Finally, here’s a good news story about the success of a young entrepreneur, small-scale farmer and food producer in South Africa’s northern Limpopo province.
Martin Boima is only 27, but his business, Martin’s Nature Care, sells vegetables and innovative food products in the Tzaneen area and includes a poultry operation that produces 500 broiler chicken and 2000 layers per cycle.
He started by growing vegetables on a one-hectare plot in his home village. Then he added a small poultry operation, beginning with 100 layer hens.
Next came the food innovation – he started manufacturing food products using soldier termite ants, marula nuts and peanuts. He now sells “termite delight granola”, “marula crunch granola” and peanut powder to local residents.
“These food products are healthy because they are high in protein, fibre and energy,” he told the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS). He’s picked up awards and he’s had help along the way.
The University of Limpopo gave him a short course in food safety and general manufacturing. The Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) helped him develop business and marketing skills. The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) gave him a grant to buy manufacturing equipment.
Now there’s a possibility of exports. GCIS reports that the German Development Co-operation (GIZ) South Africa is offering to help him get business certification for access to other markets.
That’s what happens when you make the most of your opportunities.