Our Model

Building Sustainable Agriculture,

Our Model

How Our Model Works

HarvestGlow's integrated approach combines four key elements to create sustainable agricultural systems that empower farmers and build resilient communities.

Seed Access & Multiplication

HarvestGlow sources certified seed for farmer-led multiplication in Seed Villages, creating locally controlled supply chains. Farmers receive training on improved agronomic practices and post-harvest handling.

The model increases productivity, reduces dependency on recycled seed, and positions communities as regional seed suppliers.

Case Example

Farmer A in Kasungu increased maize yield from 1.5 to 4 tons/ha within one season using HarvestGlow-certified seed.

Key Benefits

  • 2-3x increase in crop yields
  • Local seed availability
  • Reduced dependency on external suppliers
  • Income generation through seed sales

Village Savings & Loans (VSLs)

Farmers form groups of 15–25 members to save weekly, access loans, and co-invest in seeds, processing units, and other income-generating activities.

VSLs build financial resilience, promote cooperative ownership, and facilitate collective market engagement. By 2028, we aim for 50% of VSL participants to be women, ensuring equity and empowerment.

How It Works

  • Members contribute weekly savings
  • Group provides low-interest loans to members
  • Interest builds group capital
  • Annual share-out distributes profits

Key Benefits

  • Access to credit without formal banking
  • Community-owned financial services
  • Collective investment in equipment
  • Financial literacy development

Value-Added Processing

Shared solar-powered equipment enables farmers to process crops into high-value products such as cooking oil, peanut butter, soy milk, and animal feed.

Processing increases household income by 30–50% and creates new employment opportunities. Our approach ensures products meet quality standards, connecting farmers to reliable regional markets.

Case Example

A community peanut processing unit increased local income by $8,000 in the first year while reducing post-harvest losses by 25%.

Key Products

  • Peanut butter
  • Cooking oil
  • Soy milk
  • Soy flour
  • Plant-based juices

Climate-Smart Training & Digital Monitoring

Farmers receive hands-on training in conservation agriculture, irrigation management, climate adaptation, and post-harvest handling.

Mobile applications track seed adoption, yields, savings, and enterprise performance. Digital dashboards provide real-time reporting for investors and stakeholders, enhancing transparency and informed decision-making.

Training Areas

  • Agronomic practices
  • Soil management
  • Post-harvest handling
  • Climate adaptation techniques
  • Data management and analysis

Our Value-Added Products

Peanut Butter

Peanut Butter

Nutritious, locally-produced peanut butter made from high-quality groundnuts.

Soy Milk

Soy Milk

Plant-based milk alternative rich in protein and essential nutrients.

Cooking Oil

Cooking Oil

Pure, cold-pressed cooking oil from locally grown oilseeds.

Soy Cake

Soy Cake

Protein-rich animal feed byproduct from soy processing.

Soy Flour

Soy Flour

Versatile, protein-rich flour for baking and cooking.

Plant-Based Juices

Plant-Based Juices

Traditional and nutritious juices like Chidede made from local plants.

Investment Models

Different ways to support and partner with HarvestGlow for sustainable impact.

Seed Equity Model

Investors fund seed multiplication initiatives and receive a share of profits from seed sales.

Features:

  • Direct investment in seed production
  • Revenue sharing from seed sales
  • Measurable social impact
  • Sustainable business model

Projected ROI: 15-20% annually after Year 2

Impact Fund Model

Capital supports VSLs and processing units with a focus on social returns plus modest revenue sharing.

Features:

  • Blended financial and social returns
  • Support for community enterprises
  • Detailed impact reporting
  • Long-term partnership approach

Projected ROI: 8-12% annually + measured social impact

Blended Finance Model

Combines grants, low-interest loans, and equity investments to ensure scalability and sustainability.

Features:

  • Flexible capital structure
  • Phased investment approach
  • Risk mitigation through diversification
  • Suitable for institutional investors

Projected ROI: Varies by component (5-15% overall)

Sustainability Model

By Year 5, 70% of operations will be self-financed through revenue streams.

Long-term Financial Sustainability

Revenue Streams

Seed Sales

Certified seeds sold through farmer cooperatives to local markets and other farmers.

Value-Added Products

Sales of processed products including cooking oil, soy milk, and peanut butter.

Training Services

Climate-smart agriculture modules and training provided to other organizations and projects.

Data & Impact Services

Digital tools, dashboards, and impact measurement services for partners and stakeholders.

Financial Sustainability Projection

Year 1

10%
Current: 10% self-financed Goal: Goal: Initial revenue streams

Year 3

40%
Current: 40% self-financed Goal: Goal: Operational break-even

Year 5

70%
Current: 70% self-financed Goal: Goal: Financial sustainability

Join Us in Transforming Agriculture in Malawi

Every $1 invested in HarvestGlow is projected to generate $4 in community income, along with strengthened food security and climate resilience.