| For smallholder macadamia farmers to be successful
it is essential that they are engaged
in understanding the retailing and sale of their macadamia. |
By creating a processing plant nut
drying depot the Trust is looking to empower farmers as
they market their produce by maximizing the return on their
investment.
This dovetails into work already carried
out with Farmers' Clubs.
When the time comes that there is a surplus of crop beyond that
which is
being absorbed in Malawi, then the
Trust will seek international buyers.
The Trust intends to operate on a not
for profit basis.
Neno Macadamia farmers need to obtain important market information
such as pricing and standards so they can
go on to market sell their produce
with fair business knowledge and understanding.
These skills are lacking in Neno.
Many of the most literate and numerate people in Neno are retired
government workers and as such have little
experience of the private sector.
Training and guidance in commerce is essential.
At this stage farmers have been exposed to basic business skills
and market information regarding macadamia.
Furthermore producing farmers receive education on how to interpret
quality testing sheets so they can identify flaws
in tree care (such as Br deficiency)
and post harvest handling
(post harvest losses).
The structure for training farmers began with length consultations
involving both producing farmers and Farmers' Clubs members
in the years 2004-5.
The previous year, 2006, has seen these skills opened up to
the rest of the membership through a partnership with British
Executive Services Overseas (BESO) and volunteer services overseas
(VSO).
There is now a two year program to support capacity building
within the network of Farmers' Clubs. |
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Beekeeping as an additional
source of income
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Club members |
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Seedlings |
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Members |
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