In our ongoing commitment to celebrate the inspiring stories of women entrepreneurs, we are delighted to shine the spotlight on Hanan Kambo, the visionary founder of Adam’s Garden and Farms Limited. Hanan is one of the 18 women-owned micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) selected for the prestigious UNDP Growth Accelerator Programme. Her journey from a backyard garden to a flourishing agricultural enterprise serves as a powerful testament to determination, innovation, and the transformative power of support.
Founded in 2016 in Goderich, Hanan started her business in the humble confines of her father’s backyard, utilizing less than a hectare of land. Her passion for plants and vegetables has since blossomed into a vibrant operation spanning 14 hectares, complete with 27 greenhouses. Hanan cultivates an impressive array of 20-25 different crop varieties across two primary locations. At her mile 6 Waterloo site, she focuses on high-demand crops like bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, rice, and onions, while her Goderich farm thrives on leafy greens such as kale and spring onions.
The UNDP Growth Accelerator Programme has been a pivotal element in Hanan’s success. She has received three tranches of support, which have enabled her to expand her operations significantly. The first tranche facilitated the acquisition and installation of two sets of greenhouses, allowing for the planting of hibernor, sweet bell peppers, and cucumbers, with the first harvest just around the corner. The second tranche provided essential resources for a solar power system, now fully operational at her Mile 6 location, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and enhancing sustainability.
Hanan has now recieved her third and final tranche, earmarked for value addition, she is eager to invest in critical infrastructure such as a chiller room, dehydrator, food grinder, and packaging materials. These additions will not only enhance her product offerings but also elevate the overall quality and marketability of her produce.
Beyond financial support, Hanan has benefited from a range of trainings and bootcamps facilitated by the Aurora Foundation. These sessions have equipped her with vital skills in goal setting, financial literacy, marketing, and grant management. The comprehensive nature of the program has enabled her to double her production capacity, employ more staff—primarily youth and women—and meet the growing demands of her expanding customer base.
Hanan’s journey doesn’t stop here; she is currently in the preliminary stages of applying for the Mastercard Innovation Programme, which offers support to entrepreneurs looking to enhance their businesses. At the same time, she is taking bold steps to diversify her offerings by experimenting with the cultivation of the Carolina Reaper, a pepper famous for its extraordinary heat and distinctive flavor. By venturing into this niche, Hanan aims to create unique products that will captivate her customers and set her business apart, reflecting her commitment to growth and her passion for both her craft and her community.
With her sights set on the future, Hanan envisions establishing a training center at her Mile 6 site, dedicated to knowledge sharing and skill development for her staff. This initiative underscores her commitment to empowering others in her community, ensuring that the growth of Adam’s Garden and Farms Limited also nurtures the talents of those around her.
Hanan Kambo exemplifies the spirit of resilience and innovation. Her story is not only an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs but also a beacon of hope for the broader community. We celebrate her achievements and look forward to witnessing her continued growth and impact.
