Economic Development

One of the unique qualities of Kafakumba is the sustainable businesses that are created. These businesses provide skills, money, and hope where these things once didn't exist. Workers are first given the job of brick making (photo on right). When they prove they are responsible and dependable, they are then offered a share in the businesses listed below. The bricks are used to build Kafakumba's growing infrastructure.

Kafakumba is associated with two formal entities that help to guide the spiritual development and economic development efforts at Kafakumba. The African Growth LLC is a Limited Liability Corporation that guides the economic development projects at Kafakumba. More details about Kafakumba's economic development activities can be found at the African Growth website: www.lifting africa.org.

Learn more about Kafakumba's association with African Growth LLC.

Summary of Kafakumba's Businesses

Fish Farming Aloe Cattle Woodworking Timber Beekeeping/Honey Bananas

Fish Farming

Tilapia are a delicious and prolific fish which are grown all over the world, but are native to this part of Africa. A project involving 250 acres of fishponds will bring both a good income to peasant farmers and provide a great source of protein for malnourished African children. The fish can be harvested every three months in the summer and every four months in the winter.

Aloe

Aloe vera is a product for which there is a large, growing demand in Central Africa. The gel from the plant is believed to boost the immune system, is helpful in treating many health conditions, and is used extensively in the cosmetic industry. Aloe vera can be easily grown by local farmers and processed into a valuable product. We anticipate 500 acres of aloe vera being grown in partnership with small scale farmers.

Cattle

Cattle are a traditional source of wealth and food in Africa. Currently, Kafakumba has approximately 230 head of cattle owned jointly with the Degama School for Handicapped Children. The herd is located on Rivendell Farm, located adjacent to the Center. The oldest are 2-3 years old and are being bred. The Center has use of or controls approximately 10,000 acres of grazing land. The cattle roam free range each day with several villagers "herding" them. The cattle are gathered into a central location each evening to prevent poaching.

Woodworking

Valuable hardwood trees found in Zambian forests are being burned or turned into charcoal. The woodworking shop is making valuable furniture and wood products instead of wasting the timber. This project seeks to promote the wise use of Zambian forest products, which not only save the forest by making trees valuable, but also gives much needed jobs, training, and income to local Zambian woodworkers. Rough cut timber is brought in and run through the Wood Mizer saws. The cut wood is then sent through the wood working shop where it is made into doors, window frames, flooring, chairs, and furniture.

Timber

The responsible harvesting of mature timber is an essential addition to the traditional Zambian economic approach. If left unharvested, mature trees will fall to one of two unproductive fates. Either the trees will be attacked by termites and killed or the trees will be cut and converted into charcoal and sold for pennies by a local entrepreneur. Kafakumba has introduced the selective harvest of mature hard woods to be converted by our Woodworking business into high end flooring or construction materials. This provides the economic incentive necessary for the villagers to manage the forests in an environmentally responsible way. Kafukumba and WoodMizer, a USA corporation, have a long history of working together to empower Africans. Our sawmills are located in various areas with the permission of the local Chief. Each tree harvested generates funds for the local tribe.

Beekeeping / Honey

Through a grant from the German government, Kafakumba is in the process of creating a substantial Honey business. The grant has funded the creation and building of 3,000 state-of-the-art swarm boxes and hives. These hives are being constructed by Kafakumba in our woodworking factory. This provides dozens of jobs required to build these hives and swarm boxes.

Bananas

Approximately 100 farmers are currently taking part in a banana growing and marketing cooperative in the Copperbelt area of Zambia. There are over 500 acres of bananas planted and the fruit is being marketed through the training center in both Zambia and Congo. Trucks take the bananas to other cities and also to the Congo to sell.