Youth innovation in agricultural entrepreneurship: Packaging as a means of attracting customers

Hello listeners, welcome to our show. Today, we’ll be talking about young people interested in growing vegetables and spices in the Central Kasai province of the DRC.

Dierci Kamba has been growing vegetables and spices for two years. Today, he will tell us about his techniques for attracting customers. We’ll also hear from his friend Michel Tshisanga, with whom he has set up a farming business called Agri-Congo. Finally, we welcome Séraphin Kankonde, an expert who will discuss strategies to help agricultural entrepreneurs boost their businesses.

 

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Hello Mr. Dierci Kamba, thank you for accepting our invitation. Since 2022, you’ve been in charge of Agri-Congo, an agricultural company that specializes in market gardening. Can you tell us what motivated you to start growing vegetables and spices?

I started growing vegetables and spices to meet an urgent community need. I’m motivated to produce them because there’s a shortage of spices and vegetables on the market in our province of Kasaï-central. We are experiencing an influx of spices from Lubumbashi, a province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This makes spices expensive. As an entrepreneur, I decided to address this community need.

At what point did you decide to go into agribusiness?

 

I’ve been growing vegetables and spices for two years. I got the idea to start farming after attending the training course at the resource center organized by the provincial youth council. I decided to start an agribusiness after realizing that agricultural production alone was insufficient for creating real economic value. Post-harvest losses, fluctuating prices and the growing demand for processed, better-packaged and more sustainable products convinced me that I had to expand beyond farming. My family didn’t have the means to support me through university. So I enrolled in this three-month training course, at the end of which I received my certificate. There, I learned key concepts about agricultural activities. After setting up my own business, I started working as a market gardening.

Did you receive any support to get started ?

No! Since I set up the business, I haven’t received any support. Even before setting up my Agri-Congo business, I was faced with enormous financial difficulties. However, I was so motivated by my business idea that I sought financial help to acquire space to start my farming activities. Later, I met someone with whom I discussed my idea. He encouraged me by offering me 12 hectares of land free of charge. That was the only support I received at the beginning of my career.

What types of vegetables and spices do you grow?

I grow amaranth, okra, tomatoes, celery, cabbage, onions and chili peppers. Some of these vegetables and spices have different water requirements. For example, okra and celery are quite water-hungry and require regular watering to develop properly. Tomatoes and cabbage also require well-hydrated soil for optimal growth. Although they have moderate to high water requirements, they can suffer in the event of drought. Tomatoes, in particular, need sufficient moisture, especially during the fruiting phase.

Amaranth and onions, on the other hand, tolerate dry conditions better but need a good level of humidity to grow optimally. I’m considering expanding into taro and sweet potato cultivation to increase my production and meet my customers’ needs.

Is the business profitable for you?

Absolutely! We harvest twice a year, and each time we sell for 700,000 francs Cfa Depending on the weather and how I care for my crops, I harvest around 10 to 12 tons per season. Consequently, I harvest 20 to 22 tons per year.

In terms of distribution, tomatoes represent around 30% of my production, followed by okra representing 25%. Celery and cabbage account for about 15% each, while onions and chili peppers each account for about 7%. Amaranth makes up the rest.

Vegetables are generally more profitable than spices. Tomatoes and okra are particularly profitable for me.

How do you ensure that the vegetables and spices you grow are safe to eat?

First, we choose certified seeds from reliable sources, which establishes a solid foundation for food safety.

Second, we favor organic farming methods. This includes crop rotation and the use of compost. These methods minimize our use of chemical pesticides. We also ensure that the irrigation water is clean and free of contaminants.

 

What methods do you use to sell your products effectively or quickly?

We’ve distinguished ourselves from other salespeople in the field. To accelerate the sale of our products, we have implemented two techniques. First, we package our products in biodegradable sachets or tarot cards. Second, we approach our identified clients. In the event that all the products haven’t been sold, we begin searching for other clients. We tell them about our products, and if they’re interested, they can pay in cash or receive the products on credit. Sometimes, we schedule an appointment for the next harvest.

Thank you very much, Mr. Dierci Kamba, for these clarifications. Now, we’re going to hear from Michel Tshisanga, coordinator of the Agri-Congo company. How did you start working for this agricultural company?

I consider my beginnings in this agricultural company as a discovery. I was passionate about agriculture, and joining a group of like-minded individuals was one way to pursue that passion. Initially, I didn’t do it for a salary, but rather out of passion. At Agri-Congo, I am the coordinator. In this role, I supervise farming operations, ensure product quality and work with the team to optimize production.

What motivated you to choose agriculture as your field of work?

First, I took a training course that made me understand the importance of agricultural activities. My interest in nutrition led me to further explore how food is grown. Sustainable agriculture is essential for consumers’ health. Many young people often prefer office work, but you can earn a living through agricultural activities.

How does Dierci Kambi, the company manager, help you to progress in your role?

He guides me by giving me practical advice based on his experience, which helps me to make informed decisions. For example, he shares effective strategies he has used in similar situations, enabling me to avoid mistakes. He also organizes regular meetings where we discuss my challenges and successes, offering me constructive feedback. His constant support boosts my self-confidence and motivates me to take on new challenges. Thanks to his benevolence, I feel valued and encouraged to develop my skills.

What challenges do you face in your day-to-day work?

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Thank you very much, Mr. Michel Tshisanga, for sharing your experiences. To conclude this program, we welcome Séraphin Kankonde, an agri-food specialist. What motivates young people to embark on careers in agriculture today?

First, there’s a growing awareness of environmental and food issues. Many young people are motivated by the desire to contribute to food security and sustainability. Additionally, modern agriculture offers entrepreneurial opportunities with innovative business models. Examples

 

What educational or training programs are available to encourage young people to take up farming?

There are many educational programs, ranging from agricultural schools to vocational training, seminars and specialized universities. Mentoring initiatives and on-farm internships provide young people with hands-on experience. Additionally, workshops and online courses on topics such as sustainable agriculture and agroecology are becoming increasingly popular.

What are the main challenges facing young farmers today?

Young farmers face a number of challenges, including access to financing, high land and equipment costs, bureaucratic red tape and a sometimes discouraging bureaucracy. Additionally, managing climate and market risks can be daunting for those just starting out. Finally, there is a need for support and ongoing training to navigate a constantly evolving sector.

How does access to clean water influence agricultural productivity, especially for young farmers?

Access to clean water is crucial for agricultural productivity. Quality water ensures healthy crop growth and reduces the risk of disease. For young farmers, this means higher yields and a better return on investment, which is crucial to the success of their farms.

What is the state of vegetable and spice cultivation in Kasaï-central province?

Growing vegetables in Kasaï-Central Province presents both opportunities and challenges. The diversity of soils and favorable climate allow for a wide variety of crops that can meet the local population’s food needs. Vegetables such as tomatoes, garlic and onions have good market potential, not only for local consumption, but also for export to other regions.

However, there are also significant challenges to overcome. Water management is crucial, especially during drought seasons. Efficient irrigation techniques are essential to maximizing yields. Furthermore, many farmers have limited access to training and modern farming tools. This underscores the importance of educating farmers on sustainable practices, crop innovations, and knowledge sharing.

It is also important to promote cooperative initiatives among farmers to exchange best practices and address common challenges. In conclusion, although Kasaï-Central has promising potential for vegetable growing, we must work together to optimize resources and improve farming techniques. I remain convinced that, with the right support, this region can become a center of quality vegetable production.

How do you perceive the marketing strategy of packaging vegetables and spices?

Packaging vegetables and spices is crucial and deserves particular attention, especially in a rapidly expanding market like ours. In my opinion, good packaging preserves product freshness and quality, playing a key role in attracting consumers. Currently, there are opportunities for innovation in this area. For example, using eco-friendly materials could reduce plastic waste and meet the growing demand for sustainable products.

I urge young people to consider getting involved in the packaging sector. It is an area where you can really make a difference while adding value to your products. By exploring creative and sustainable packaging solutions, you can improve your products’ image and contribute to more environmentally-friendly development. Young entrepreneurs are essential to innovating these practices and transforming our approach to packaging.

Embracing this path will give you the opportunity to stand out in the marketplace while demonstrating social and environmental responsibility. Don’t hesitate to participate in innovation and packaging workshops and programs, as every initiative counts. Together, we can raise our packaging standards and, as a result, improve the local and international perception of our vegetables and spices.

Thank you very much, Mr. Séraphin Kankonde. This concludes our program on using packaging in the vegetable and spice growing business to attract customers. We must remember that agriculture plays a crucial role in the future of young people by offering them employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. By engaging in this sector, young people can contribute to food security while developing practical and technical skills. Modern agriculture, with its innovations and sustainable practices, is attracting more and more young people, enabling them to participate in projects that benefit both the local economy and the environment. By supporting young farmers, we are investing in a more sustainable and prosperous future.

 

Thank you for your kind attention. See you soon for another program.