kasupe
kǝ • sūˊ • pē ǀ language of origin: Chichewa ǀ English translation: spring well; a source of water from the ground; an ultimate source, especially of action or motion
empower
THE COMMUNITY
Kasupe Goat Farm was originally envisioned as a micro-enterprise project undertaken as a means for Kasupe to self-fund other projects, specifically the HIV/AIDS Support Group. Goats are multi-purpose animals producing meat, milk, hides, and manure, and have very few demands of housing and management. They have no need for separate grazing areas as they happily share space with cows and other livestock. Furthermore, goats are inexpensive to maintain having adapted to the now familiar dry, hot climate in the Kasupe area.
In February of 2010, construction of Kasupe Goat Farm was completed and 120 goats acquired. To date, income from the sale of live goats, meat, milk, hides (used for shoe making), and manure (used for fertilizer) has funded not only activities of the HIV/AIDS Support Group but also budget shortfalls at Kasupe Secondary School.
FARMERS AGRI-BUSINESS COOPERATIVE. Utilizing the Demonstration Farm, the Cooperative provides training for smallholder farmers in drought-resistant farming and soil preservation methods, as well as instruction on growing high-value and high-yield crops. Training is also provided in small-scale agro-processing, e.g., maize milling, peanut butter making, oil extraction, and cassava flower production.
SOLAR IRRIGATION PROJECT. Kasupe continues to make progress towards installation completion of a solar irrigation system at the Demonstration Farm, which includes a deep-well borehole, pump, tank, and drip-irrigation network. Upon completion, crop production will increase from a single annual harvest to 3 or 4 harvests per year.
DEMONSTRATION FARM & CITRUS ORCHARD. Part of the Farmers Agri-Business Cooperative Program, the Demonstration Farm & Citrus Orchard include drought- and disease-resistant crops, such as cabbage, capsicum, kale, paper, sunflower, onions, and cassava, as well as citrus trees, and utilize a deep-well borehole, pump, tank, and drip-irrigation network for irrigation. Upon completion of the Solar Irrigation Project, crop production will increase from a single annual harvest to 3 or 4 harvests per year.
Kasupe Meat Shop opened for business in 2009 in off-site leased space located in the Kapire Trading Center, selling Kasupe Goat Farm meat to the general public.
In 2014, construction began on the Kasupe Goat Farm site of a 2-room building; Kasupe Meat Shop would operate seasonally from one room, and from the other, dry goods, school uniforms, second-hand clothes, and commonly-used construction material would be sold. Kasupe Community Store opened for business in March, 2014, employing 2 full-time shop keepers..
Shopping for daily groceries such as maize, rice, and flour, as well as other sundry items, is now easy and affordable for villagers who live within the Kasupe influence area. Prices for goods and services are set at below market rates.
PHOTO GALLERY - Coming Soon!!!