Starting up a business focused on growing onions and other vegetables represents a venture into the dynamic world of agriculture, where passion for farming meets entrepreneurial ambition. This venture taps into the increasing demand for fresh, locally sourced produce, a trend that has gained momentum as consumers become more health-conscious and interested in the origins of their food.
Maabis is a start-up in the agribusiness sector focusing on the production of vegetable varieties using open-field farming. Established in 2019 but embarked in agribusiness in 2022 at Lungai on a 4-acre farm using open field farming. She grows onions, tomatoes, cucumber, and okra with the main focus being the onion. With such knowledge, she is investing in quality seeds and equipment, and implementing sustainable farming practices to enhance productivity and reduce labor costs. However, the last two harvests were not profitable due to harsh climatic conditions, with pests and diseases affecting the crop hence low yields.
Maabis is among the 18 Women-led MSMEs and Cooperatives that were selected for the Growth Accelerator Programme in Sierra Leone implemented by UNDP in partnership with Aurora Foundation. After going through some Goal-setting exercises and business planning sessions with Aurora Foundation, MAABIS was able to identify quick wins for her business and developed a growth plan for the next two years. With the support of this programme, she has already installed a greenhouse with a proper irrigation system, a borehole for irrigation, a solar panel to pump the water, and a security house for the farm. She plans to have cucumbers, bell pepper, and other vegetables produced in the greenhouse while the onion and okra continue on the open field. This has given her hope in increasing her yields for this season as she looks forward to the greenhouses curbing climate-related challenges.
Sustainability and community engagement are increasingly important in the
agricultural sector and she has adopted environmentally friendly practices, such as organic farming, and water conservation. She dug a borehole which will help her with the irrigation on the farm rather than the manual watering they were used to doing. Maabis engages with the local community by creating employment for the youths (especially school-dropped-out women and mothers) educational programs, and participation in local food initiatives. She does not only employ these women but advises them not to give up in life as they struggle to take care of themselves and their children.
Ultimately, Maabis has the potential to flourish by combining agricultural knowledge with a strong business model, a commitment to sustainability, and a deep connection to the community.
‘ The direction for my business is now well set and clear, I see a lot of growth for the future of my business’. … CEO MAABIS – Kadiatu
