Improving the economics and sustainability of small scale farmers
Introduction
World Trades Food Corporation is a non-profit organization registered in the USA. Our main objectives are to assist farmers in raising standards of quality and productivity, and connecting these resources with world markets. Current statistics show over half of the fruits and vegetables produced in Africa goes to waste, which is a strong call to action in itself. Coupling this fact with the poor conditions and climate risks that are prevalent with subsistence farmers are the driving forces behind World Trades Food ambitions.
Background
Prior to launching the NPO, John Emenegger spent extensive time in Africa beginning in 2007 through 2011 in Ghana, then Tanzania between 2012 and 2017. Working mainly in rural areas, it did not take long to recognize the many struggles that small holder farmers are subject, attributed to numerous factors including limited means and exploitation by those who have greater capacity in business. Sadly, these circumstances are commonly found throughout the world and typical in sub-Saharan Africa.
Through these observations a compelling desire arose in the need to develop analogies and solutions, to increase benefits for those who are working hard yet cannot seem to advance from an impoverished state. Improving smallholder and subsistence farming is an endeavor that is shared by many groups, agencies and individuals; nonetheless, it is an arduous task which demands support at an immense scale to measurably change the overall demographics.
Water and Irrigation
Due to climate change, water security has become a major concern in agriculture. World Trades Food shall be providing innovative solutions and infrastructure for farmers to reduce risks from unexpected seasonal variations, and these same systems offer the potential for irrigation, which in turn can increase crop yields.
Alternative Strategies
Many programs are beneficial but essentially organic. Such activities result in advancements of core farming activities; training farmers in better practices, and enhancing the awareness of the industry amongst others. However there is a very large “rift” between the production itself and the respective end markets.
Please read further to learn more about our unique approach.
Greater Economics
There are alternatives to help remedy these circumstances in a direct fashion, by upgrading fiscal returns to the farmers.
In fact, this fundamental is at the center of World Trades Food development plan.
Program Development
Commencement of work will be in Kilifi County, Kenya; as this location is ideal for local sourcing and is also proximity to Port of Mombasa.
Value Addition
Although there are numerous means to enhance supply chain value, our research in creating practical systems that advantage peak and surplus agricultural production has shown that dehydration is the ideal process, and with appropriate packaging the products can have extended shelf life.
