Created in 2007, the Makoni Organic Farmers Association (MOFA) now counts 450 farmers who have switched from tobacco to organic farming.[1] Thanks to a small grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), farmers received training on various aspects of organic farming.
The alternatives chosen by farmers include horticulture, nursery management, agro-forestry, mushroom production, aquaculture and beekeeping. Since the programme started, farmers have seen their incomes and food security significantly improve.
MOFA products have been certified organic since 2012, thus allowing farmers to access wider local and international markets. The association was awarded with the 2014 Equator Prize by the UNDP.[2]
Alternatives