Zambian farmers cash in on new harvest payment plan

60% of people in Zambia rely on agriculture for their livelihood. Working in agriculture often means farmers will earn the majority of their yearly income during the main harvest between April and June.

Azuri’s new harvest payment plan has been tailored to farmers so they can distribute their Azuri payments throughout the year alongside their income. Farmers pay bulk instalments during the harvest season with smaller weekly fees during the dry season.

Henry Muteneka lives with his young family in Chongwe, Lusaka province, and has been a farmer for over 20 years. Henry’s neighbours purchased Azuri products quickly when they became available, but Henry thought his variable income wouldn’t afford products the dry season so held off.

Henry soon saw the benefits his neighbours were having: their phones were always charged and they watched TV late into the night to relax. Meanwhile, Henry’s family still relied on kerosene lamps, charging their phones at market and going to other households to watch TV. Henry’s livestock had been stolen multiple times as he had no outdoor security lights to keep watch over them, which had been hugely expensive to replace. Lockdown was looming and his children were struggling to study at night, huddled together to share limited light. Luckily for Henry, the Azuri harvest payment plan had just been launched meaning he could take advantage of paying in accordance with his income.

“When I heard about the harvest payment plan I took it right away! I have never seen a payment plan that understands my income like this. Now I can have safe energy for my family, have TV inside my own home and have an outside light to keep my livestock safe.” – Henry

The children study under clean, clear lights in the evening and when school is closed due to COVID-19 they were able to watch educational channels on TV, which meant they never fell behind. The family save time and money from market trips and can budget sustainably. Henry can now relax after a long day and watch his favourite football games, knowing his family have safe, reliable energy which they will be able to afford throughout the year.

Mr. Muteneka is looking forward to the future when he has completed his Azuri contract and has all his solar energy and devices running free.

“I’m delighted to be able to provide clean energy for my family. Once I have completed this contract, I’m looking forward to my next products with Azuri!”