FINANCING CHANGE
We identify financing pathways that enable our farming partners to become financially independent.
Transforming incomes
We work with communities where only a third of animals reach the market and farmers earn almost nothing from their herds.
But over about seven years, we can turn a malnourished, low-reproduction herd into well-fed thriving cattle.
BEFORE
Farmer owns 20 adult cattle
10 unhealthy breeding females producing calves every 2 or 3 years
2 bulls
8 non-breeding adults
30% of calves die before adulthood
Farmer sells 2 or 3 animals
Healthcare spend per animal:
Farmer’s estimated spend $8 per year
Selling to middlemen:
Average revenue $450 per year
Net profit $237 per year
DESTINATION
Farmer owns 20 adult cattle
16 healthy breeding females producing calves most years
1 bull
3 non-breeding adults
10% of calves die before adulthood
Farmer sells 10 animals
Healthcare spend per animal:
Farmer’s estimated spend $35 per year
Selling to main players:
Average revenue $3,240 per year
Net profit $1,400 per year
Financing transformation
Animals are dying in large numbers from preventable disease, chronic ticks and parasites. But in remote communities, the healthcare that would dramatically reduce these diseases is not available.
When incomes improve, farmers will be able to afford consistent care for their herds. But right now, they can’t. We need to support them to get there.
This is paid for by carbon finance revenues, from improving rangeland management, restoring grasslands and increasing the amount of carbon stored in the soil.
ROTATIONAL GRAZING
Communities develop grazing and fire management plans. Mafisa provides water points to increase accessible area.
ANIMAL HEALTH
Farmers participating in grazing and fire management receive essential animal health services at no cost, financed by carbon credits.
MONITOR SOIL CARBON
Mafisa submits detailed reports in line with Verra method for estimating soil carbon. Soil surveys confirm results.
SHARE REVENUES
Surplus carbon revenues are used by communities for a wide range of programmes especially those reaching women and the poorest.
At present and in the current operational area, carbon offers a good opportunity to secure the finance needed to invest in the transformation of community livelihoods.
But the transitional period needed to get farmers to the point where they can pay for services can be financed in other ways.
Private sector investment is a prospect. Beef is a significant market, and like most of Africa, the majority of Zambian beef is produced by traditional pastoralists.
Alternative models of finance will ensure that the benefits of the Mafisa model can be extended into regions and jurisdictions where carbon finance is not a viable option.
results
Our approach is transforming livelihoods in last mile communities in Western Province.
