Shop owner brings supplies closer to home

Picture this.

Dust trails behind us as we bump along the narrow dirt road in rural Zambia.

Jagged potholes, deep mud, and slow animal crossings are just some of the obstacles we face driving to meet entrepreneurs making a difference in their communities. With no road signs, few fellow travelers, and villages spaced far apart, finding our destination on the first try can be challenging.

The journey is long and tiring, and it’s one that farmers need to take every time they need to get supplies to do their work. This is a major challenge in rural areas where access to essential farming materials is limited. It can take an entire day to travel to a larger town to buy supplies, costing as much as two days’ worth of food for a family of five.

But, thanks to donor support, iDE is helping local entrepreneurs bring supplies closer to home.

Entrepreneurs like Christine Kawina.

In early 2024, iDE Zambia staff saw potential in Christine to be an agriculture specialist—someone who provides knowledge, advice, and products to farmers in her community. She received business training and connections to suppliers, and set up a shop called Tweeya Agro Dealers.

Not only does her shop fill a crucial need in her village, but because she’s part of the community, Christine understands her customers’ specific needs. She noticed that most farmers have small plots of land that don’t require large amounts of seeds, so she repackages them into smaller, more affordable quantities. She also lets trusted customers buy on credit, allowing them to pay her back when they can.

Supporting Christine’s business not only helps her earn an income—enabling her to pay for things like her children’s school fees—but also benefits the 250 customers she serves each month by saving them travel time and money. She’s even in the process of building a larger shop so she can expand.

Christine’s story is an exciting success, but there are many other communities facing similar challenges. Across the world, countless dirt roads lead to villages that could also benefit from a local farm supply shop. Powering more entrepreneurs like Christine means helping more farmers thrive, creating a ripple effect of economic growth and stability in rural areas.

Entrepreneurs and innovators in these communities are proving that with the right tools and support, they can transform local economies. By investing in rural businesses, we can help bridge the gap between farmers and the resources they need to succeed.

Stay connected with us to learn more about how entrepreneurship is driving change in rural communities around the world.