A youth-led agro-dealer shop, Annovin Investment in Nsalu, Lilongwe District, is attracting a steady flow of farmers purchasing farm inputs.
The business is owned by 34-year-old Aaron Isaac, a determined local entrepreneur whose journey reflects resilience and hard work.
Aaron started the business in 2017 with a modest capital of K300,000, driven by the goal of making farm inputs more accessible to farmers.
“I started very small with K300,000. As a youth, finding capital in Malawi is very difficult because life is already tough,” he explained.
Despite the challenges, Aaron remained committed to growing his business.
“In the past, I sacrificed a lot to keep the business going, but now I have managed to buy a plot through the agro-dealer business,” he said with a smile.
He expressed gratitude to AGRA-Malawi and its partner, the Rural Market Development Trust (RUMARK), for providing mentorship and support that helped his business expand and better meet farmers’ needs.
Observations show that many farmers around Nsalu, under Traditional Authority Kabudula, rely on Annovin Investment for certified and genuine farm inputs.
RUMARK Program Manager Macphery Masangano told Yetu FM that lack of start-up capital remains a major barrier for youths interested in becoming agro-dealers.
He noted that while many young people are eager to venture into the business, limited resources prevent them from achieving their goals, hence RUMARK’s continued support.
Yetu FM understands that Annovin Investment is not only improving access to quality seeds and pesticides for local farmers, but also creating a sustainable livelihood for Aaron while inspiring other young people to venture into business.
Meanwhile, with support from the Farmers Union of Malawi, another youth from Kabudula in Lilongwe District, Harold Isaac, has cultivated soyabeans using 60 kilograms of seed and he is expecting a meaningful harvest.