What if a simple plant could change lives? This was the vision behind Umoyo Natural Health’s Hibiscus out-grower project—a journey to equip 40 farmers from Pemba District, Zambia, with the skills to cultivate Hibiscus Roselle, a plant renowned not only for its bold flavor but also for its economic and health benefits.
On June 6th and 7th, 2023, this vision began to take shape. In partnership with World Vision and with the help of local cooperatives from Jembo and Moyo, Umoyo set out to empower these farmers, giving them the tools to grow Hibiscus successfully—and with it, the potential to transform their livelihoods.
A Mission Rooted in Growth and Sustainability
Hibiscus isn’t just a pretty flower—it’s the heart of some of Umoyo’s popular herbal products. As part of our commitment to supporting local agriculture, we aim to source tons of Hibiscus annually from Zambian farmers. The idea is simple: by buying directly from the farmers, we foster economic empowerment, create sustainable agricultural practices, and build a local value chain that benefits everyone.
This project isn’t a handout—it’s about creating partnerships. Umoyo provides seeds and commits to purchasing the harvest, but it’s the farmers' determination and collaboration with partners like World Vision that will make it thrive.
The Training: Bringing Knowledge to the Fields
In the heart of Chisekese, our farmers gathered—20 men and 19 women, ranging in age from 20 to 72—to begin their Hibiscus journey. Over two days, they got hands-on experience with the basics of Hibiscus farming, from planting the seeds to managing pests and caring for the harvest.
Facilitators from World Vision and the Ministry of Agriculture led practical sessions, while Umoyo’s own Chiza Engaenga shared insights into how this project fits into our broader vision. The excitement was palpable—this wasn’t just a training session; it was the beginning of something meaningful.
Chiza emphasized that Umoyo would purchase every Hibiscus flower the farmers produced and even hinted at future expansions—think lemongrass, cinnamon, and more. The farmers were inspired, but they were also clear-eyed: they knew the challenges ahead.
Secrets to Growing the Perfect Hibiscus
Hibiscus isn’t a demanding plant, but it does need the right care to thrive. Here’s what the farmers learned:
Pick the Right Spot: Hibiscus loves sunlight—at least six hours a day—and grows best in loamy, well-drained soil.
Mind Your Watering: Keep the soil moist, but don’t drown the roots! Overwatering can quickly lead to rot.
Feed the Soil: A bit of compost or slow-release fertilizer does wonders, but too much nitrogen means more leaves and fewer flowers.
Watch for Pests: Farmers were encouraged to check regularly for pests like aphids and whiteflies and explore organic pest management solutions.
From Field to Cup: The Art of Harvesting and Drying
Harvesting Hibiscus is all about timing—pick too late, and the flowers lose their quality. Farmers learned how to spot the perfect moment when the calyces are plump and ready but still tender.
After harvesting, it’s a race against time. Calyces must be dried quickly—whether in the sun or in a cool, airy place. Rainy days bring challenges, but with practice, farmers are now ready to keep their harvests safe and of high quality.
Challenges in Bloom
Like any great adventure, this project came with its challenges. The farmers didn’t shy away from sharing their concerns:
Pests and Diseases: Managing pests can be tricky, and farmers requested more training on integrated pest management.
Water Woes: Reliable access to water is an ongoing struggle in Pemba, especially for thirsty plants like Hibiscus.
Seed Access: Farmers suggested setting up a local seed bank to ensure they always have high-quality seeds for future planting.
Post-Harvest Issues: Drying calyces in the rainy season is a challenge, and farmers are eager for better storage solutions.
The Way Forward: A Growing Partnership
Despite the challenges, the training was a success. Farmers left not only with new knowledge but also with hope—hope for better harvests, more income, and a sustainable partnership with Umoyo.
World Vision and the Ministry of Agriculture pledged their ongoing support, promising to help farmers with pest management and technical advice. For Umoyo, this is just the beginning of a long-term relationship. We believe that when farmers succeed, we all succeed—and the journey to build a sustainable Hibiscus value chain is well underway.
Conclusion: A Blossoming Future
At Umoyo, we believe that natural health begins at the roots—in this case, with the vibrant red petals of the Hibiscus plant. This project is about more than just flowers; it’s about empowering farmers, strengthening communities, and creating products that nourish the body and soul.
As we look to the future, we see a thriving partnership with farmers across Zambia, building a local agricultural ecosystem that benefits everyone. Together, we’ll continue to grow, harvest, and celebrate the power of nature—one Hibiscus flower at a time.
Stay tuned for more updates on this journey and the amazing things these farmers will achieve. We can’t wait to share their harvests with you! 🌸
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