SPRODETA Agribusiness is a commercial arm and a subsidiary of SPRODETA NGO. SPRODETA NGO was formed in 2009 and registered in 2012 with the aim of empowering marginalized men, women, and youth to achieve sustainable development. SPRODETA Agribusiness, the CASA partner, was incorporated as a private company limited by shares on 6 June 2020, to bring on board a commercial aspect within SPRODETA NGO activities by undertaking commercial investments into product aggregation, marketing and, most importantly, investment in value addition for improved incomes for smallholder producers. SPRODETA Agribusiness focuses on processing and marketing of products that are promoted by the NGO arm of SPRODETA. Its activities are independent of the NGO’s activities, but it benefits from already organised and trained farmers to conduct its operations. Operating in Mzimba, Rumphi, Karonga and Chitipa, SPRODETA Agribusiness has 17 full-time empolyees and 40 seasonal jobs.

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Promoting Investment, Market Linkages and Food Security in the Poultry Value Chain

This project demonstrates the commercial viability of indigenous poultry production to both agri-SMEs and smallholder farmers. CASA is facilitating introduction of the smallholder indigenous poultry farmers to commercial marketing models because of the breed’s resilience to hardy conditions. Unlike broilers, where smallholders often restrict stocking to warmer months to avoid high mortality rates, farmers can produce indigenous poultry throughout the year. CASA is supporting the setting up of a sustainable extension delivery system on poultry production aimed at increasing the capacity of the farmers to produce poultry for the markets and food for improved food security. 

This 12-month project aims to improve production levels and professionalise the cooperatives so that they can aggregate and supply high quality live chickens to the processing centre which will be dressed and supplied to hotels, SPRODETA’s own shop, and supermarkets in the short to medium term. Each farmer is expected to raise about £15 to cater for procurement of 12 chicks (for one cycle) which will include one cock. This approach is preferred so that farmers demonstrate commitment, and the amount is mobilised from the cooperatives’ other activities and enterprises. SPRODETA Agribusiness facilitates the bulk procurement of the chicks. In addition, SPRODETA Agribusiness also facilitates linkages between the cooperative to other services such as drugs and vaccines; which the cooperatives will pay for on their own. At a total cost of £73,168 (£40,815 provided by CASA), the project expects to reach 1,500 smallholder farmers.

SPRODETA Agribusiness is seeking debt investment of £59,600 to acquire a feed mill, incubation and hatchery facilities, bird processing equipment, deep freezers, and a mobile refrigerated van.

Updated: December 2024