Community Orchard for Mozambique Humanist Survivors

Group:  Mozambique Community Garden

Members:

Altaf Baba

Alif Eka

Badru Yassine

Amaciao Bilal

Anson Beny

Celio Elsa

Chilton Chrispen

Daan Sofia

Delson Eka

Everly Gift

Ikbaal Idris

Joshua Isabel

New members :

Bongani Coos

Daan Gaunda

Yassin Sharif

Ridwan Mansur

Menino Da llda Alirio

Arlo Tsane

Email: aldertakatu@gmail.com

Phone: +2586054372674

What does humanism mean to your group?

For many of our members, our turning point for disbelieving in our religion of Islam and its God (Allah) and becoming secular and humanist is the emergence of political Islam in Mozambique. This version of Islam is demonic and evil and chaotic. Even Muslims are not safe, in fact. Muslims are the first victim of this brand of Islam. Humanism to us means

the employment of critical reasoning, logic and secularism as the light that guides our actions and behaviour towards one another. It encourages us to see all humans as equal irregardless of their sexes, race and tribe. It also helps us to dispel our irrational culture that is heavily influenced by religion and this seems sane to do because Religion is the mother of all extremism and believing anything without proof is a landslide to stupidity and folly.

Project Description

The objective of this proposal is to establish a local community orchard in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, providing humanist survivors of the ongoing terrorism-related challenges a sustainable income source. The orchard will produce fruit, offer employment opportunities, and create economic independence for survivors, thereby contributing to community healing and growth.  

Cabo Delgado, located in northern Mozambique, has faced significant challenges over the past few years, including violence and displacement, leaving many survivors in vulnerable economic conditions. Given the fertile land and the local need for sustainable livelihoods, creating a community orchard offers a solution to generate income and improve food security for the community.  

The proposed community orchard will be developed on a 1-hectare plot of land, focusing on high-value fruit trees suited to the region's climate, such as Tomatoes, chili pepper, citrus, mangoes, avocados, and guavas. The orchard will be operated by a cooperative of humanist survivors who will manage the land, harvest the fruits, and sell them locally. A portion of the income will be reinvested into the project, and a portion will be used to provide better living conditions for the survivors involved.  

This proposal seeks to leverage a $1,200 investment to build a sustainable, self-reliant community orchard in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, which will provide income, employment, and empowerment opportunities for humanist survivors of terroris-related challenges. The project offers not only economic growth but also a means for the survivors to take control of their future and support their families. With initial profits expected by mid-2025 and sustainable growth thereafter, this community orchard can lay the groundwork for long-term recovery and prosperity.

Budget

 Land Preparation Tools

● Shovels, Hoes, Rakes, and Spades: $150

Trees and Seedlings

● Citrus Trees (20 trees): $150

● Mango Trees (15 trees): $120

● Avocado Trees (10 trees): $150

● Guava Trees (10 trees): $80

Irrigation System

● Drip Irrigation System (Hoses, Drippers, Fittings): $150

Fencing and Nursery Materials

● Nets, Copper wires, Planks, nails, hammer, bedding, nylon for nurseries and watering cans: $100

Manure and Composting set up

● Cement blocks, urea, nylon, chicken wastes: $50

Gardening Tools and Equipment

● Watering Cans, Pruning Shears, Hand Tools: $50

 Water well 

 Well digging  $ 52

 Electric water pump $ 120 

Cemented dome to cover well  $ 28

TOTAL - $1,200

Expected Income from Project, with Timeline

● April 2025:

○ Project Start: Land preparation, planting of trees, and installation of the irrigation system will begin. Along with fruit trees, fast-growing crops such as tomatoes and chili peppers will also be planted to generate early income.

● June 2025:

○ First Harvest of Tomatoes and Chili Peppers: These fast-growing crops will start to produce within 2-3 months of planting. The first harvest of tomatoes and chili peppers will provide an initial income stream for the farm, helping to cover some operating costs and providing early profits for the community.

● June 2026:

○ First Fruit Harvest (Citrus, Mangoes, Avocados, Guavas): By this time, the fruit trees will begin to bear fruit. The initial harvest of citrus, mangoes, avocados, and guavas will provide a significant income boost for the project. The revenue from these fruits will gradually increase as the orchard matures.

Income Projections:

● Year 1 (2025-2026):

○ Tomatoes and Chili Peppers: Initial income of approximately $1200 from the sale of tomatoes and chili peppers by June 2025.

● Year 2 (2026-2027):

○ Tomatoes and Chili Peppers: Continued revenue from tomatoes and chili peppers, estimated at $1600.

○ Fruit Trees: The first harvest from fruit trees is expected to generate an additional $1,500 (citrus, mangoes, avocados, guavas).

● Total Revenue for Year 2: ~$3100.

● Year 3 and Beyond (2027-2028):

○ With expanded harvests and more mature fruit trees, annual revenue is expected to reach around $5,500 from the sale of both fruit and fast-growing crops like tomatoes and chili peppers.

Profit Timeline:

● June 2025:

○ First income from tomatoes and chili peppers.

● June 2026:

○ Profits from the first fruit harvest will begin, providing steady income from the orchard.

● 2027 and Beyond:

○ Income will grow as the orchard matures, with expected annual revenue of at least $3,500+ after full fruit production is underway.

This timeline ensures that the farm starts generating income in June 2025 with early crops, while the larger fruit harvests will further strengthen the project's financial sustainability by June 2026.

Benefits to your Community

 Economic Empowerment

● The project provides a sustainable income source for survivors, helping them to support themselves and their families. By engaging in orchard management and crop sales, individuals gain economic independence and reduce their reliance on external aid.

Job Creation

● The orchard will create both short-term and long-term employment opportunities for local community members, including survivors. Jobs will be available in farming, harvesting, irrigation, and the management of sales, providing stable income streams.

Food Security

● The project will improve food security by producing a variety of fruits and vegetables. Not only will the community benefit from the sale of produce, but they will also have access to fresh, locally-grown food, contributing to better nutrition and health.

Skill Development

● Survivors and other community members will receive training in agricultural techniques, financial management, and business operations. These skills will empower individuals to manage the orchard effectively and may be transferable to other agricultural or entrepreneurial endeavors.

Community Healing and Empowerment

● The project promotes healing and community rebuilding by giving survivors a sense of purpose and ownership. The collaborative nature of the orchard fosters a sense of unity and teamwork, which is essential for collective recovery after trauma.

Environmental Sustainability

● The orchard will encourage sustainable farming practices, such as organic farming, efficient water usage, and soil preservation. By using drip irrigation and focusing on local crops, the project minimizes environmental impact and promotes responsible land use.

Diversification of Local Economy

● The project introduces new agricultural activities, such as fruit cultivation and vegetable farming, diversifying the local economy. This helps reduce dependency on a single type of crop or income source and increases economic resilience.

Market Access and Trade Opportunities

● By producing surplus crops, the community can access local markets and trade with neighboring areas, opening up additional economic opportunities. This will strengthen the local economy by connecting community members with broader trade networks.

Increased Community Pride and Ownership

● As survivors and community members take part in establishing and maintaining the orchard, they will develop a sense of pride and ownership over the project. This fosters long-term commitment and dedication to ensuring the success of the orchard.

Reinvestment in Community Development

● A portion of the revenue from the orchard will be reinvested back into the community, funding initiatives that improve living conditions, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, helping to create a sustainable cycle of growth.

Improved Social Cohesion

● The project encourages cooperation and collaboration among community members, regardless of background, fostering stronger social ties and reducing divisions. Working together towards a common goal enhances social stability and harmony.