An industry providing potentially about 70% of a country’s GDP and more than 80% of employment should be considered to be of great importance. This is agriculture, of course, and more specifically farming. Across most of sub-Saharan Africa, farming (small-scale farming, in particular) is the primary livelihood of the majority of the population.
With economies growing at breakneck speeds, and urban centres straining to keep up with the influx of migrants looking for jobs, the small-scale farmer often gets left in the dust. Africa has the ideal makings of a farming community, but faces many challenges, even when blessed with fertile soil, ample land, water, and labour closely tied to the land. The question is: how can the African small-scale farmer be helped to become more productive?
As a child growing up in the rural part of North-Western Zambia, I noticed that small-scale farmers were faced with many constraints and challenges. These include: the continued practice of convectional farming, reliance on ever-uncertain rainfall, high cost of seed and fertilizer, low yields and a subsequent exploitation by middlemen—which have resulted in a vicious cycle of hunger and poverty among small-scale farmers.
In trying to make a difference and help provide solutions to these constraints and challenges One Pack Farm Finance (OPFFIN) was formed. OPFFIN is an agribusiness enterprise that lends farming inputs (seeds and fertilizer) to small-scale farmers and they repay in-kind with bags of maize after harvest.
What is One Pack Farm Finance All About?
OPFFIN Business Solution Model
Using a market-based approach, OPFFIN facilitates activities and transactions at two levels of the farming value chain, including seed and fertilizer sourcing, and market support. Farmers get inputs at the start of the farming season and are required to repay when they harvest. The enterprise also provides market for these farmers and more others who are not on the scheme to sell their produce. A complete set of services is indeed provided within walking distance of the farmers we serve. Our service bundle includes:
- Financing for farm inputs
- Market facilitation to maximize profits from harvest sales
How it Works
The model is based on the solidarity group lending system were farmers are grouped into small groups of five to ten people co-guaranteeing each other. The groups register with the manager, then a background check is done on the clients to assess the capability of repayment. Upon approval, the group is eligible to access the inputs when the distribution period starts. Client farmers are expected to repay in kind with the number (quantity) of bags agreed.
What has been done so far?
OPFFIN have already acquired land (a farm in the area) and a manager is already on the site who has been interacting with our farmer members. We have so far reached a clientele of about 80 farmers with good repayment record (90% collection). Right now we are in the process of reaching out to the seed and fertilizer companies for supply of inputs at subsidized prices and also in the process of forming and dividing the existing clientele into solidarity groups.
OPFFIN Sustainable Model
OPFFIN is currently targeting 5,000 farmers in Kapiri Mposhi District of Central Province Zambia, but the enterprise has plans to expand to other parts of the country. The enterprise is also planning to expand in other areas by providing the farmers with technical know-how and the agronomic practices (new farming technologies, climate change, conservation farming, etc.) to maximize their yields and profit margins.
Our success indicators will range from the yield-per-hectare of maize and soya bean fields, and between the quantity of inputs required and output sold every year. We also want to measure our success based on the number of farmers joining the scheme on a yearly basis.
Budget
Construction of the warehouse USD 1,500 Immediately funds are given
Laptops (2) USD 500 Immediately funds are given
Labour USD 500 Distribution Period
Inputs USD 2,500 August 2016
Given Chipilipili is a 28-year-old agriprenuer residing in Lusaka, Zambia. He has the passion for farming and the zeal of lifting small-scale farmers out from the vicious cycle of poverty by empowering them through proper input-supply-chain management, trade, and agronomic practices. He Holds a BSc in Agricultural Economics and more than two-years’ working experience in different institutions and microfinance.
Blogpost and picture submitted by Given Chipilipili (Zambia): given.chipilipili[at]gmail.com
The content, structure and grammar are at the discretion of the author only.
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Its a very briliant and great idea.i like it.
Thank you amy, I really appreciate
It’s really a successful plan and it will stand a life time. I love it
Progress always involves risks… so take the risk of growing the business. I love the plan
I really appreciate that Ellen thanks
Small scale farmers just like SMEs, have so much potential to develop our nations and our continent (Africa) at large. OPFFIN comes in as a real package deal in trying to provide solutions to some of the many constraints and challenges faced by these farmers. Am inviting your comments, questions and suggestions on farmer input supply chain and credit services.
Well articulated. Very few young people have passion for agriculture in this country.
Thank you Mr Mwaba, I really want to make a change for this country as a future leader. Agriculture is the way forward to develop our country rather than just depending on copper.
impressive…keep it up
@Mario, thank you so much for your support
Brilliant idea!
Brother Davies, I appreciate for your support
I like the idea and i hope this bussness will grow big. All the best
Ernest my guy thanks, am humbled
Great idea
Thank you so much Boyd
Great ideas come from great minds….. we praying for you and your endeavor..
I can’t agree more Ellen, with all your support the sky is the limit
That’s a brilliant idea Given. It must be supported as it is an alternative to the mining industry which we solely depend on….am with you my guy..
@Dennis, you have just hit the point. It’s high time we started driving away from over dependence on the mines because they are not sustainable, agriculture is the best way for Zambia as at this time. Let’s support this cause. Thank you D
I am so thankful for all the support I’ve received from you all guys, thank you so much
The best way to predict you future is to
create it. You have created a great one here.
Thank you Jack, let’s create this future together, we are the future leaders of tomorrow and we are strong only if we work together and support each other.
That’s a brilliant idea Given. It’s an alternative to the mining industry which we solely depend on…I am with you my friend…
Wow!!!Great thinking! I see this going far.
Thayana thank you for your support, I really appreciate
Wow this is such a great idea
@Mukwiza, thank you so much let’s work together to create a bright future for Zambia and the world at large
Very feasible plan. Good work mr chipilipili
I appreciate greatly Mr Banda, thank you
Very good analysis continue working hard.
@Rey thank you my friend, I appreciate
As a student in mass communication I would like to find out how your project will benefit the women. Since they are the majority when it comes to small scale farming.
I really appreciate for your question Ellen, women are indeed the backbone of Agriculture and this project will benefit them in that their needs and desires are at the backbone of our business, we will tailor packages that suit their need especially those involved in gardening by subsidizing inputs like seed, chemicals etc to maximize their produce and profits. Even now the majority of our clients are female. We will also work with female groups in the area to promote the initiative, thus empowering them trough training and capacity building
A very good initiative indeed
Mr Kampilimba, always there for me thank you so much. God bless!!
agriculture has the potential to diversify our economy and leading to greater hights. wel aticulated and explained chipili. the idea ought to be creating enabling enviroments for market bassed lovelihoods. and how do we do that financial inclusion is one path way via SACCO’s
And the most eminent is as a stake holder in agriculture bridge the gap between men and women in agriculture as they are a spark plug to a holistic and sustainable development .
Well articulated Innocent, indeed we need to bridge the finacial inclusion gap for this segment of farmers who are usually neglected by the big financial institutions.
This is good idea.
Thank you O’Brien for your support
You know we can support you
Always appreciate your support Ernest
Wow this is a brilliant idea you have brought. I am greatly happy with this,may the Almight God be with you all along.
Amen!!!!! Thank you bapongoshi for your support, much appreciated
confidently enough u cn do its a wonderful idea
Thank you Shontile for your support
This is a really great idea…..
I really appreciate Amos
Great plan you knw as youths we really to need be involved in such projects because we are the future leaders of this country(world at large) and its our job to develop this country through such projects, well done….
Thank you Kennedy, indeed it’s high time the youths got involved in developing our countries esp in Africa. I appreciate your sentiments
Brilliant idea, keep up the good work and all the best of luck.
Mundia, I thank you and this work will continue no matter what
This is really a great idea….
Great idea brotherman….this will go a long way and we are with you through and through. So proud of you.
Thank you my man Joel, its a project for all of us let’s support the people who are underprivileged
Wow!! that is a brilliant and a good idea man…its time to diversify
Kasonde thank you for your support, God bless
Great job Mr. Chipilipili, only such kind of projects can address people on the bottom of the pyramid can be consider as a sustainable development and a solution for Africa. We stand by your side always.
Keep it up!
Lenny thank you so much, indeed we need to promote these sustainable solutions tailored at helping the marginalized in our countries.
I really appreciate everyone that is supporting me and am assuring you that this work will continue even if I don’t win this because where there’s a will, surely a way is always there.
This is really a good idea. It can serve as a classic example of how agriculture can be supported by the education sector, which is often an isand isolated in its own world, not contributing as much to the needs of the people who can make the bestimate out of it. Especially in Zambia, where young intellectuals are often driven to cities, you have taken the goodwill to do the opposite to serve the people who need your expertise the most. Really commendable.
Let’s work together Lenny and make a better Zambia
Good idea keep it up
Thank you brother for your support
Agriculture will remain a key avenue for future investment and growth in Zambia. So not only do I love this proposal but I also endorse it…..that’s if I can…great stuff mr chipilipili.
Great stuff given.
Thank you Maggie, hope you are doing great
Wonderful proposal and idea to venture in such projects as we kick-start the diversification of our economy as youths, and surely I see a better and brighter Zambia in the near future if more of us come onboard and think in one accord to develop our beautiful country.
Thank you Mr Winter for your encouraging sentiments
Mr Chipilipili, as good as the proposal sounds good and interesting I have been concerned about how sustainable is your model?
Thank you Mr Winter, sustainability of the model will be based on several factors. One of them will be the agreement with the input supplier companies as it will enable the firm to have available subsidized inputs to supply our clients. Also integration into agro-extension services to farmers which will in-turn improve their productivity and profitability.
Thank you Bright, I really appreciate
Agriculture sector will help in the development of our country Zambia. Keep reaching new heights!
You are very right Stephen, thank you
l like the project it’s really good and considering that you are still young with a good vision.keep it up
I really appreciate Mulube, you know as the youths we are the only ones who can do something about the future
Hello Mr Chipilipili, I have a question. How do you plan on reaching the targeted 5000 farmers?
Hi Lenny, our plans is to reach farmers through agricultural shows, networking with prominent extension agents, advertising via community radio stations.
Oh Okay Given that is great, am just wishing you all the best man. I know you will make it keep the faith
Great solution for the nation Zambia and generations to come. Please, watch out for factors that speedily send these great solutions to economic dust bins.
Johns
Thank you Mr Nyirongo, I really appreciate your comment. Indeed sometimes great ideas just go wasted. But I know, with the help of everyone and working hard great accomplishments can be achieved
Great idea it is Mr Chipilipili
Thank you Rhoda
I have a question though, considering the effects of climate change we have experienced in the past seasons as evidenced by uncertainty in rainfall patterns, do you have plans for irrigation schemes?
Thank you Rhoda for that question, indeed climate change is here and its a threat to Agricultural sector. In trying to mitigate its effects, OPFFin have longterm goals to introduce irrigation schemes to its clients in the future. Its a demand driven product as the investment is huge. Thank you for your observation
I love the points raised, it’s a great non-selfish plan and when implemented will better the lives of many Zambians.
加油 加油！
Thank you William, your support is much appreciated
Great Job Given! It’s encouraging to know we have generational thinkers like you in our time. I believe this project would go a long way to reduce over reliance on the goverment. And also encourage other young people to start something on their own.
Thank you Shaun for you comment and encouraging word. Much appreciated
It’s a great non-selfish plan, and when implemented will better the lives of many zambians
Thank you so much
This is great man, other than just depending on government efforts, its high time the private sector got involved
@Winter your support is very well appreciated. The private sector should move this our economy, let’s get involved
This is brilliant, make an impact in peoples life coz its a noble cause
Thank you Lucy
People I really appreciate your support its really encouraging. You can also make some recommendations, critics and ask questions. Am looking for opportunities to strengthen the idea. Thank you
I also employ you my good friends, share this link in your networks, at work and whatever platform you can use, I need the support of everyone. Many Thanks
Great proposal, solidly behind you
I appreciate Elias, thank you.
Great Idea! This initiative will go a long way to help the poor and brand the agriculture sector too! Good job Bro!
Thank you bro!!!
Agriculture will help more our community, really keep moving forward.
Thank you so much Aanis, Agriculture is way to go…..it’s changing people’s lives
That’s a great intervention. May you succeed with your project
Thank you Howard I appreciate so much
Great projects starts simple and get to grow into very big impact-full organizations, I can see this one becoming one. We are behind you bro!!
Wow Eric it feels nice to hear such great words from people like you, together we can make it a huge success
It’s brilliant bro, go for it!!!
Thank you Fuad
It’s awesome seeing your childhood dream flourish into reality. Am particularly amazed with your passion and determination for agricultural. You have broken the norms of agricultural being associated with only senior citizens. …This is a great inspiration to the youth ;young and vibrant to bring up such initiative that will benefit the masses. ….Great stuff young man
Thank you very much mulamu, I really appreciate for all those encouraging and wonderful words. I’ll really work hard and make it become a reality.
Great piece of work! U’re so innovative
Thank you so much bro
Brilliant pice of work. Keep it up
Thank you Elias
Great innovations! Keep aiming higher!!
Great innovations! Keep aiming higher
I really appreciate sirchu thanks
Through agriculture, the Nation is feed……hence this idea is really important because it will feed a great number of people, and create employment for our youths today. great plan going on Given
Thanks Ellen
Great proposal you have there Given, work hard
Thank you Olivier
I like your idea Given, make it work!!!!
Much appreciated, thanks
This is so good my friend, am going to support you and am sure it going to work considering your enthusiasm and determination. Make us proud bro!
I really appreciate Victoria, thanks my friend
Success is never easy but with determination and hardwork we can achieve it, this project is good and if done on a large scale can really improve the livelihood of our ever neglected smallholder farmers. Keep up the good work, its really good
You are always encouraging me Vic, thanks so much for always being there for me.
This is brilliant Given
Thank you Eddy
There goes my friend, am so proud of you
Thank you Alice
Brilliant idea
Thank you Abdou
Great and powerful idea to help reduce poverty
Much appreciated Jarra, thank you
We are behind you Given. Brilliant idea
I believe agriculture can bring great development.keep on wit the great work and hav patience.
Thank you dear Amy
Great idea it is
Thank you Monde
I really love this initiative, great thinking Given
Thank you Kane
If all youths were thinking in such a manner, Africa would have developed a longtime ago, this is good Given
I reall appreciate your comments, thank you
Brilliant n great idea
Thank you my dear
I like this, how can i help to contribute?
I appreciate Fortune thanks
Thank you
Thank you Fortune
Africa is very blessed to have such beautiful young minds, great thinking Given
I appreciate Gerald
Great Idea! This initiative will go a long way to help the poor and brand the agriculture sector too!
Thank you Daniel
Success always involves risks… so take the risk of growing this business. I love the plan
Thank you boss for your support
very good initiative indeed
Thank you i really appreciate
impressive…keep it up bro
Thank you Rob
Am behind you Given. Brilliant idea
Thank you komba
I like the idea and i hope this bussness will grow big. All the best
Thank you so much
Wow!!!Great thinking! I see this going far.
Thank you tidjan
Wow this is a brilliant idea you have brought. I am greatly happy with this,
Thank u King
Great ideas come from great minds….. we praying for you and your endeavor..
Wow thank u sir
This is Great innovation boi! Keep aiming higher. We are behind u
Thank u bosses
wel aticulated and explained chipili.
Milion thank you I appreciate
Great plan you knw as youths we really to need be involved in such projects because we are the future leaders of this country
So much appreciated Toby
I really love this idea Given and I think it can be replicated in my country
So much appreciated Thabitha
Thank u Debbie
Go bro go!! Great idea indeed
Wow bro thank u
Wonderful idea
Thank you Ben
Well articulated. Very few young people have passion for agriculture
Clovert thank you
Brilliant idea, keep up the good work and all the best of luck.
Thank you so much
I really love this, great idea
Thank u Drake
Thank you really
Youths are the future of tomorrow, such great ideas should be supported
Victor thank you bro for your support
confidently enough u cn do its a wonderful idea
Manjuh thank you
Great ide
Thank you Ceessay
Great idea it is
I appreciate so much Lazarus
This great idea should be supported and am hoping you win that 5000 because the initiative will benefit a lot of smallholder farmers
I appreciate so much Fanida
Given, this really good
Thank u Sindi
Great idea bro
I really appreciate Elizabeth
Great my guy
Josh my guy thank u
Great n brilliant idea
Thank you pelumi
Brilliant idea Given
Thank u Mourise
Great idea
Great to hear fro you Sara
This is a great inspiration to the youth ;young and vibrant to bring up such initiative that will benefit the masses. ….Great stuff young man
Thank you Sara for your support
Its an intelligent initiative, keel it up
Well Jassey thank you
Great stuff Given
Thank you Charles
This is a Great solution for Africa and generations to come.
Salaan thank you
What a wonderful idea it is
Lenny your comments are always appreciated
Thank you everyone for all your support I really appreciate, may the Almighty God bless you
We are behind you Given go go
Success is yours our brother and this idea is just too brilliant to go without a vote, don’t lose hope
As a youth am proud to support such a noble and interesting idea as this one, God is with you
It’s true that you are my inspiration uncle Given, am praying for u that u win this grant because a lot of people are likely to benefit from it. God is with u
Am praying for u that u win this grant because a lot of people are likely to benefit from it. God is with u
Go Given go, we are behind you, God bless you
Its a good idea and cemented by the experience you have in lending to people with little or no collateral, I have a few concerns though..
1. Are farmers going to receive inputs as a group or individuals?
2. what’s the minimum or maximum a farmer can get per season? a lima? a hectare?
3. what happens if the input companies don’t buy into your idea to offer discounts or as you put it , “subsidized inputs “?
4. what do you do to the farmers who don’t pay back? is there insurance coverage in the package?
5. what happens if you are not funded?
6. If it’s not funded, try to partner with others to offer more experience in extension, insurance, equity raising because it’s a great idea which needs more polishing and more criticism