ETG has developed into a global player with a diverse portfolio of expertise across multiple industries, encompassing Agricultural inputs, logistics, merchandising and processing, supply chain optimization, digital transformation and energy. Their passion lies in the upliftment of farming communities; an unhindered commitment since establishment. The promoters identified three challenges that supply chains in Africa faced and created a globalized business model around solutions addressing these obstacles. The first challenge identified was how to connect Small holder farmers with International Markets. In the early 80’s, the group started introducing small hubs and shops throughout rural areas. Local produce was bought in cash at farm-gate and stored at strategically located facilities. This reduced the farmers’ risk of having stock past expiration and allowed the group to build stock positions for distribution to various markets. The initiative increased farmers’ confidence in the group and progressed to a network of millions of small holder farmers across Africa. A second and daunting challenge was how to introduce mechanization and processing capability to the continent. Approximately 95 % of Agriculture products were exported in raw format to international markets. The economic benefit of processing locally is vast – it creates job prosperity, socio-economic stability, value chain enhancement and developmental impact. To capture this opportunity, ETG invested in creating a network of warehouses and logistical capacities. Processing plants have since been erected across the globe, adding value to numerous agricultural commodities, including Sesame Seeds, Pulses and Cashew Nuts. With the introduction of processing facilities and logistics infrastructure, the continents post-harvest losses were reduced from 48% in the 1980’s to 32 % in 2018. Technology knowledge and know-how of markets in Africa remain a concern. Limited resources are available to teach best practice techniques to farmers. With the assistance of ETG Farmer Foundation and our group of dedicated agronomists, ETG embarked on a journey to increase knowledge around quality inputs, application of inputs, irrigation, post-harvest techniques, yield enhancing techniques and best practices, to name a few. This initiative is also focused on youth development to address unemployment on the continent and to build a strong entrepreneurial foundation. The women empowerment projects are testament to the dedication we have to build a fair and equitable future for all.
Aligned to UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030
Broader business environment has seen a significant change over the past decade, impacting the manner in which ETG conducts business. They have identified 9 UN Sustainable Development Goals to develop their strategic sustainability priorities.
Success Stories
Enhancing livelihood through Farm extension services – Malawi Agriculture is the major economic activity in Malawi, accounting for an approximate 40 % of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employing more than 80 % of the economically active rural population. It is the main source of foreign exchange earnings, accounting for 89 % of the total earnings. Agriculture relies mainly on rain-fed crop production – formal or semi-formal irrigated land only equates to 28,000 hectares. The address this major obstacle, ETG has implemented Farm extension services, built on three main components: A. Agrochemical Support B. Capacity Building C. Food Security ETG’s comprehensive Farm extension services program is rolled out in the North, South & Central regions of the country. Th Methodology includes:
In the 2019/2020 season, ETG conducted a total of 51 field demonstrations, 13 farmer meetings and 4 agrochemical exhibitions; connecting with over 10,000 farmers across the country. Field demonstrations are pivotal, and encompass focused discussion and training on good agricultural practices, crop protection practices, crop growth cycles, irrigation practices and ultimately assisting farmers to market their produce. The program reached farmers engaged in cultivation of Maize, Tobacco, Soya, Ground nuts, Tomato, Beans, Cabbage and a variety of vegetables. Farm Extension Services attributed to higher yields, better crop management, reduced wastage and afforded farmers a higher purchase price for their produce in the market.
Empowering Smallholder Farmers
ETG’s connection with smallholder farmers is symbiotic. Through its vast logistics network spread across the African continent, thousands of small-scale farmers have increased access to quality inputs and a guaranteed market for a wide range of commodities that they produce. This relationship is consolidated through ETG’s development arm, the ETG Farmers Foundation (EFF), whose central focus is to enable farmers to have at their disposal the tools, technologies and training required to improve their yield, and their socio-economic status. In Tanzania, information sessions organised by EFF and delivered by ETG’s agronomists teach farmers about the correct application of fertilisers and agro-chemicals. Through discussions with ETG’s sesame division on price, quality and grading, farmers within EFF’s ecosystem have been encouraged to produce the higher quality Lindi White 2002 sesame. Furthermore, ETG, through collaboration with EFF, facilitates farmers to switch to alternative crops, linking them to national and international markets, and protecting them from risk when the market for certain commodities drop. In Zambia, EFF supports ETG in a large scale cashew revival project involving 60,000 farmers, half of whom are women. In many other ways, ETG continues to weave the interests of smallholder farmers through its business operations, ensuring inclusivity along the value chain and sustainable socio-economic development of rural communities.
