5 reasons NOT to support a charity in Africa

We often hear arguments as to why people feel they shouldn't support us. Here are the 5 most common ones - and what we think.

Please tell us if you agree.

#1

“Charity begins at home”

We have problems in our own country and we should resolve those first. Only then, when all our problems are solved, should we start worrying about others.

To that, we believe we all have a “Global Responsibility”. One doesn’t negate the other. In fact, we strongly believe in doing both. Looking after people and causes in our own country never finishes and should continue. But that doesn’t mean we cannot also care about other people and other causes.

#2

“Aid doesn’t work anyway”

We keep giving money to people in Africa and we can’t see any changes or any improvements. It doesn’t make any difference.

To some extend we agree. Handing out money is not sustainable and doesn’t foster change. We believe in evidence-based solutions proven to improve living standards for generations to come. The old saying ‘Give a man a fish and you help him for a day. Teach a man how to fish and you help him for a lifetime’ is very relevant here.

#3

“Corruption”

We don’t know where the money goes anyway. Only a fraction of donations are going to help the people in need.

We have seen our fair share of corruption and therefore we know the pitfalls. By having an office in both Australia and Tanzania - which also means we are registered in both countries - means we are very transparent with our spending and costs. Look for organisations that have minimal layers and are hands-on.

#4

“Aid creates dependency”

If we keep supporting people they will never learn to be independent. We will end up having to support them financially forever.

We believe in empowerment. Showing and teaching people they are able to learn a skill, set up a business, or improve their academic capabilities - no matter their situation. We believe in community-led solutions and working together as a team finding ways people can lift themselves out of poverty - with a little nudge.

#5

“Donor Fatigue”

We can’t bear to hear another word about how miserable other people are. We already give left, right and center.

Choose your causes and stick with them. Change doesn’t happen over night. Being able to have empathy with people across the globe can open your eyes to new experiences. And sometimes, sharing a post with 5 friends is just as valuable as a donation. Anyone can afford that, right?

Are you going to share this post?

Thank you,

Nina

Are you looking for a partner?

We are!

We believer partnering across sectors makes us all stronger. That’s why we seek out companies who really wants to get bang for their buck and make a difference in the world.

When a company partner with us on their Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR or the ‘S’ in ESG) projects, they can focus on their core competencies and business activities. CSR projects often require a significant amount of time, resources, and expertise, which may not be available within the company. By outsourcing these projects to us (or other NGOs), companies can free up their internal resources and focus on what they do best.

Another benefit to cross-sector partnerships on CSR projects is access to expertise and experience - for both the company and the NGO.

We have a wealth of local knowledge and experience in the local area, in the culture, social issues and strengths, environmental problems and potential solutions, community development, and healthcare. By working with us, companies can tap into this expertise and leverage it to achieve their CSR goals.

We have established long-standing networks and relationships with local communities, which can be difficult for companies to build on their own. We can help companies gain access to these networks and build stronger relationships with stakeholders and communities.

Partnerships enhances company reputation and brand image. When a company engages in socially responsible activities, it can help improve its public image and reputation. We deliver regular reports ready to publicise, financial reports and a solid measurement of impact. That’s a pretty good ROI!

Overall, partnering on CSR projects is a win-win situation for both companies and NGOs. Companies achieve their CSR goals more effectively and efficiently while freeing up their internal resources, and NGOs can leverage their expertise and experience to make a positive impact in the communities they serve.

What do we offer you?

We assist you, and your company, to reach your ESG goals in an easy and impactful way. We have the experience and expertise to implement sustainable CSR projects on your behalf.

We create pathways for engagement and value alignment throughout the process. We make sure the project we work on together reflects your core values and beliefs.

We provide clearly defined targets and well-documented results. We deliver regular reports both on social impact and on financial measures.

What are you waiting for?

Contact us now to be our partner!

Thank you

Nina

Best Innovation in Corporate Social Responsibility

Australia for Cedar Tanzania received a Highly Commended award for our mushroom project in Tanzania.

This award is part of Australia-Africa Minerals and Energy Group’s (AAMEG) yearly Africa Awards presented as part of the Africa Downunder (ADU) conference.

ADU is the largest mining conference with a focus on Africa held outside Africa, and AAMEG is the peak body representing Australian companies engaged in the development of Africa’s resource industry. 

What is Kilimu Bora | Smart Farming?

Kilimu Bora means Smart Farming in Swahili. All projects under this banner revolve around food security, entrepreneurship, gender equality, climate change, nutritional health, and the environment.

Our first Smart Farming project has been the establishment of mushroom farming. This includes mushroom growth, drying methods, business skills and export agreements.

Mushroom farming as a business is new in Tanzania, and we are one of the leading pioneers in the area.

Through this project we are addressing a range of social, economic, and environmental challenges. We provide skilled training for vulnerable groups such as young women and people with disabilities and their household members.

Participants are offered hands-on of training, in which they are taught both the agricultural and business aspects of operating and managing a mushroom farm. The training includes how to grow and harvest mushrooms, preparing substrate, drying and packaging, how to meet international sterilisation and hygiene standards, quality control, bookkeeping, environmental best practises and compliance, market navigation, and customer service. The participants also learn how to source organic substrate materials locally and how to store this for optimal produce production.

Our high-quality mushrooms can be sold both locally and internationally thanks to our innovative custom-built driers, not using electricity but only the heat from the sun and a clever use of the airflow.

During the selection of participants priority was given to young women and to people with disabilities or their household members.

Gender inequality is prevalent in Tanzania and starts for girls already at a very young age when they often are deprived of the chance of an education in favour of their brothers. Without a good education, many girls and young women will remain both financially and emotionally dependent on parents, partners, or husbands. People with disabilities bear the double burden of poverty and exclusion due to financial, social, and environmental barriers coupled with a high degree of stigma present across Tanzania.

Why Mushrooms? 

90% of the Tanzanian population of 60 million people are living on less than $5.00 PPP. 49% is surviving on less $1.90 PPP per day – the international definition of severe poverty. Of these, the vast majority, 80%, are living in rural areas such as the Nyamatongo Ward.

Choosing mushrooms as the vehicle for agri-business is beneficial for several reasons:

No Land Required

Mushrooms are grown in buckets and indoors, and hence easier allow women and disabled people to become equal participants in their family’s and community’s economic life.

Research shows that fewer women and people with disabilities own land, and that they do not have equal access to manual labour.

Year-Round Crop, Independent of Rainfall

Through careful selection of species and growing conditions, mushrooms can be grown year-round regardless of change in rain patterns.

Climate change has shown irregularities to rainfall in the region with current draught and famine in the Horn of Africa. More specifically, the Mwanza region has experienced persistent irregular rainfall over the last number of years, which can have extensively harmful effects on local agriculture.

Minimal Initial Investment

This allows for economic opportunity even for women and people with disabilitiess with minimal control of their family finances.

Our project encourages collaborative farming and includes financial support and training during the initial set-up period.

Fast Return on Investment

The mushroom growth cycle can be as short as 8-10 weeks, allowing farmers to see profit extremely quickly.

This is important for the ability to establish income and re-investment in next growth cycle.

Not Labour Intensive

Mushrooms can easily be grown by any member of the household without the need to hire additional help. One of the main barriers seen to extensive farming is access to labour and machinery.

No Educational Background Required

After a relatively short training period, participants are ready to begin cultivating mushrooms.

We embrace a hands-on learning process which allows participants to gain the necessary skills no matter previous level of schooling and their academic capabilities.

High Nutritional Value

Mushrooms are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals and provide an excellent nutritional boost in areas that suffer from malnutrition such as the communities in which we are working.

Community Benefits

We encourage all our participants to establish collaborative farms servicing the local community. Collaborative farming minimises investment costs for the participants including cost to transport bio waste, initial purchases of buckets and tools, and a cost-effective solution to house the farm.

A collaborative farm has other advantages too: the strength of the shared knowledge and the ability to support each other in farming duties. This increases the success rate of the farm as well as enhances the quality of the produce.

By giving a preference to women and people with disabilities and their household members we are ensuring the initiative is supporting the most vulnerable groups within the community. Through research, it has been proven that when women are being supported in taking up income generating activities, the financial outcome is then reinvested for the benefit of the entire household i.e., invested in children’s education and health or in long-term and sustainable investments in collective living standards.

Having an increased production of fresh mushrooms will benefit the entire community of more than 35,000 people through access to an additional and affordable crop with high nutritional value.

Stunted growth and development are caused by a combination of malnutrition, prolonged and repeated infections, and untreated worms and parasites. This is common sight as it affects 38% of children under 5 years old in rural Tanzania. Supplementing their diets with oyster mushrooms will assist in combatting stunted growth in children.

 Sustainability

Responsible Cyclic Agriculture and Prevents the Burning of Agricultural Waste

Our mushrooms are grown on agricultural waste, saving expenses, and preventing the common practice of burning waste.

Avoiding burning of agricultural waste ties in with climate change best practises.

No Pesticides or Fertiliser Required

This both saves on expenses while also ensuring no chemical runoff or harmful agricultural practices. Spent substrates can be reused or sold as fertilizer after the mushroom growth is complete.

With the current hike in fertiliser price and scarce availability this makes mushroom farming a very appealing and cost-effective crop. In addition, in rural areas women are often at a significant disadvantage in regard to purchasing quality fertiliser, since access to such products are often prioritized towards male farmers.

Long-Term Financial Growth Potential

There are several ways a farm could expand: Entrepreneurs can expand into more exotic, high-value mushroom strands as their financial stability increases. Alternatively, there is a growing market for medicinal mushrooms.

Further several niche products are being produced such as mushroom leather, mushroom bricks, or to dispose of oil spills and non-degradable waste products.

Part of our long-term project plan is to provide a safety-net option to purchase any surplus production which will be dried and exported as wholesale to the international market.

High Demand on the International Market

Dried mushrooms have a one-year shelf life and can be sold internationally to a wide range of customers. This includes both B2B and B2C customers, wholesaling, distribution, and to businesses for further processing.

We currently have buyers in Singapore and in East Africa for distribution in Europe and in the USA.

Financial Sustainability after Seed-Funding

After initial central set-up and establishment of first round of collaborative farms the project is financially sustainable with income generated from export of central production as well as surplus production from the collaborative farms.

As a not-for-profit, any financial surplus will be re-invested into further strengthening and expansion of the mushroom project or into our healthcare services.

Furthermore, interest has already been shown from international impact investing companies for further scaling and expansion.

Scalability to other areas

Long-term plans include scaling this project to other areas outside of Nyamatongo Ward. Interest for our project has been shown by organisations working in the refugee camps in the Kigoma area housing approximately 250,000 residents.

Additionally, a potential collaboration with companies working with other dried fruit and vegetables could be imagined. Also in this area, interest has been shown from potential partner companies.

What now?

Currently we are actively seeking seed funding for a year-long upscaling after which the project is financially sustainable.

Our goals include creating a permanent production and ongoing teaching centre at our Community Centre. In the first year we are aiming to have successfully trained 200 residents in mushroom farming. We will deliver ongoing support to new farms and provide teaching in business skills and banking.

Wellbeing and nutritional health will improve throughout the area for all its residents. There will be a steady supply of highly nutritious locally sourced produce and indirectly an increase in household income. It will also strengthen women and people with disabilities position in their communities. 

Through an upscaled project we will also be able to safety-net newly established mushroom farms against loss from over-production by setting up procedures to approve and test each farm is in alignment with international requirements allowing their produce to be used for export.

You can of course help us get a head start towards our ambitious AUD $150,000 goal by clicking on the big green button to donate. Even $20 gets us towards this goal.

If you want to know more about the project you can contact Nina here.

 Thank you!

Mushrooms are the answer to…. EVERYTHING!

Poverty alleviation, better nutrition, job creation, equality, health, climate change, sustainability, and long-term funding of al our projects!

It can’t get much better than that, can it?

Please listen to Tzippora explain here:

How does it work?

We are currently teaching the skills of mushroom farming in the rural communities in which we work. Collecting 2 tonnes of harvest waste from the surrounding fields that would otherwise have been burnt. This creates the basis of our substrate in which the mushrooms will grow.

Our mushrooms grows in buckets in which we have drilled holes in sides. We are using a couple of rooms in our newly refurbished community centre to house the mushroom farm.

Once the mushroom are ready, our participants will learn the right technique to harvest the mushrooms.

Fresh mushrooms have a relatively short shelf life and needs to be sold quickly. To help with this potential issue, we are adding a drying process at the end. Custom built driers not using electricity but only the heat from the sun has been developed and will enable us to make a product ready for local distribution and export.

How can mushrooms help fund other projects?

Once we start selling our crop the income will be used to sustain the mushroom farm and any surplus will support any of our other projects like Kamanga Health Centre and our Outreach Team.

How does the participants benefit?

Each participant learns a skill. Mushroom farming is very new in Tanzania and as such we are pioneers in this area.

The participants can use this skill to set up a small scale farm at home for own consumption, or they can set up a collaborative farm producing mushrooms in larger scale.

Any surplus of produce can be sold to us where we dry the mushrooms and package them to international standards and export the end product.

How can YOU help?

Even though we have provided the training for our participants free of charge, and we will provide continuous support to those who chose to continue to grow mushrooms, there is a small initial cost for the participant to get things needed to starting growing.

You can help by sponsoring one of our conveniently packaged bundles that will enable our participants to start growing mushrooms right away.

“Home Growing Kit” consists of everything needed for a participant to take home to start growing for own use, or maybe sell any little extra at the local market. A kit costs AUD $15 (USD $10).

“Farm Bundle” consist of everything needed for a 30 bucket farm. This is a small scale collaborative farm that can produce for own consumption, the local market or for drying and export. A farm bundle has the value of AUD $110 (USD $77).

Want to know more?

You can read more about this project on our website here

Regular updates are also on our social media platforms - click one of the Social Media buttons below and make sure to follow us!

Or contact Nina, our Founding Director and CEO, directly here

Can a nurse be a volunteer?

Hello Everyone!

My name is Lucia Melloni, I’m 26 years old and I’m originally from Italy. I studied nursing in Italy and after graduation, I moved to England to work. I have been living and working in the UK for four years now.  

How long was your volunteer placement?

I worked at Kamanga health Centre for nearly 3 months. From mid-January 2020 till the end of March 2020.

What was your volunteer role at Cedar Tanzania?

I was the first volunteer nurse at Kamanga Health Centre, before me only doctors had volunteered for Cedar Tanzania. During my time at Kamanga Health Centre, I mostly worked side by side with the nurses in the health centre helping improve their everyday practice. 

Please mention a couple of highlights of some of the activities that you were involved in whilst you worked for Cedar?

For three months, I have been working with the staff at Kamanga Health Centre and everyday was a highlight in my opinion.  What I most liked though, was that everyone in Kamanga was grateful for my efforts and time spent to help improving the running of the health centre. 

What things did you find challenging either in your work or living cross culturally?

Lucia Melloni, Volunteer Nurse

Our team 2020

Baby and toddler clinic

Families waiting to get their babies seen by our nurses.

Work and living within another culture can be challenging in many ways. What I found the most challenging was the language barrier. Working in healthcare and being able to communicate with your patient is essential. Not being able to communicate properly with my patients and particularly with the little ones was very frustrating.

What things have you found enjoyable or surprising about Tanzanian culture either socially or at work?

What I like the most of Tanzanian culture is the community living. Since the very first day I was in Tanzania, I felt welcomed. Same thing at the health centre, since the very beginning I have been welcomed as part of their family. I really felt home in Tanzania. 

What would you say to anyone considering a medical volunteer post with Cedar Tanzania?

I think it is a very good experience and a good starting point if you are interested in humanitarian medicine. It is also a chance for professional and personal growth.

How did the corona virus outbreak affect your time at Kamanga Health Centre?

The corona virus outbreak did not affect me that much to be honest because I was meant to come back home anyway. Two of my flights to come back to the UK were cancelled, but I managed to come back home in the end!

Find out more about volunteering with Australia for Cedar Tanzania here

Powerful Young Women Expanding Business During COVID-19

The aim of our Girl Power Project (Nguvu ya Binti) is to teach a group of young girls to set up and run their own business, based around sewing as a skillset.

Since the start of Girl Power in 2019, the girls have been taught how to use the sewing machines they have received through the project, how to grow their business and refine their skills. Unfortunately, due to the global coronavirus pandemic we were forced to suspend the Girl Power Project. This was a necessary step in order to protect not only our field team but also the powerful young women.

Young women in Tanzania often experience gender inequality early in life when they deprived of the chance of an education in favour of their brothers. Without a good education, many girls and young women will remain financially dependent on parents, partners or husbands. 

Further, should a young girl fall pregnant during her years at school she will be expelled and not able to return to any public education again.

Even so, these young powerful women showed us their resilience and strength when they approached us and asked if we could teach them how to sew face masks which they could sell at Kamanga Health Centre. What a brilliant idea!

Our sewing teacher, Mussa, and our senior field officer, Jacqui, were more than happy to carry out this training, and created a COVID-19 protocol making sure safety measures where in place to ensure the girls and facilitators were protected from contracting the virus during the sessions (e.g. use of sanitiser, social distancing, small group teaching). 

The first session took place in May and has continued with weekly sessions. Capital to buy materials where taken from their own savings made previously through this project. They are now aware this capital has to be repaid before profit is made.

In order to guarantee that the masks are used safely and correctly, each mask will be accompanied by an instructional leaflet.

The Girl Power Project has embedded an entrepreneurial mindset in these powerful young women who are now playing a vital role in contributing to the COVID-19 response and having a real impact on the community.

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