got 14 bags (50k each). The project gave me experience. I worked on a large space. (…) When I took my products out, the market was inundated. This is due in part to the fact that the warehouse isn’t built yet. (...) I improved what I learned in university. I got a field to express myself, to showcase my talents. (...) The temporary workers from the village know the area well and some of them have an agricultural experience that was helpful. By listening to them we can improve our results. (…) It’s my dream to be able to manage a large agricultural business one day.”

Michelle Sangwa Fatuma

“Despite the delays, we can see the project. (...) Due to the delays, we haven’t been able to intercrop with the cassava. (…) Planting crops over large spaces, managing workers who can be difficult but with whom we still have to work, living with other people outside the family… This is where I am seeing what I will be doing tomorrow. I have the opportunity to have a parcel of my own. (...) What interests me most is transformation. I need to do an experiment with making yogourt out of soybean, and create my own brand.”

Sylvain Shamba

"This project taught me many things. First, there is agroforestry. There are many techniques I have learned. Second, there is entrepeneurship. Third, there is the fund at my disposal for the fields and raising animals. (...) We teamed up into a group of 4 and made a canteen where we can eat together. We came to know each other better. Now, we know one another and complete each other well. (...) I am optimistic. With the means I will have after the harvest and the techniques I’ve learned here, I will launch my business. The future is good.”

Makala Renouvelable featured in two conferences in Guelph

Last month, Makala Renouvelable project was featured in two conferences in Guelph, providing an opportunity to share the ideas behind and achievements of the project with various scholars and development professionals from around the world.

At the Guelph Development Symposium, organized by the Ontario Veterinary College, taking place May 4-7, the presentation on the project was part of a session on value-added family agriculture, where experts from Asia, Africa and Latin America shared innovative practices developed to improve opportunities for small farmers. Now three years running, the Guelph Development Symposium has seen the convergence of hundreds of academics and practitioners in the field of development, placing special emphasis on the role of agriculture.

Later that month, on May 19-20, the project was the subject of a poster presentation at the Glocal Classroom seminar, an event organized in collaboration with universities in South Africa, Australia and Sweden. Scholars and practitioners from all continents were here to discuss innovations in communication and education with regards to rural development.