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Community-Powered Farming: How Willow Tree Farm Center Is Transforming Agriculture in Lesotho
Soil fertility forms the foundation of human nutrition. This powerful insight from Belina Manapo Makhele, founder of Willow Tree Farm Center in Lesotho, captures the essence of her revolutionary approach to sustainable agriculture. Speaking from Kigali, Rwanda, Belina shares the remarkable journey of her commercial farm established in 2018, which has become a catalyst for community development through innovative partnerships.
At the heart of Willow Tree's success lies their aggregation model, a system where the farm collaborates with community groups and family farmers to multiply their impact. Rather than competing with small-scale farmers, Belina's enterprise supplies them with inputs and technical expertise, creating a network of producers delivering consistent, high-quality products. The profit-sharing arrangement—60% to farmers and 40% to the center—ensures both motivation and sustainability in these partnerships. This approach aligns perfectly with Lesotho's public-private partnership directives and supports King Letsie III's recognized role as the African Union's nutrition ambassador.
Climate-smart agriculture and land restoration form crucial pillars of Willow Tree's mission. Belina's team trains community groups to recycle garden and kitchen waste into compost, addressing the critical issue of soil nutrient loss due to heavy rains and climate challenges. This localized approach to maintaining soil fertility exemplifies their commitment to both environmental sustainability and nutritional security. As Belina eloquently states, "Nutrition starts from the soil"—a philosophy that connects healthy ecosystems with human wellbeing. Her work demonstrates how agricultural enterprises can simultaneously pursue commercial success, community empowerment, and environmental restoration, offering a blueprint for sustainable development across Africa and beyond.
Join the movement to transform agriculture through community-centered approaches! Subscribe to our podcast for more inspiring conversations with innovators reshaping Africa's development landscape.
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By African Union Development Agency-NEPADSoil fertility forms the foundation of human nutrition. This powerful insight from Belina Manapo Makhele, founder of Willow Tree Farm Center in Lesotho, captures the essence of her revolutionary approach to sustainable agriculture. Speaking from Kigali, Rwanda, Belina shares the remarkable journey of her commercial farm established in 2018, which has become a catalyst for community development through innovative partnerships.
At the heart of Willow Tree's success lies their aggregation model, a system where the farm collaborates with community groups and family farmers to multiply their impact. Rather than competing with small-scale farmers, Belina's enterprise supplies them with inputs and technical expertise, creating a network of producers delivering consistent, high-quality products. The profit-sharing arrangement—60% to farmers and 40% to the center—ensures both motivation and sustainability in these partnerships. This approach aligns perfectly with Lesotho's public-private partnership directives and supports King Letsie III's recognized role as the African Union's nutrition ambassador.
Climate-smart agriculture and land restoration form crucial pillars of Willow Tree's mission. Belina's team trains community groups to recycle garden and kitchen waste into compost, addressing the critical issue of soil nutrient loss due to heavy rains and climate challenges. This localized approach to maintaining soil fertility exemplifies their commitment to both environmental sustainability and nutritional security. As Belina eloquently states, "Nutrition starts from the soil"—a philosophy that connects healthy ecosystems with human wellbeing. Her work demonstrates how agricultural enterprises can simultaneously pursue commercial success, community empowerment, and environmental restoration, offering a blueprint for sustainable development across Africa and beyond.
Join the movement to transform agriculture through community-centered approaches! Subscribe to our podcast for more inspiring conversations with innovators reshaping Africa's development landscape.