Farmer Support
The whole ethos of SAZ-Agri is to support the farming community as far as possible. We provide seed loans and buy produce at premium prices to help where we can. In addition we run a number of initiatives to support smallholder farmers
52 farmers receive special support through sponsorship from the UK. These receive gifts of seed and inputs with a guaranteed purchase promise. They also receive regular training and advice to make the most of their farms. This is given from a project manager and a number of lead farmers who have good experience in growing these crops.
Bore Holes
Water is essential for domestic and farming needs. Many communities have to walk far to draw water. We have been able to provide a number of bore holes each year which has been a great blessing to the communities. Some of these are sponsored directly from the UK and others from SAZ-Agri profits.
Oxen
One of the greatest restraints on production is the amount one family can cultivate by hand. Many farmers have more land than they can cultivate. By providing oxen, the farmers can increase production and hence profitability very significantly. Again this support comes from both SAZ-Agri and direct sponsorship from the UK.
Mechanisation
The step up from oxen to full mechanisation is a big one for most smallholder farmers. SAZ-Agri has a number of tractors, harvesters and other machinery which can be used not only on our own land but also loaned to other farmers. This enables them to increase the crops they can plant and harvest leading to a much more sustainable operation.