Expanding horticulture production, powering local food security and female employment.

“In terms of resilience, the support rendered by Prospero was obviously a very immense contribution to the enterprise as it created a greater impact on the business resilience side and helped us to scale up back then”. Panuka Farms Proprietor, Bruno Mweemba

Panuka Farms was established in 2017 located in Chibombo district. The farm specializes in horticulture with a focus on high-value vegetables.

In 2020, the international supply chain space was disrupted by the Covid-19 outbreak causing firms that depended on inports to re-strategize and find local alternatives to survive. This came as an opportunity for Panuka Farms as several chain stores and mines approached the farm to supply them with vegetables and fruits.

To meet the demand and ensure consistent supply, the farm needed to increase production and diversify its crop lines. Consequently, Prospero supported Panuka Farms by awarding a Covid-19 relief grant of £10,000. The grant facilitated the drilling of an additional borehole for irrigation of the new farm project, and procurement and installation of a solar facility.

The aid rendered by Prospero was timely and critical as it helped the farm expand its production and remain resilient. The expansion created employment to twenty-four (24) full-time and eight (08) part time employees who are mostly women, enhancing the livelihoods of the local communities.