CUSTOM AGRICULTURE CHALLENGE; Uganda
PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED
Quality inputs, technical training, field monitoring, and direct linkages to markets
Learn more about the Custom Agriculture Challenge and why distributing proven agricultural interventions can greatly improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION
Ziimba's mission is to empower marginalized farmers to earn substantial income through sustainable agroforestry.
Ziimba’s program is a hyper-scalable, smallholder-based agroforestry initiative that aims to create viable livelihoods for ultra-poor dry-land farmers in Kyankwanzi District, located in Uganda's cattle corridor, where the pilot is set to launch.
Ziimba is employing an end-to-end support model of distributing quality inputs, technical training, ongoing field monitoring, and direct linkages to preferred markets for farmers’ high-value tree outputs.
Their model stands out for its dual approach of helping farmers earn a living wage in the short-term with high-value cash crops interplanted in woodlots, and providing a transformative, secondary source of income in the long-term with rapid-growing trees suitable for dry-land cultivation and high-value commercial utility.
By forging strategic partnerships that empower marginalized farmers via their proven intervention, they will convert their underutilized and deteriorating landholdings into sustainable tree farms, thereby elevating their livelihoods, eradicating deforestation, and stifling surging demand in the region's wood-scarce markets.
Juliet Namwanje is the Founder of Ziimba and serves as the organization's Executive Director alongside key team members including Gerald Katende, a knowledgeable advisory board member who brings extensive knowledge of the pilot district's climate, poverty-driven challenges, and forest management; Simon Zziwa, the Director of Field Operations, with a strong background as a Senior Agriculture Officer and Agronomist; John Kibuuka, the Field Manager with vast experience in community-centric reforestation from the National Forestry Authority (NFA); and Maureen Nakacwa, the Field Facilitator, known for her administrative coordination and efforts in workplace gender equality.
Each member brings specialized knowledge and experience, allowing Ziimba to address the multifaceted challenges of the agroforestry initiative effectively. United by a shared vision, the team is deeply committed to spreading Ziimba’s proven agroforestry intervention to marginalized populations across Sub-Saharan Africa, starting in Uganda, to address the continent’s growing wood supply deficit.
PILOT AND SCALING GOALS
Directly reach 180+ beneficiaries during the pilot.
Establish 40 operational woodlots with 9,600+ trees planted.
Fundraise an additional $50,000 USD from new donors or investors within three months.
FOUNDING TEAM
Juliet Namwanje - Founder and Executive Director
Gerald Katende - Board Member
Simon Zziwa - Director of Field Operations
John Kibuuka - Field Manager
Maureen Nakacwa - Field Facilitator