How we work: Kaombe Ranch
Kaombe Ranch in Malawi's Shire Valley spans 2800ha of which 820ha produces over 90,000 tons of irrigated sugarcane annually for domestic buyers across Malawi. Of this, 335ha is allocated to the Kaombe Community Development Trust, the proceeds of which generate sustainable infrastructural development finance. At peak periods of the sugarcane season, Kaombe Ranch additionally employs up to 600 people, almost entirely from local communities.
KCDT is also linked to the Shire Valley Conservation project, which helps preserve Malawi's fast-disappearing wildlife and biodiversity, and therefore its inherent sustainability.
We offer funders up to USD $300,000p.a. in matched funding
Sugarcane for community development
The Kaombe Community Development Trust (KCDT) was established By Illovo Sugar Malawi and Agricane in 2009 on Kaombe Ranch. Since repaying development costs by 2014, we have reinvested proceeds from sugarcane production into community-led projects, creating a reliable and sustainable model for long-term rural development.
Conservation Initiatives
We support conservation initiatives through creation of sustainable livelihoods that reduce pressure on natural resources, including things like sustainable charcoal production that transform invasive mesquite into essential household fuel, helping protect Malawi’s threatened indigenous woodlands, and a planned community fish farm to provide an alternative to illegal and destructive methods of marsh fishing