TURNING FIELDS INTO GOLD

Doreen Mataphen Ng’andu Adds Value to Every Harvest

BYMERCY NAMFUKWE

WHEN many see farming as merely planting and harvesting, Doreen Mataphen Ng’andusees opportunity, innovation and sustainability. A full-time farmer and entrepreneur based in Kalundu, Lusaka West in Zambia, Doreen has transformed her passion for agriculture into a thriving business that bridges the gap between raw produce and consumer-ready products.

“I started farming seriously around the year 2000, mostly sunflower,” Doreen Mataphen Ng’andu recalls. “At first, it was just a hobby. But by 2003, I realized I could turn farming into a viable business.”

Herjourney had challenges, From managing pests that ravage tomatoes and cabbages to balancing overhead costs with fluctuating market prices, Doreen described the early years as a rollercoaster. “Sometimes you put in so much money andeffort, only to see minimal returns. But ultimately, you try your best to make what you can out of farming,” she said.

Her20-acre farm is a vibrant mix of crops, from indigenous vegetables like Chibwabwa to beans, okra, tomatoes and eggplants. However, Doreen’s real innovation lies in value addition—the process of transforming raw produce into market-ready products that last longer and fetch better prices.

“Before, I would harvest hundreds of boxes of tomatoes, and by the time I got them to market, the returns barely covered transport costs. That’s when I decided to start value addition,” Doreen explains. This includes drying vegetables and fruits like bananas, Chibwabwa and mangoes, as well as producing sugar-free juices. Her approach focuses on quality and hygiene, using solar dryers and specialized equipment to ensure products are safe and appealing for consumers.

Read more in the June 2026 Issue https://www.agricoopnews.com/e-publications

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