MULIMI SUPPORTS 5000 EMERGING FARMERS

By NOEL IYOMBWA

Meet Zindaba Hanzala, founder of Mulimi, a social enterprise that combines input-based financing, agro insurance, technical support, and market access using technology as a catalyst.

Ms. Hanzala’s passion for agriculture and community development led her to be crowned Miss Zambia in 2010 and later Mrs. Zambia, platforms that have amplified her voice and enabled her to reach more farmers.

“I wanted to create a unified value chain that brings these essential services together, recognizing that they are interdependent in the agriculture sector. Our goal is to empower smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth, to increase their yields, improve their incomes, and enhance their livelihoods. We focus on four key value chains: soya, sunflower, poultry, and sorghum,” Ms. Hanzala said.

“I have also been privileged to partner with various organizations and stakeholders in the agriculture sector, further expanding our reach and impact. Through Mulimi, we provide financial literacy training to women, supported by the Central Bank of Zambia.

 “This training equips them with the skills and knowledge to manage their finances effectively, make informed decisions, and access financial services. We believe that empowering women and youth is critical to transforming the agriculture sector and ensuring a sustainable future,” she added.

She said she was servicing over 5,000 farmers across Zambia, providing them with the necessary support to improve their agricultural practices, access markets, and reduce their risks.

She added that her team of experts worked closely with farmers to provide training, guidance, and support, and ensure that they have the tools they need to succeed.

She said as a farmer and a proud mother, raising three children with her husband on a farm, she understood the challenges and opportunities in agriculture.

“As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded of my grandmother, a small-scale farmer who raised me with love and dedication. She was a hardworking woman who tilled the land with passion and care, but her struggles to access medical treatment during her battle with Parkinson’s disease left an indelible mark on my heart.

“I remember the challenges she faced in getting the help she needed, the long distances she had to travel, and the limited resources available to her. I knew then that I wanted to make a difference in the lives of farmers like her who work tirelessly to feed our nation but often struggle to access basic services,” she said.

She said she was committed to making a difference in her community and beyond as she believed that by working together, farmers could create a more sustainable and equitable future for all, where they could feed their families, communities, and nations with dignity and pride.

Her organisation’s vision is to transform the agriculture sector in Zambia, ensuring that smallholder farmers, especially women and youth, have access to the resources they need to thrive. It is dedicated to creating a brighter future for generations to come.