Thomas Mulayayi, a passionate and ambitious young farmer in Zambia, embarked on a journey to transform his small-scale nursery bed operation into a thriving agribusiness. Having struggled with limited capital and growing demand for specific crops in his community, Thomas sought to expand his business.
Under iDE's mentorship and business programs, Thomas received training and guidance to become a Farm Business Advisor, a trusted leader who advises and sells farming equipment to others. With access to quality seeds and a loan, he built a greenhouse on his farm and began producing seedlings for over 250 farmers in the Kanakantapa area.
Thomas's dedication to supporting smallholders extended beyond seedling production. As his business flourished, Thomas used his income to buy a truck and motorcycle, expanding his reach to more farmers. Through his mobile agro-dealership, he provides quality chemicals and fertilizers, offering training and advice on growing the seedlings to maturity. After harvest, he facilitates the transportation of crops to the market, earning a commission.
Inspired to empower fellow youth farmers, Thomas employed six individuals in Kanakantapa, equipping them with skills and opportunities to start their own agribusinesses. Through his efforts, Thomas not only improved his own livelihood but also contributed to sustainable food production and poverty reduction in his community.
What's next for Thomas
In his early 30’s, Thomas is one of the youngest Farm Business Advisors to have graduated from the iDE Zambia program. He is passionate about reaching his generation of young farmers who live in remote regions of Zambia with time-saving technologies and agro products that are good for the environment and good for business.
“I was always interested in making quick money when I started, but through iDE I learned how to plan and make sure I think about my future before the present.” — Thomas
Thomas's Details
Country
- Zambia
Sector
- Agriculture
Entrepreneur Impact
- Access to finance
- Availability of Technology
- Motivating Investment
- Output Marketing
- Training & Capacity Building
- Local Distribution & Sales
- Job Creation
- Production
- Supporting Services
Ecosystem Impact
- Food & Nutrition Security
- Local Economic Development
- Transformative Market Participation
Country Profile
- 146/189
Human Development Index (HDI) Rank
- 59%
Poverty Rate
- 19 Million People
Population
iDE was started as a radical idea that business is a solution to move people out of poverty. 40 years later, we still don't give things away. We create long term change by powering entrepreneurs to end poverty for their families and communities.
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