I heard about PIND in 2012, but my first encounter with the Foundation was a few years later while working with a partner NGO in the aquaculture program. I had just graduated from university and sought employment in the oil and gas industry. When I decided to start my small business, some of the challenges I faced were having a poor business structure, an inability to provide business services to other farmers, and providing paid training to farmers. The farmers didn’t want to work with me or pay for my services because I wasn’t a popular name in the sector. I then reached out to PIND, and with its support, I have seen an increase in my client base and visibility, especially in 2022.
After receiving training on best farming and business practices, I could adequately pass down my knowledge. The aquaculture farmers we have trained have changed their business structure and are seeing increased profits. I understand PIND’s vision of building best practices in the sector with the market systems approach to make the market work for low-income people. It’s about more than just making money but also about creating impact.
A few years ago, we met a farmer who had given up on the aquaculture sector and trained him on best practices. Even now that he is retired, his farm still runs smoothly and is a source of income for him. He has trained other farmers in his community who are also succeeding in aquaculture. I want PIND to continue teaching the market systems approach to more farmers, especially those affected by the economic crisis in the country. Showing them a working system would give hope to more farmers.
