Multi-million $ investment takes The Future Farm to next level…

Published: 02/12/2020

Since 2015, the martin richenhagen Future Farm has been on a mission

The Future Farm has been developed to give all African farmers access to the latest agricultural solutions. We are all about making sure that aspiring farmers are able to make their mark on agriculture in Africa whilst making farming profitable. 

The Future Farm in Zambia was the first facility of its kind in Africa as it set out to educate and support both small and large scale farming businesses. The objective? To help develop a sustainable food production system and increase farm productivity by using modern farming techniques. 

So, what’s the latest from the farm?

In July 2019, we announced a schedule of developments that will take The Future Farm into its next chapter as a growing, state of the art learning facility for the next generation of farmers in Africa.  

The Government of the Republic of Zambia has recently identified that Agriculture is central to its job creation and poverty alleviation strategy. The sector employs over 70% of the population and contributes 19% of the country’s GDP. With these statistics in mind, the government is engaged in projects that are aimed at increasing the volume and value of Agricultural outputs produced and sold – particularly by small hold farmers. 

We believe at the Future Farm, as we continue to equip farmers with the knowledge they need to succeed, we can have an impact on the continued success of agriculture across the continent, making it more efficient and profitable for all. 

The specifics of the developments

This multi-million dollar phase 2 development will include the introduction of student and staff accommodation (with 24 rooms) and communal amenities such as a canteen that will be able to seat over 80 people. An insaka homestead (a traditional complex of grass gazebos) with a central courtyard will be added to the grounds to encourage interactive learning. Upgrades to the existing road and farm infrastructure are also in the pipeline.

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With a Future Farm community that is now over 200 people strong it is also important that we renovate some of the existing facilities that need a bit of TLC. The current church building on the site is being demolished and replaced with a new church and a new community center is being built along with a play park.

As well as physical developments to the facilities on the farm, plans are well underway to digitise the mechanisation and agronomy training material that we provide. By moving our content onto a digital learning platform, we can share our knowledge with farmers across more remote parts of the continent. We want all aspiring farmers in Africa to be able to access the knowledge they need to succeed, even if they can’t get to The Future Farm in person.

Every single one of the plans within phase two will enable us to continue helping Africa’s farmers prosper.

Here is what her Royal Highness, Senior Chieftainess, Nkomeshya Mukamambo II, had to say when asked about the next phase of developments on the Martin Richenhagen Future Farm.

"I am so pleased that this development is happening in my chiefdom, for which agriculture is the main occupation. The AGCO tractor hire service and training piloted in my chiefdom has shown how better crop yields can be achieved and has already been positive for some of the farmers."
Nkomeshya Mukamambo II
Royal Highness, Senior Chieftainess

Progress on all developments is going well and the team is very excited for the next chapter of the
Martin Richenhagen Future Farm to take shape. 

"When we conceptualised the Future Farm, our aim was to be a catalyst in the development of a sustainable and prosperous agricultural industry across the continent, with innovative solutions built around the needs of African farmers."
Gary Collar
Senior Vice President and General Manager
of Asia-Pacific and Africa (APA) region

So keep your eyes peeled. Phase 2 of The Future farm brings an exciting chapter as we continue to increase and expand the service offerings from this state of the art learning facility. We held 1,200 training days in 2019… what will 2020’s figures be?! 

Watch this space!