The African Association for Vertical Farming (AAVF) continues to make significant strides in advancing Smart Agriculture Practices (SAP) across Africa. This week marked another milestone as the AAVF officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Agriculture of Tanzania. This agreement is a testament to the government’s commitment to capacity building and supporting communities in adopting sustainable farming techniques. Following this landmark achievement, the AAVF took the next step by visiting Plant Natural Feed, a promising organic fertilizer startup located on the outskirts of Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.
Strengthening Agricultural Partnerships
During this visit, Josephine Favre the president of AAVF had the privilege of being accompanied by Dr. Cleophas Ntakije, an Agricultural Economist specializing in AgriFinTech and Digital Smart Sustainable Ecosystems (DSSE), who also serves as the Operational Director of AAVF. They were warmly received by Plant Natural Feed’s leadership team, including CEO Pascal Stephano and COO Amos Benjamin. Both are highly accomplished professionals, with backgrounds in Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness from Sokoine University of Agriculture. Their additional academic pursuits in Applied Economics and Rural Development further highlight their expertise in sustainable agricultural initiatives.
Innovation in Organic Fertilizer Production
Plant Natural Feed is an inspiring example of youth-led innovation in agriculture. Specializing in the production of organic fertilizers, the company addresses a critical need for sustainable soil health solutions in Tanzania. Their products, which include Bio-genic Fertilizer and Bio-genic Fungicides, are designed to enhance soil fertility while minimizing reliance on chemical inputs.
The company prides itself on being a pioneer in organic fertilizer production, adhering to strict environmental standards and leveraging locally sourced organic materials. Their approach aligns seamlessly with global sustainability goals, ensuring that smallholder farmers and agribusinesses have access to high-quality, affordable, and nutrient-rich fertilizers. By championing regenerative agriculture, Plant Natural Feed is not only improving food security and climate resilience but also fostering economic empowerment among Tanzania’s young agripreneurs.
AAVF and Plant Natural Feed: A Strategic Collaboration
The partnership between AAVF and Plant Natural Feed signifies a significant step forward in promoting youth-led agricultural enterprises. Through this collaboration, the AAVF aims to provide startups like Plant Natural Feed with access to cutting-edge agricultural technology, expert training, and expanded market opportunities. By nurturing young innovators, the AAVF ensures that Africa’s agricultural landscape continues to evolve, embracing sustainable and smart farming solutions.
This visit was a testament to AAVF’s unwavering commitment to fostering agricultural innovation and strengthening sustainable farming solutions across Africa. As we move forward, the AAVF remains dedicated to empowering Africa’s youth, positioning them at the forefront of the agricultural revolution. With initiatives like these, the future of African agriculture is set to be more resilient, productive, and environmentally sustainable.