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Invegrow Malawi

We're working to revolutionize agriculture by developing industrial hemp as a new cash crop

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Invegrow Malawi

Invegrow Malawi

Invegrow Malawi

Invegrow Malawi

Invegrow Malawi

We're working to revolutionize agriculture by developing industrial hemp as a new cash crop

We're working to revolutionize agriculture by developing industrial hemp as a new cash crop

We're working to revolutionize agriculture by developing industrial hemp as a new cash crop

We're working to revolutionize agriculture by developing industrial hemp as a new cash crop

TANYA CLARKE
TANYA CLARKE
TANYA CLARKE
TANYA CLARKE
1 Campaign |
Lilongwe, Malawi
$26,648 USD 22 backers
53% of $50,000 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal
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InveGRATEFUL

$10 USD
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InveGROWER

$20 USD
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InveGROUNDSKEEPER

$50 USD
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InveGRAFTER

$150 USD
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InveGROUPIE

$250 USD
Est. Shipping
September 2016
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InveGROOVIEST!

$10,000 USD
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OUR STORY

#TeamInvegrow is led by Tanya Clarke. Tanya is a social entrepreneur with a strong desire to support sustainable economic development in Malawi, the country which has been her home for 8 incredible years!

Tanya has extensive relevant experience, having already built a successful agricultural business in Malawi, www.kawandama-hills.com, which produces quality essential oils and employs hundreds of Malawians. She is committed to initiatives that improve the lives of local people through the ambitious work of her educational charity Expand.

Invegrow was founded in 2013 and is proud to already have the full support of the Malawian government, as well as several key civil society and private sector groups, all of whom share our passion for the future of industrial hemp!

WHY INDUSTRIAL HEMP?

Industrial hemp is a variety of the ​Cannabis sativa ​plant that is bred specifically for industrial uses. It is non-psychoactive - so unlike the marijuana variety of the cannabis plant, industrial hemp wouldn’t produce the ‘high’ feeling if smoked!

Industrial hemp is currently grown in 36 countries worldwide including Canada, Australia, Germany, France, and the UK. It is an age old crop that was bred specifically for industrial purposes, and was one of the most important crops in World War 2 for its strong fibres used for sails and military uniforms. It's an incredibly versatile crop that is used in sustainable construction, seed and oil production for cosmetics and foods, medicines, and fibre for textiles - giving it enormous and wide-ranging potential markets.

WHY NOW?

The timing is perfect - industrial hemp is experiencing a rebirth as people are beginning to demand a more responsible and sustainable lifestyle. In 2013 Invegrow identified that industrial hemp would offer huge potential as a successful cash crop for Malawi, and began campaigning. As a result, Invegrow became the first and only company in the country allowed to trial the crop. This is a pioneering venture and Invegrow finally commenced trials in November 2015 at the Malawi Government's premier Agricultural Research Station. We are also helping amend the relevant Acts with the Government to correctly define industrial hemp in law. We aim to be growing the crop commercially by December 2016 in the rainy season.

Malawi needs creative and innovative businesses ideas. Africa has tremendous growth potential but it is still struggling in many respects. #TeamInvegrow has a strong and clear vision of Malawi spearheading the cultivation of industrial hemp in Africa, with other countries in the region following in our footsteps.

WHY WE NEED YOU

To date, the lobbying and trials have been self- funded. To take this venture all the way, we need your help. We now need to raise $50,000 to fund the farming inputs, buy small-scale farming and processing equipment, buy lab equipment for testing, and continue the lobbying and education campaigns.

Malawi is a beautiful and peaceful country and has earned it's nickname as 'the warm heart of Africa'. We invite you to be a part of our exciting journey and help us revolutionize the future of Malawian agriculture!

RISKS & CHALLENGES

There are inherent challenges when embarking on a pioneering project.

- The trials are showing very promising results and the plants are growing well, but irrigation would maximise crop yields on a larger scale. Environmental challenges are always present. 

- Malawi is very peaceful and politically stable, but it is still an impoverished nation with many developmental hurdles. The government initially questioned whether or not to do the trials - but the project is now fully sanctioned by the President and the government.

- Malawi is a very conservative society and more education must be done through the media, radio, and TV on industrial hemp and its potential. Helping people understand and distinguish between the different varieties of Cannabis is a challenge that we hope to overcome through clear campaigning and education.

- Access to quality education is limited and literacy rates are low, but Malawians are clever, practical, and innovative. As long as it makes commercial sense they will be willing to take the plunge and grow industrial hemp.


- Invegrow will protect Plant Breeder Rights and remains committed to finding the best source of industrial hemp seed for Malawi's latitude. We are open to collaboration and partnerships and will respect the hard work put in by breeders around the world. 

OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP

Please view and share the great work that Invegrow and Hemporium are doing through their websites, educational YouTube videos, and Facebook pages. If you’d like to find out more in person, we always welcome visits to Malawi and you can email us for more information.

Please spread the word and share this fundraising page in order to help us reach our target :-)! 


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