Community Win- Win

The solution aims at empowering communities with Sustainable farming systems that will enable them to be resilient enough against annual hunger, climate change and economic instability, in a sustainable way. It is easy to replicate the solution as it offers sustainable strategies to challenges affecting communities in Malawi and beyond

Tac-Maz sustainable ventures will embark on empowering communities with sustainable farming systems that will lead to their socio-economic wellbeing in urban communities. Considering that most urban households have limited spaces for larger scale farming, this solution will consider growing of crops and raising of livestock that will auger well with the environment in these communities while considering productivity of the same. Young people, women and other vulnerable groups of people will be recruited on a rolling basis and get trained in sustainable farming systems to get practical skills in indigenous crop production and livestock management. The choice will consider adaptability to environment as the crops and the suggested livestock breeds are more resistant to drought and diseases and are also healthier as they are genetic modification free; and demanded on the market

In this regard, Tac-Maz Sustainable ventures will give the trainees a start up package in form of seeds and breeding animals of their choice depending on their space (whether pigs or chickens). At this point they will have contributed to the management of the farming base during their trainings and so it will be a win-win situation.

Regarding the hassles in finding market for their products, Tac-maz sustainable ventures will further sign a legal agreement with the beneficiaries to be their only legal buyer at an approved price rate at a particular point in time of which a percentage of the profits made after resale will go back to the communities through construction of clean portable  and sustainable water services within a recommendable radius among households.

The proposed solution aims at solving major food and water challenges in the sense that while the communities will be empowered with sustainable farming systems, they will have access to food from their production. With the advocated genetic modification free crops and meat products, they will lead even healthier lives. With the construction of sustainable yet clean and portable water points, they will be able to divert the income they would have used in accessing water and other foods into other productive things which will in the long run lead to sustainable urban communities.

• The solution has a high degree of solving hunger and economic problems in Malawian communities as over 70% of the population in Malawi is experiencing “Annual hunger” among which young people are part of. It is imperative to create opportunities for youth advancement to overcome food shortages. With over 85% of people living below the poverty line in Malawi, and having over 60% of youths in Malawi it is evident that many young people have fallen prey of the food, water and other economic challenges in Malawi hence empowering them is a huge step towards sustainable communities.

The long lasting  impact of the solution will be improved urban communities with sustainable food and water sources of which young people will be the prime beneficiaries. They will be recruited on a rolling basis through rigorous selection process that will establish their commitment, willingness and level of understanding in grasping the training content and terms.

tracking the number of household who have access to full three meals in a day as a result of this solution - Improved households with access to basic food on a daily basis

tracking the number of constructed water points within a recommended radius within communities - Access to clean portable water by community members through out the year

tracking the number of people with changes in life style over the implementation period - Improved household economic status among young people and other vulnerable people

The novelty of this solution lies on its sustainability approach as it empowers citizens economically so that they are resilient on their own amidst food and water crises. It is also need based as it addresses the pertinent food challenges of less production in urban cities. With highly populated cities the solution is ideal as the urban dweller will also be the food producers. The use of bottle/plastic drip irrigation technology is user and environmental friendly and uses minimum quantity of water while promoting plastic recycling, The mobile app will be a forum for learning and updates.

The technology being employed is for the people themselves as the bottle/ plastic drip irrigation is user friendly and less labor intensive as well as cost effective. At the same time, it best fits their limited spaces. On the other hand the use of the mobile app will encourage interaction and learning among the beneficiaries and the extension support team so that they have access to ongoing updates regarding their production. The app will be a mode of communication during pre and post harvesting  including product marketing to tac-maz farms. 

With this proposed solution we will work hand in hand with the Ministries of Agriculture, Local governments, Gender, Children and Social welfare. department of urban planning and other NGOs and private sector. A beneficiary selection criteria will be developed and thoroughly administered on rolling basis. With collaboration among stakeholders thorough identification and selection processes will be carried out. A Private Public Partnership will be established to play an oversight role in making sure that the beneficiaries are being served as required. The issues of gender, equality, social inclusion, health and protection will inform programming at all levels.

We are currently raising different breeds of livestock and growing various crops that we are selling to generate revenue for the business growth and extension as well as sustainability. We have a farming cycle that describes the importance of every product produced from the farm. This has seen us into production of animal feed from crops and organic fertiliser from the animal defecation and crop residues which are also a source of income for the farms. As we grow, we intend to reach other areas and produce renewable electrical energy through animal defecation.

Some of the limiting factors could be competition with other similar companies, unforeseeable weather patterns, lack of commitment from other beneficiaries

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I am applying to be a solver because I feel I have the mandate to contribute to improved livelihoods of the people of Malawi and other countries. With the limited resources I have, I have managed to solve other people's problems by sharing skills and mentoring. Becoming a Solver would be a dream come true as I believe that it is my general duty to render services to those who need them. I believe Solve is a life time opportunity that will groom and model me to bring home my idea of changing my communities and beyond.

I am working hand in hand with the Ministry of agriculture on extension support services, farmers on skills training and feed components supplies, retailers and wholesalers for market sales.

The big companies in the same industry. These include the food processors and the food producers.