Hende Wayela : The Hende Mozambique Project (Social Upliftment)

Settlers Model - Agri-Upliftment (Trend 2)

The Agri-Upliftment part of the Hende Mozambique Project is where the real value concerning social and economic development is delivered. This Trend entails everything as in Trend one, with the exception that the trading points are not built within existing plantations, but in uncultivated areas. People will be relocated and settled around these trading points, and new plantations (which they will then cultivate) are planted around them.

This model is extremely relevant for people without any opportunities on land that currently does not support them. It allows Hende Wayela to utilise the land where there are currently no coconut plantations. People will be brought to these areas (which will have been ceded for use to Hende Wayela) to settle upon it, and then cultivate plantations around them. For both the people and for the long-term sustainable provision of coconut copra, this will be immensely beneficial.

On the assumption that 80% of land is dedicated to coconut production, intercropping with hemp, cassava, maize, herbs, and vegetables, will serve as an interim income generator until copra collection and processing commences.

Furthermore, sugar crops of 5ha per 60 ha unit are being explored as a viable long-term interface, able to support a range of downstream and upstream business enterprises. Livestock production in cattle, goats, geese, and chickens also provide many opportunities.

In short, what will be developed will be the following:

Access to fresh water via a shared water point (one per every four families)
Electricity from Solar Panels – first time that these families will have electricity
Decent housing
Training for the families to produce their own coconut copra and other cash crops (for which Hende Wayela will ensure that a large enough market exists)
All equipment and inputs needed to produce the coconut copra, as well as other cash crops for their own use or to be sold at the central trading points.
A full spectrum of education will also be offered.
Banking and micro –lending opportunities
Clinics will be built as well, that will provide the basic healthcare needs of the families.

Although the Settlers model is firstly about the people and their development, as they develop, new business opportunities will arise. Therefore, the three main benefits (listed below) will serve to increase the overall profitability of the Project due to the new markets that it will collectively develop. The main benefits are:

The provision of employment opportunities
Stimulation of the commerce sector
The provision of civil structures and services

Concerning the employment, the benefits are obvious – people without opportunities now have opportunities. The overall stimulation of the commerce sector, besides bringing immediate benefits to the people, also opens up new markets.

Apart from the Collection points and commercial facilities, civil services are also established at each trading point. These services will include:

Healthcare, financial services, clinic, police station, crèches and schools, copra collection depots, business incubation, food processing plants, community nurseries, sports fields, library, telecommunications centre, agricultural support centre, information centre, office and administration facilities, Community Hall, Church, essential oil production facilities, accommodation for volunteers and visitors, tourist guide Local people will be trained to manage these services, thus making them part of the permanent development of the communities.