E2G & Partners Establish the First Spirulina Microfarm in Zimbabwe!
E2G FOOD is excited to announce a brilliant and impactful partnership with The Cares Organization for the development of a community spirulina microfarm in Harare, Zimbabwe. Funded by a generous donation from the National Christian Foundation, this project will see the establishment of a spirulina microfarm designed to upskill and train a group of farmers to produce the nutritious protein source for consumption by and resale to the surrounding community.
The spirulina microfarm will be built at Gwebi Agricultural College and when fully operational, will feed 500 people with 5g of spirulina per day. Spirulina, a type of microalgae and plant-based, powerhouse superfood, is a rich source of essential nutrients, including protein, iron, calcium and vitamins and minerals.
Driving this impact are three conscious collaborators, The National Christian Foundation (NFC), a Christian-based impact fund based in Dallas Texas, The Cares Organization, a Harvard alumni-led public charity based in Dallas, and E2G FOOD, (us!) a company providing immediate food relief through high-protein, humanitarian food bars and long-term feeding solutions through innovative farming practices to produce nutrient-dense spirulina.
Spirulina microfarming in rural communities is a pioneering farming practice that meets several of the Sustainable Development Goals including “Zero Hunger” - by providing daily sustenance to people and children in need; “Decent Work and Economic Growth” - by training local farmers and providing jobs in the community; and “Sustainable Consumption & Production” - by utilising environmentally sustainable and carbon reducing solutions.
According to UNICEF, in 2023 Zimbabwe had a Human Development Index ranking of 146 out of 191 countries, indicating widespread poverty, limited employment opportunities, rampant disease, and recurrent climate-driven famine. Last year alone, more than four million people in rural areas of Zimbabwe faced insufficient food consumption and its hunger ranked 13th worst globally. The impact donation and microfarm project signify an initial step in an unwavering commitment to making a lasting impact on the environment and in Zimbabwean communities, with potential global growth.
“I am excited for what this impact seed will become for the people of Zimbabwe,” said Kenneth Sharpe, a visionary and impactful businessman whose philanthropy fund, ZimWorx, run in partnership with NCF, is the catalyst for this exciting opportunity.
The construction of this spirulina microfarm is a part of a wider and more impactful opportunity and E2G FOOD invites interested parties and organisations to enquire about scaling the programme, not only in Zimbabwe but in other regions.
“This microfarm will serve as the pilot and one of its advantages is that it’s easily scalable. We welcome support and partnerships to expand this microfarm and to build additional facilities in the region and globally, serving more communities,” explains Pete Henderson, CEO of E2G FOOD.
We envisage rolling out a comprehensive Development & Upliftment Programme in Zimbabwe, which would see the establishment of a fully operational spirulina microfarm as well as the donation of containers of E2G FOOD bars to be distributed among the surrounding communities, including to support school feeding programmes and a local orphanage.
Should you wish to get involved or learn more about how you can support this initiative, please contact us through our website or at info@e2gfood.com. As always, collaboration is at the heart of what we do. Let’s work together to make the greatest impact!
A very special thank you is extended from E2G to:
Kenneth Sharpe, CEO of WestProp, a distinguished property development company in Harare, Zimbabwe, whose talented team will support the construction of the microfarm and facilitate the initial phase of this promising venture.
Fayaz King, E2G Advisor (Impact) based in Zimbabwe, will assume the role of Project Manager, leveraging his local expertise to drive the project's success.
Robert Henrikson, E2G Advisor (Algae), is an internationally recognised algae expert and owner of Spirulina Source with extensive experience in developing spirulina smart microfarms. Robert will provide valuable guidance throughout the project.
Barbara D’Amato - Founder & Board Chair of The Cares Organization who is leading the partnership to create a more nutritious and resilient future.