Eva, Pineapple Farmer, Tanzania

In recognition of the “social interest” I was paying as a Learner Guide, I gained access to an interest-free loan through CAMFED’s partnership with Kiva, helping me to launch my first business, a fruit farm. I grow pineapples and I’m able to sell 500-4,000 a month during the harvest season in October, November and December. In 2017 and 2018, I sold 6,000 pineapples to a juice factory. I also sell them at my local market.

From January to September, when I am waiting for my fruit to grow and ripen, I focus on the other businesses I run. My most profitable has been a clothing shop, with a turnover up to TZS 800,000 (around USD 280) per month. I also run a stationery shop, and started the first mobile money business in my community.

My pinenapple harvest pictured at my farm in Bagamoyo, Tanzania.

I use some of the profits from my enterprises to support vulnerable children to go to school. In 2018, I was able to support 122 children with food, uniforms, books and school fees. My success in business and my community philanthropy are just some of the many reasons that I was elected by my peers as Bagamoyo District Chairperson of the CAMFED Association.

Training received through the CAMFED Association has helped me to grow and improve my businesses over time. I bought two cows and use their manure to spread on my fields as fertilizer. I also learned how to keep records in business. However, I have encountered some challenges, including a competitive market for pineapples, as they are widely farmed. Though I have built a storehouse, sometimes my fruit turn bad before they can be sold, as I have no means of refrigerating them.

In 2020, all of my enterprises were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted supply chains and meant my customers had less to spend on my goods. Responding quickly with innovative measures, I was able to adapt my businesses whilst also providing support for community members. For example, through my stationery business I was able to facilitate distance learning whilst schools were closed. I distributed materials to students at their homes, assessing their situations at the same time and making discounts for those in need. Having bought the supplies in bulk, I was able to ensure I didn’t make a loss even where I supported some children with free papers.

Me (right) at my clothing shop with my employee, a fellow CAMFED Association member, during the COVID-19 crisis in 2020.

My mobile money business was the first in my community and continues to be an important local resource.

At the same time, I saw an opportunity to expand my farm whilst the rainy season was in progress. I doubled the size of my pineapple farm from three to six acres, and also planted one acre of papaya.

I am proud to be able to provide employment for members of my community, particularly other young women. By May 2020 I was employing two CAMFED Association members in my shops, and providing seasonal work for 5-10 people on my farm.

I am participating in a program through the Sokoine University of Agriculture, which will help me to make further improvements to my farm. I hope to become a great merchant and to support hundreds more children in their education.