AGRA

1. What inspired you to venture into agriculture at such a young age?

My name is Lucas Caruana Quilavilene and I am 41 years old. I was a farmer but not with correct procedures and I was selling products at the local market. Then in 2014 I started my journey into farming as business with the project PRONSANI implemented by ADRA under AGRA funds, after completing my secondary school and since I couldn’t get to university because of funds. I entered as a simple member of a farmer’s group and then I was chosen for VBA training, where I was thought how to aggregate produce, increase production, sensitize farmers and other good things. I liked the training and since as doing small businesses, I started following the recommendations.

2. Can you share some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your agribusiness and how you overcame them?

I used to have issues with working capital, but I started saving my money and I invested more and more. I also had issues with warehousing facility, then I had to build my small warehouse of 50 MT. The project also helped me to have 30 days loan at Casa do Agricultor.

3. What innovative practices or technologies are you using in your agribusiness operations?

I have been using new varieties that give higher yield compared to the ones I use to use before. I also started using fertilizer and agrochemicals for maize, particularly.

4. How has support from AGRA impacted your journey and success as an agri-preneur?

After being trained as VBA, they also gave me opportunity of becoming an agro-dealer, since we did not have one at my village. I linked to inputs supplying companies, in Mocuba it was Casa do Agricultor (for seed and other inputs) and ETG (for agrochemicals). Today I am able to sell about 500MT of maize seed and other inputs, from which I get $7,000 to $ 10,000 per season as gross margin. I also aggregate maize grain, cassava, sesame and pigeon peas

5. Can you describe a breakthrough moment in your business that made you realize you were on the right path?

I got it when I started by business as agro-dealer and aggregator, and I was able to increase my farm and build my house.

6. How do you think young people can be encouraged to pursue careers in agriculture?

I encourage young people to venture in agriculture through training via demonstration plots and also working with them as part of my aggregators. I am currently working with 50 youth and 60% are women.

7. What role do you see for sustainability and environmental stewardship in modern agriculture?

I always support other farmers with new technologies, showing them via demonstration plot and field days. I am currently the only one at my village and I work with about 300 farmers and 50 youth, including 60% women.

8. How have you managed to balance traditional farming techniques with modern agricultural advancements?

I have been getting better yield because of using improved varieties of maize seed.

9. What advice would you give to other young people interested in entering the agricultural sector?

I would recommend the young people to start with a small farm and then develop. I built my house within three months, this has show others that agriculture can give money.

10. What are your future plans and goals for your agribusiness, and how do you plan to achieve them?

I am registered my shop as an agro-dealer and concluding the registration process. I am planning to increase my warehouse, and I will be saving more and then investing.