Updates from the field: the HGA food security project

As this project continues to grow in its impact we have been looking for ways to streamline the logistics involved. Project participants are now equipped with what is needed to weigh out and re-package the inputs from within the communities themselves which will help to ensure farmers have access to the inputs they need as and when they need them and be able to capitalise on optimal planting conditions.

The initial cost of the purchase of the inputs is covered by Mr Strachan but this is recovered once the inputs have been sold, while the project participant adds a 10 % mark-cap to the cost to be remunerated for their efforts. As there are risks that come with keeping cash on hand we are looking to move to electronic payments using smartphone applications such as PayShap. This however does come with challenges as it is generally met with scepticism by the older generation a lot of whom are involved in home garden cultivation.

In order to monitor stock and cash flow the sellers are using a smartphone application called Kobo Collect to monitor stock received, quantities repackaged and amounts sold. This significantly aids the management of the project as well as providing data for us to measure our impact.

Mr Strachan has also been exploring alternative seed and fertilizer options so that the poorest of the poor have the option of growing their own food. The feedback he has received from community members is that the handout of free seed and fertilizer does not translate to more households growing their own food. When people have had to put money on the table, whatever the value, there is incentive to make it work.