The Community Markets for Conservation (COMACO) has officially launched a soybean oil processing factory in Chipata District, Eastern Province, a project dedicated to enhancing the livelihoods of small-scale farmers and promoting sustainable land use practices.
The US$150,000 facility, unveiled at COMACO’s Chipata Hub on Friday, boasts a production capacity of 3,000 liters of premium-quality cooking oil per day. Speaking at the event, COMACO Chief Executive Officer and founder, Lewis Dale, emphasized the transformative impact this facility will have on farmers and their communities.
A Journey of Transformation
Mr. Dale highlighted COMACO’s 22-year journey of supporting small-scale farmers to adopt sustainable farming practices, transitioning from soil-depleting methods to environmentally friendly approaches. This journey, he noted, has built a supply chain of chemical-free food crops, forming the backbone of the “It’s Wild!” brand, which feeds the nation and supports farmers’ livelihoods.
“The real value-addition from these machines lies in the well-being of small-scale farmers and how they care for their land,” said Mr. Dale. “By offering premium prices for sustainably grown crops, COMACO has lifted thousands of farmers out of poverty while restoring the health of their soils and forests.”
Economic and Environmental Impact
COMACO’s innovative model has led to the creation of 115 farmer cooperatives comprising over 335,000 small-scale farmers. These cooperatives are now co-owners of the “It’s Wild!” brand, which generated an impressive annual turnover of K154 million last year. Of this revenue, 57 percent was paid directly to farmers for their crops, while additional conservation dividends were awarded to cooperatives practicing sustainable farming and forest protection.
Mr. Dale stressed that COMACO’s approach combines profit with impact, addressing rural poverty and climate change through the right farming practices. “We invest in manufacturing facilities close to our farmers to demonstrate our commitment and encourage their reciprocal commitment to caring for their land,” he added.
Expanding the Vision
The Chipata factory is COMACO’s first facility, built from scratch, and serves as a model for similar operations in Mumbwa and Serenje, with smaller facilities in Nyimba and Chinsali. Over the years, COMACO has invested US$50 million in establishing these economic drivers, empowering farmers with self-employment opportunities while combating climate change.
Mr. Dale called on stakeholders to envision a brighter future for small-scale farmers and their land. “Together, we can build a future where farming with nature and doing business with conservation-minded farmers becomes the norm,” he said.
The launch event was attended by Zambia’s Minister of Agriculture, Reuben Mtolo, and Eastern Province Minister, Peter Phiri, who commended COMACO for its dedication to improving farmers’ lives and fostering sustainable agriculture.
With its focus on conservation and rural development, COMACO’s soybean oil factory represents a significant step toward creating resilient agricultural systems in Zambia. By empowering farmers with market opportunities and sustainable practices, COMACO is not only addressing immediate economic needs but also securing the long-term health of Zambia’s agricultural landscapes.