Update on Important Producer Group Projects Supported by True Origin Partnerships

Angus Coull • July 1, 2026

Assistance from True Origin Partnerships creates positive impact in Eswatini, Kenya and Malawi

A lot goes on behind the scenes at our parent charity, True Origin Partnerships, formerly known as The Balmore Trust. Here's the latest update from the charity's Chair, Joyce Davidson, starting in Eswatini.

Women Farmer Foundation, Eswatini

The recent 12 graduates from the Women Farmer Foundation programme in Eswatini

True Origin Partnerships is now about to start year 3 of a 3 year grant from Unicorn Grocery, supporting the Woman Farmer Foundation in Eswatini with funding which provides bursaries to support students through their Innovative Climate Smart Youth Tunnel Project.

This offers training for young farmers in climate smart technologies but also offers training in business management and finance. 22 young people have been supported through the programme in the first two years. of the grant and a further 10 students will be supported in the third and final year.

AIM Of THE PROJECT: To create practical youth training- agricultural skills centre through technological tunnel production as a sustainable income generating and job creation platform. As well as exposing all year round production of high value crops, whilst combating issues of climate change.

SELECTION CRITERIA: The selection process was transparent and deserving applicants were selected. Training was open to all, including those that do not have an agricultural background as means of empowering them in the agricultural sector. All selected participants should have had tertiary education.

TARGET: Eswatini youth; 65% Female 35% Male, who form 60% of the country’s population and facing the highest unemployment rate.

OVERALL PPROJECT OBJECTIVES

To provide sustainable skills and income generating opportunities for unemployed youth in Eswatini.
To improve local vegetable production though the promotion of youth agri-preneurs.

3. After undergoing the training, they (beneficiaries) will have the opportunity to establish their own tunnels with the acquisition of funds from financial Institutions

Hear graduate, Noxomo Dlamini on her experience of the training, below.

The Woman Farmer Foundation had this to say on the project: "[We] would like to extend our deepest appreciation for your unwavering support {Unicorn Grocery/ True Origin Partnerships} and sponsorship in providing 12 of our unemployed graduates with the opportunity to participate in the Woman Farmer Foundation training.

"This collaboration has been instrumental in equipping these young women with the practical technical knowledge and confidence required to excel in the agricultural sector and their businesses.

"As these students transition into their roles as graduates, we are committed to furthering their professional development beyond the field. To ensure a holistic growth experience, they are now being exposed to office activities during their non-training days. This integration allows them to develop essential soft skills and gain valuable exposure to a professional work environment, bridging the gap between technical expertise and corporate readiness."

Hear from Almighty Sukati in the short video below.

Meru Herbs, Kenya

Plans for our project work with Meru Herbs, who make the delicious True Origin jams, herbal teas and pasta sauces are progressing. The proposal includes:

Product development work

Work has already started on a review of current Meru products with a view to altering some current products and developing some new ones. The aim is to increase export sales which should benefit both Meru and True Origin.

An external Consultant, Joyce Maina, has been contracted to deliver this work which will include a visit to Meru later this summer.

Capacity building within the Meru team

The budget includes funds for further training of the Meru staff team around food safety and quality issues initially.

We are aiming for this to start this month (July 2026).

Support for smallholder farmers

Meru currently buys produce from around 285 farmers. It aims to increase this incrementally up to 500. This would increase their productivity and support more smallholder farmers with an income.

The first phase of the work includes a budget for purchasing tools and equipment for an initial group of farmers to enable them to produce for Meru. Meru have requested funding for this in September 2026.

Equipment to automate parts of jam production eg bottling - still under discussion.

Grace's Briquette Project, Malawi

This initiative where waste rice husks are made into cooking briquettes solves the issue of women having to walk far to collect wood and chop down trees, is now run by the women as a cooperative, independent of KASFA the rice growers farmers association.

Building repairs:

True Origin Partnerships was delighted to report at its last board meeting that work had started on repairs to the briquette producing building. New steel doors have been made in our friend and rice farmer, Howard Masukwa’s workshop. Unfortunately severe flooding in the area of the building has been followed by severe fuel shortages in Malawi due to the Iran war so the doors have not yet been delivered/fitted. The fuel situation is easing a little so we are hoping this can happen soon.

New briquette machine:

Essential to the group progressing this business is the purchase of a more powerful briquette machine. This would allow the woman to make improved briquettes and upscale the quantity.

A new more powerful machine will cost approx £30,000 so we are currently exploring the possibility of obtaining one second hand which would be more realistic.

Marketing business plan

Also essential to the group developing is some reassurance that there is an adequate market for the briquettes. Andrew Parker and Masangwi Mangandale from the project group are working on a marketing business plan which may include the employment of an intern in Malawi.

Malawi Bursaries

Agripa Zimba has been supported by True Origin and KASFA through secondary school and university education and we are delighted that he recently graduated from Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources with a BSc in Agricultural Economics. Congratulations Agripa!

Thanks Joyce for these updates.

Remeber, every time you shop True Origin products you are helping make True Impact at Origin. Ffrom the price you pay for your products and from checkout donations you are helping chnge lives.

https://trueoriginfoods.co.uk

"Finally, it is with great pride that we highlight the exceptional performance of Almighty Sukati. Having consistently outshone his peers throughout the duration of the training, Almighty has been officially absorbed by the organization for an internship.

"He will be serving as a Training Facilitator, where his dedication and talent will undoubtedly inspire the next cohort of learners." Women Farmer Foundation.

Congratulations to all participants.

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