From Seed to Success: Evaness Kapambwe’s Forage Journey

 

                              Evaness Kapambwe during an entrepreneurship training  facilitated by E-SLIP and Z.D.A

In the heart of Kapiri Mposhi district Central province, where vibrant fields stretch toward the horizon, Evaness Kapambwe emerged as a beacon of innovation in sustainable agriculture. This successful forage farmer and seed grower has harnessed the potential of sunhemp, a versatile crop known for its soil-enhancing properties, to transform her farming operations into a thriving enterprise.

Last season alone, she reported remarkable earnings of K178, 000.00 a testament to her dedication and expertise in the field.

With her newfound success, Evaness has not only built a dream house but has also set an inspiring example for others in the farming community, showcasing how strategic crop selection and sustainable practices can lead to both economic prosperity and environmental stewardship.

Evaness has been a registered seed grower for over 10 years. Through the Seed Control and Certification Institute (SCCI) she was introduced to E-SLIP were she selected to be among the Programme’s 55 seed growers located across the country.

 “I became a seed grower for E-SLIP 4 years ago. In my first year, I purchased a hammer mill from my sales. In the second year I bought a mini bus and from my third year which was 2023/2024 farming seasons, I managed to start the construction of my own 4-bedroomed house,” Evaness disclosed.

In the recent farming season, she cultivated 1 hectare of cowpea forage seed and 4 hectares of sunhemp.

“From my field of sunhemp and I got 78 x 50kgs bags which generated K178, 000.00,” Evaness disclosed. She added that her main customers were commercial farmers from Mkushi.

She said if it were not for her sales in sunhemp, she would not have realized anything due to the prolonged drought of 2023/2024.

“I grew 3 hectares of maize and only harvested 5 bags, then beans I cultivated 2 hectares but the entire crop failed,” Evaness explained.

Evaness’ story is one that demonstrates what making a farming household resilience against changing weather patterns looks like. Central province was among the provinces that were worst hit by the prolonged drought of 2023/2024.

Evaness and her household of 14 dependents were compelled to ensure their food nutrition security. Her household is comprised of 4 of her own children and 4 of her orphaned nieces and nephews among others.

“I have 4 children of my own. All of them together with my husband and myself go the fields during farming season. Farming is a business and I want the mind-set of my family to believe in that,” Evaness said.

Evaness(2nd L) 

By strategically incorporating this drought-resistant crop into her farming practices, she not only ensured a profitable yield despite adversity but is contributing to the sustainability of her land. Her story serves as an inspiring example of how embracing resilient agricultural techniques can transform obstacles into opportunities, all while promoting ecological balance within her farming ecosystem.