Final Report

Discover Zim EMCHEERPPP 

Report covering 1st March 2019 to 31st August 2020  

 Nominal Data

1.  Name of organization: Discover Zimbabwe Trust

2.  Title of Project: Enhancing Marange Community’s Health and Economic Empowerment through Resurrection Plant Product Promotion (EMCHEERPPP)

3.  Starting Date:  1st September 2019

4.  Duration: 6 Months

5.  Reporting Period: March – August 2020

6.  Project Total Budget: 10000-00

• NWN Total Budget for two quarters        3445-00

• Total amount spent                                   3449-45

• Balance for this period                              17-00  

7. Progress towards achieving project scope of work (For each project activity, give details of work undertaken including duration, location, participants -number by gender, age and how they participated)

Project activity | How was it planned to measure success? | The results regarding this project activity | Measurement of success | Comment(s) over variances, if any

7.1 Conduct Quarterly Zonal Field Monitoring visits to project sites in Mutare Rural District.

This was planned targeting all project sites as all members were now equipped with the requisite project knowledge and skills.  To this effect, quarterly field monitoring visits were conducted to Nyatyitu and Shavambiri Wards.

This activity was jointly conducted with the active involvement of 18 members comprised of 11 females and 7 males. The Project Chairperson, Mrs Heggar Ndagurwa led the monitoring visits that were characterised by group presentation of progress reports, discussion on presentations highlighting successes and challenges. These were followed by interacting with product users while at the same time identifying stories of change for sharing with key stakeholders, funding and technical partners.

From the progress and success stories that were selected, it was encouraging to observe that project products were on high demand with the community applauding and appreciating the product’s healthy and healing properties like the ointment (see inserts 1, 2, 3 and 4).  The ointment has proved to be effective in curing various skin disorders in record time like the vitiligo that is very difficult to heal using conventional treatments. 

Insert 1: Shows the Vitiligo Case Before treatement while insert 2 shows, the case undergoing treatment and at an advanced stage of healing. Inserts 3 and 4 shows a case of an albino suffering from a stubborn wound before and after the healing process.

Below Vitiligo Condition Before Treatment

Below Vitiligo Condition during treatment

Insert 4: Stubborn Wounds After treatement using Makomo Ointment

Insert 3: Stubborn Wounds Before treatment

7.3. Brand Development and Marketing Makomo products.

The project planned to develop and conduct marketing outreach research with the active involvement of project members and key stakeholders

7.4 Sensitization meeting with Chief Marange

Following the project’s approval by the traditional leadership to operate in Mutare Rural District, the project periodically made some efforts to update the two Chiefs Marange and Zimunya on the project progress.

One of such visits was the project show case to Chief Marange on the various products that were developed and in use. From its inception, under the brand name, Makomo Natural Products, with the active involvement of its members, the project managed to develop a wide range of different products in form of herbal tea, spice, ointment, mosquito repellents, soap and tincture

Insert 5: Variety of Project Products when fully operational

Insert 9: Chief Marange with his aides and Project members proudly showing Makomo Natural Tonic Solution (MNTS)

Insert 11: Project members issued with Makomo Natural Tonic Solution as a pilot group before wider distribution of the product.

Insert 6: Makomo Herbal tea powder undergoing the initial processing. Here Jane and Marvellous Chitakatira from Ward 15 demonstrating how the work is executed.

Insert 7: Makomo Natural Tonic Solution at close range (see the most significant change stories below regarding the product effectiveness)

Insert 8: Chief Bernard Marange was the first to endorse and use Makomo Natural Tonic Solution (MNTS). After this experience he encouraged all the members to take the tonic regularly to ensure that no-one is infected with COVID-19.

Insert 10: COVID-19 time, at Chief Marange’s Court, DZT project member applying sanitiser to Chief Marange and his Aides including project members before starting a project show case meeting.

Based on the project mantra, “Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food, the project is empowering  the local community to remove themselves from the shackles of poverty and diseases by encouraging them to be proudly utilise their God-Given resources to stay healthy and generate some income.

The show case which was held at Chief Marange’s homestead was an eye opener to both the leadership, community, and the project. On this particular event, all the project products were exhibited with their uses and successes explained by the project team. The Chief applauded DZT with the backing of its funding and technical partners for coming up with a grounded innovation that was helping the local community to rediscover their roots by modernising their food and traditional medicine towards the common good. He was happy that the resurrection plant project in his community was really helping his people to reconnect and care for their environment using appropriate technology. Of special mention was the active involvement of his community in the development of Makomo Natural Tonic Solution that was meant to assist his subjects to prevent the contraction and transmission of COVID-19 global pandemic[MW1] . To show his solidarity and confidence in the project intervention he was the first to use the Makomo Natural Tonic Solution including his aides and family.

In distribution project products, distributors are encouraged to complete patient monitoring forms that helps to track the progress on usage, demand and healing effects.  The following tabulation presents the statistical information showing each

Out of the sale of the products, 1195 usd was generated. Out of this amount 203.15 was paid as 17% of commission to project members that were actively involved in marketing and distribution of products. The balance of 991.85 was banked in a separate project account as proceeds to continue supporting project work in a sustainable fashion. Members who were not able to purchase Makomo products were issued free of charge as part and parcel of the project’s contribution to those in need but poor and vulnerable to raise needed payment like those in inserts 3, 4 and 6 including project members (insert 11).

Name of Makomo Product         Quantity Distributed           Number of Members Reached

Tea                                                              5001                                                500

Spice                                                           300                                                  700

Ointment                                                     450                                                  450

Mosquitoes repellent                                   902                                                  700

Tonic Solution                                600                                                  900

Eucalto rub                                                  200                                                  300

Soap                                                            120                                                  120

7.5 Procurement and issuing of project bicycles

Due to long travelling distances encountered by members when coordinating and marketing products, two   bicycles were procured and distributed for project use on rotational basis. 

With help from Discover Germany, the project managed to purchase and distribute 2 bicycles as per the project design. The availability of the two bicycles is now promoting easy mobility among project members as they market and sell herbal products. The bicycles are also promoting project visibility.

 Insert 12: DZT Finance and Admin Officer, Simba Dangirwa proudly displaying the bicycles that were bought.

 Insert 13: Project members; Fadzai Marange on bicycle, Moses Dambuza (in red shirt) and Lovemore Dambuza (next to banner) proudly displaying one of the bicycles issued to Ward 10 Nyatyitu Village. With the provision of the bicycles, project members are now able to conduct outreach marketing ventures to other wards outside the three wards.

7.6 Renewal of practicing certificates from Zimbabwe National Practitioner Association (ZINPA) and Traditional Medical Practitioners Council (TMPC)

Certification to authenticate the operation of the project in conducting herbal research, ethics, processing and marketing

For the project and its practitioners to be recognised under the law, registrations under the Zimbabwe National Practitioners Association and the Traditional Medical Practitioners Council (TMPC) were prioritized during the reporting period. TMPC is an organ created by the Ministry of Health and Child Care under the Department of Traditional Medicine to register and supervise traditional medicine promotional work. As such, DZT and its active project members were registered as expected by law i.e insert 14: Find TMPC certificate.

 Insert 15: The Finance and Administration Officer, handing over Traditional Medical Practitioner’s certificates to the Project Chairperson, Heggar Ndagurwa and other project members.

7.7 Project Authority Granted to harvest the resurrection plant by the Mutare Rural District Council.

This was pursued as the   major project milestone towards credibility of the business venture for economic empowerment of the local community based on their natural resources.

The Mutare Rural District Council in consultation with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate Change granted the authority to DZT to officially harvest, process and market the resurrection plant product. This permission was needed to authenticate the credibility and operation of the project without any disruption. The application was lodged with the authority towards the end of 2019 and granted on the 28/2/20 under reference No. XC/157/45. As such, one of the conditions stated in the authorized provision is an expectation for DZT to remit a levy of 0.05% based on the gross income generated from the project proceeds at the end of each year starting December 2020. This shows a long-term relationship and confidence build by the project with the local authority. Insert 13 shows a copy of the permission granted to the DZT on the 28th of February 2020.  

Insert 16: DZT Resurrection Plant Extraction permit issued from Mutare Rural District Council in consultation with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate Change

7.8. Registration with African Regional Intellectual Property Rights Organization

To register project trade mark with the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO)

 The registration of project trademark with ARIPO is at an advanced stage with all the paperwork submitted and acknowledged on the 4th of February 2020 (see insert 14) The intention of the project to have its trademark registered is based on the premise that ‘throughout the world, an efficient and equitable Intellectual Property system is a powerful tool for economic development and social and cultural wellbeing. As such, the process if completed is expected to reward our creativity by providing a conducive environment for our invention to flourish for wider distribution within in-country and outside its boarders thereby contributing to our project members, community and  national‘s economic growth. In persuance of this development, the project has since received communication from ARIPO’s office  that our trademark application has been endorsed in Zimbabwe as shown in (insert 15) now waiting to receive simialr confirmation from Botswana. The limitation in the application of countries to be reached under the application trademark was to start small and grow big.. Once the intial application is approved and the marketing viability is established,  the project would expand to other countries registered under ARIPO. As such, the expansion shall be demand driven with operational lessons learnt helping to support our future project expansion.

 Insert 17: Acknowledgement of receipt for Discover Zimbabwe’s Application for a Trade Mark under ARIPO

 Insert 18: ARIPO copy confirming Zimbabwe’s endorsement of the DZT project’s trademark.

7.7. Staff Capacity Building, brand promotion, visibility and product launch strategies.

Planned staff capacity building, brand promotion, visibility and product launch taking advantage of Zimbabwe National Traditional Practitioner Association and Traditional Medical Practitioner membership to participate in the ChestMedical, Southern Africa Centre for Health Research Strategies’ events

Taking advantage of Zimbabwe National Traditional Practitioner Association and Traditional Medical Practitioner membership, 7 members of the project team including one testimonial case participated in the Zimbabwe National Practitioners Association’s membership organized events. These activities were organized through CHESTMEDICAL-Centre for Health Strategies for Southern Africa. All the events were held at ChestMedical Centre in Harare with travelling cost, accommodation, meals and registration fees jointly financed through NWN and Discover German. All the project members who participated in the Chest Medical functions were issued with certificates and name tags that are helpful towards project visibility and exemption from COVID-19 movement restrictions. As such, project members are now regarded as critical service providers.

The capacity building initiatives included the Training of Trainers’ workshop on COVID-19, Traditional Medicine Research Ethics, Commercialization and Property Rights on the 18th of July 2020 (see insert 16). Symposium event (see insert 17) and Training of Trainers on Promoting Traditional Medicine Research, Regulations Governing Research and Licensing, Ethics and Property Rights were jointly held at ChestMedical Centre in Harare on the 28th of August 2020 (inserts 18 and 19). Capitalising on this event, the project was afforded the opportunity to showcase and market its products. The symposium was helpful in exposing the project products to influential and key stakeholders in the country unlike only confined to Manicaland Province. The launch presented a ground breaking platform especially for Makomo Natural Tonic solution as a possible supportive prevention and treatment candidate for COVID-19[MW2] . The invited guests were also interested in the ointment and mosquito repellent due to their curative nature in managing various skin disorders and chasing away mosquitoes.  Among the guests were the former Health Minister Dr D. Parirenyatwa, Professor Gomo- Department of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Professor Nhachi- Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe. Dr Hwekwete-Medical Control Authority of Zimbabwe, Professor Maponga from the Department of Pharmacy-University of Zimbabwe, Mr Ndoro-Director-Department of Traditional Medicine, Dr Munyati-Blair Research Training Institute, Mr Chisanyu-President of the Zimbabwe Traditional Practitioners Association and Dr Nyamande-Discover Zimbabwe.  All the invited guest had interesting views towards traditional medicine promotion as highlight below:

Dr D. Parirenyatwa- In his opening remarks applauded the use of traditional medicine as the best alternative medicine. He emphasized the fact that conventional and natural medicine complement each other in Zimbabwe as the two types are very hard to differentiate.  Some people still opt to use traditional medicine, as such are healthy and lived longer lives. Based on this grounded analysis, there is no reason why Zimbabwe cannot adopt the use of traditional medicine alongside conventional medicine in its health delivery system. Therefore, there is need to modernise and standardise the manufacturing, storage and prescription of traditional medicine on equal footing with conventional medicine.

 Dr Nyamande- Highlighted the need to demystify the stigma associated with Traditional Medicine. Due to this stigma some people regard traditional medicine practice as associated with primitive and strange people, yet it is God given gift that is located within the arms reach of communities. Therefore, there is need to re-package the indigenous knowledge system that underpins traditional medicine practices with the aim to change the mindset of communities toward embracing traditional medicine as complimentary medicine to mainstream primary health services. After his presentation, Dr Nyamande and his team made outstanding show casing some of the success stories attributed to use of the project products being manufactured and distributed by Discover Zimbabwe. Such products included Makomo Herbal tea, spice, Natural Tonic Solution, ointments, soap and mosquito repellents.

Professor Gomo- Stated that the use of traditional medicine has stood the test of time by helping people to manage their health since time immemorial. What was needed is to continue gathering evidence based on scientific safety and efficacy parameters so that once established their use as complimentary medicines is beyond reasonable doubt. As such, with the coming on board of organizations like Discover Zimbabwe, the understanding of safety and efficacy of traditional medicine can be accelerated and understood in a progressive way.

Professor Nhachi- He reiterated the importance of understanding the healing properties of traditional medicine from a scientific point of view especially in dealing with COVID-19. He emphasised that COVID-19 as a virus was not treatable but only symptoms like common colds, cough, bronchitis, shortness of breath and general body weakness were effectively managed through viral suppression. However, the virus remains in the body as long as the person lives. He however applauded the work being done by traditional medicine practitioners and organizations like Discover Zimbabwe and in particular for providing evidence based complimentary medicines.

Dr Hwekwete- He stated that as the Medical Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) their duty was to ensure safety of the public over the use of any drugs that include complimentary medicines. It was the expectation of the authority that all local complimentary medicines on use in Zimbabwe undergo proper registration and official endorsement for wider distribution using public channels.  Representing MCAZ, was impressed by some of the work of traditional medical practitioners like Discover Zimbabwe for leading the way with professional packaging and documenting of cases being supported. However, without downplaying the role of the Traditional Medical Practitioners Council, the need for DZT products to be registered with the authority was of paramount importance.

As a result of the outstanding presentation by Dr Nyamande and his project team, the outcome was encouraging as the platform strongly recommended that DZT’s products be registered and acknowledged nationally for wider distribution within and outside Zimbabwe as complimentary medicine. This was a Dream-Come-True for the DZT project team, community stakeholders and the Board.

Insert 19: Traditional Medicine Research TOT Certificate on COVID-19

Insert 20: Showing Joachem Nyamande, the DZT Director being supported by Heggar Ndagurwa (Project Charperson in red jacket) and Martha Nyaganga (Projects Officer) during the high profiled symposium event.

Insert 21: Discover Zimbabwe staff members in project regalia exhibiting project products at the Traditional Medicine Symposium, Harare (from left Martha, Rujeko and Simba on the extreme right)

Insert 22: Hegger Ndagurwa (Projects Chairperson) proudly displaying her name tag and certificate on Traditional Medicine, Regulations Governing Research and Licensing.

Insert 23: Certificate issued to Martha Nyaganga (DZT Projects Officer) as evidence for participating in the ChestMedical organized events.

7.9 Registration Efforts of Makomo Products

To register Makomo Products for wider reach through formal outlets like pharmacies, hospitals and clinics

Following the recommndation from the National Symposium, the project has already engaged the Medical Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) to register its products for wider distribution using health institutions, pharmacies and other formal outlets. Insert 20,  shows Joachem Nyamande, the DZT Director at the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe in Harare displaying some of the project products.  

Once the products are formally registrered as complimentary medicine, their chances for wider distribution locally and  exported globally are expected to be high. However, for each product to be formally registered, will cost around 500us. In total,  6 products are expected to undergo the registration process. As such, the total registration process cost is expected to be in the range of 3000us excluding logistical cost. However, instead of registering all the 6 products at once, the project intends to stagger the registration process so as to manage cost and marketing viability.

For the process to be quickened, the project is  intending to engage the services of a specialist who will technically support the registration process and to avoid unnecessary delays. Already the application details needed to complete the required dossier has been collected from MCAZ.

 Insert 24: Joachem Hativi Nyamande, DZT Director at Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe displaying some of project products set to be registered with the authority.

8.      Most significant change story attributed to the project effectiveness and sustainability efforts

Mr Gerald Shamuyarira aged 42 was in South Africa for a business trip when the COVID-19 lockdown occurred. After 3 months of lockdown in SA, he was allowed to return to Zimbabwe. Along the way to the destined quarantine centre he tested positive to COVID-19 and spent one month in quarantine in Harare.

The project issued him with 3*100ml of Makomo Natural Tonic Solution (MNTS) plus 25 ml of eucalypto ointment rub. For MNTS dosage he was instructed to take one tablespoon of the tonic after every two hours for the first three days.  Thereafter, from the fourth day the dosage reduced to one tablespoon three times per day. On the 7th day the dosage further reduced to one tea spoon three times per day to finish. Each time in the morning 45mins before taking the tonic was encouraged to take 250ml of warm water.  The rub was for the application around his nostrils, chest, ribs, under throat and forehead. This was meant to reduce pain as well as targeting the multiple entry points of the virus.

After taking the tonic for seven (7) days he twice each time-tested negative. Based on this outcome, Gerald was discharged and happily reunited with his family in Chihota rural home located more than 40kms away. He was thankful to DZT for the timely support and willing to share his story with others facing similar predicament.

Insert 25: COVID-19 Case Testimonial 1 

Insert 26: COVID-19 Testimonial Case 2

Mr Pardon Binde aged 39 years was confirmed COVID-19 positive after undergoing a laboratory test. Immediately after this confirmation he was advised to go for home self-isolation. Whilst at home, he was severely ill characterised with serious cough, shortness of breath, lack of appetite, taste, smell and general body malaise. Due to these signs and symptoms, his condition was fast deteriorating with passage of each hour, something now bothersome to his family. Fortunately, a friend came to his rescue by linking him to DZT project team. Without further delay he was immediately commenced on Makomo Natural Tonic Solution. He was issued with 3 bottles x 100ml of the Tonic Solution plus Eucalypto rub. The rub was for rubbing on the chest, forehead and under his throat when in pain. As he was struggling to breath and getting sleep, he was recommended to take one tablespoon after every hour for the first day. The tonic gave him immediate relief the first night of use. For the first time of experiencing the discomfort of COVID-19, he was able to sleep peacefully.  Each day, 45 mins before taking the tonic, was advised to take 250ml of warm water so as to support flushing-out of the metabolic system waste. Thereafter, he was advised to take one tablespoon after every 2 hours from 6am to 6pm for the next two days. On the fourth day, he was advised to take one table three times per day for the next three days. The seventh day to the finish was encouraged to take one teaspoon three times day. According to him, all the life-threatening severe conditions disappeared within a period of 5 days including walking difficulties. Considering that COVID-19 is highly infectious and contagious, his wife and his two-year-old child were all commenced on the treatment using the same product. His entire family managed to recover from the jaws of COVID-19 through the aid of the tonic solution. Mr Pardon is very thankful to DZT dedicated team for a job well-done.  On the 7th day of the treatment, his health was back to normal without any sign of pain near him. As a result, he strongly expects his second test results of COVID-19 to come negative. This was “a miraculous recovery which I never thought-of … I am therefore passionately appealing for Makomo Natural Tonic Solution to reach more COVID-19 cases to save more lives” he said.   

9.      Challenges

The outbreak of the global COVID-19 pandemic greatly affected the project operations due to national lockdown. As the project operations involved working with grassroot community members conducting virtual meetings was also not possible due to limited network spread and lack of the necessary gadgets like smart phones. As a result, activities that required community gatherings like coordination meetings and trainings were aborted.

10. Opportunities

Capitalizing on the presence of COVID-19, the project instead of focussing on the negatives of the pandemic, it took upon itself to capture the window of opportunity presented by the pandemic to provide the mantra on public education and awareness on wearing of face masks, social distancing and staying at home. The project was also instrumental in promoting the adoption of tippy-tap as effective handwashing devises for project members, their immediate family and community members. Apart from this, the project took advantage of the situation to aggressively market its products as possible COVID-19 remedies for boosting immune system and managing other conditions like cough, fever, common colds and shortness of breath. As a result, this gave birth to the formulation of the popular Makomo Natural Tonic Solution and the Eucalypto Rub.         

11. Conclusion and Way Forward

Although the project is coming to an end, good results of the good intention are showing on the ground. Project members are now able to generate some income from marketing their products. Albinos have been empowered to produce their sunscreen ointments locally without waiting for lotions coming from outside the country. Makomo herbal tea and spice have become good replacement for the ones imported from outside the country like the Rooibos Tea. Makomo Natural Tonic Solution as supportive treatment for COVID-19 is promoting longevity and quality lives among the community members now starting to be felt with ripple effect nationally. Great thanks to the generous financial and technical support from NWN and Discover German for a job well done. The investment into this innovative venture is worth celebrating with more significant change stories still coming on board.

As a way forward, the last disbursement to be received from the funding partner will be channelled towards the laboratory tests and registration of the project products with the Medical Control Authority as complimentary medicines. Part of the disbursement will also be used to support office rentals, staff allowances, improve production space for large scale production and distributions by meeting good manufacturing and marketing practices of complimentary medicines as required by MCAZ. In all our efforts, active participation of established community structures will continue to lead the way with accrued benefits evenly distributed to project members on proportional basis.

Great thanks go to NWN and Discover German for their financial and technical support. With their support, the project Dream on community investment towards economic empowerment over the past 12 months is now on the wall. This is our journey travelled so FAR!

Report Compiled and Submitted by Names in Full: Joachem Hatizivi Nyamande (PhD) Designation: Founding Director Signature:   Date: 10/09/20  

Exchange between NWN and DZT regarding final report and product claims 10/3/2020

1.    Is the net total of sales from any type of the various products that have been developed to date $1195 at year end? 

Response: The total net sales generated from the marketing of the project products that have been developed to date is $1195-00 USD which is equivalent to $77 675-00 ZDL exchange rate at 65 RTGS/1USD.

2.    Regarding the strong testimonials of the effect of the Makomo Natural Tonic Solution (MNTS)  on confirmed COVID 19 conditions, has DZT or any other Zimbabwe health entity conducted standard research to confirm the efficacy of this product compared to placebo interventions or controlled study interventions?  This is a tricky area given the novel approach of non-traditional medicine with potential benefits and the open landscape of high need where traditional medicine has not yet found a remedy.   Because of multiple remedies being proposed by various entities (including unfounded and bizarre recommendations by the American president), I would urge extreme caution about touting or marketing a promising but not yet scientifically based remedy based on the Resurrection plant.   I would advise that you continue to prioritize the other founded uses of the product - pre-epidemic.   Your final report references use of the last disbursement for laboratory tests.  What type of testing/research would this focus on? 

Response: Except for documented evidence gathered using project designed patient monitoring forms and testimonial based cases since June 2020, no formal research has been conducted on the efficacy of Makomo Natural Tonic Solution. Based on the foregoing documentary evidence, the project is being encouraged through the Traditional Medical Practitioner Council (TMPC), Zimbabwe National Practitioners Association (ZINPA) and the influence of the highly profiled research scientists who attended the just ended traditional medicine symposium to advocate for clinical trials and registration of Makomo Natural Tonic Solution through the Medical Control Authority of Zimbabwe as a possible complimentary medicine candidate. The good news is that the main national referral hospital, Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals has officially established a Traditional Medicine Unit. This unit as a clinic, is allowing patients to make traditional complimentary medicine as a treatment of choice. Although the clinic is currently being dominated by Chinese products, the penetration of local products is being advocated for their urgent recognition. Capitalizing on this window of opportunity, the need to register Makomo Natural Tonic Solution (MNTS) is strategic enough to promote project viability. This is so because MNTS has proved to be very effective in managing signs and symptoms of common colds, cough, bronchitis, shortness of breath and general body weakness. Since June 2020 to date, more than 100 documented cases have been recorded without any adverse effects noted.

Through the Standard Association of Zimbabwe, the project is in the process of making sure that the nutritional and active ingredients of the resurrection herbal tea and spice are declared on all packaging materials and information leaflets as originated by the project. Alongside this development, are the production, testing and the use of mosquito repellents and rub. This approach will ensure that the products are widely distributed through formal outlets like hospitals pharmacies and supermarkets. For this ambition to be successful, the project will be spearheaded through established community structures in cultivating, harvesting, processing and marketing the wide range of resurrection plant products as an economic venture. To this effect, regular coordination meetings, field monitoring visits, business market fairs and participatory monitoring and evaluation that enforces project standard operating procedures from individual, zonal and ward levels will continue to serve as the project hallmark for measuring success.

3. What type of testing/research would this focus on? 

Response

The type of testing would focus on standard operating procedures (SOP) that will culminate into predictable harvesting, processing, packaging, storage, dispensing and monitoring the use of the resurrection plant products. Developing concrete steps will ensure consistency and efficacious use of resurrection plant products based on SOPs that will guide good practices with specific intentions as outlined below;

Herbal Tea, Spice, Ointments and Tonic

Non-use of synthetic chemicals but instead organic fertilizers will be used. Drying of plant materials in shade but aerated places that ensures the process is completed within three days without this would make the materials to develop some moulds thereby making the products harmful to human health. As such, the moisture content of plant materials should be managed to very low or insignificant levels before processed into final products. Use of clean surfaces, appliances and environment shall be closely monitored.

That the packaging material should be well sealed with product informational, manufacturing, weight, expiry dates and batch numbers clearly indicated for users to read and understand. The product information shall include the summation of nutritional components of the food value of the products like vitamins and essential trace elements. These will be scientifically established, verified and confirmed using laboratory testing including microbiological contamination and tests for other toxins.

For ointments and tonic solution, stability tests of active pharmaceutical ingredients and finished pharmaceutical products will also be checked to determine their shelf life based on accelerated and long-term testing.  The testing shall be able to establish if some of the products have contra-indications if administered simultaneously with other remedies or medicines.

4. Related to the outcomes from the original proposal (below) and in light of the COVID challenges, please summarize results for the participants of the project at present. 

 Outcomes

Describe the expected outcomes that will be used to demonstrate the impact of the project.  How will the results be measured?    

The project outcomes will be measured by: % of women and youth members who shall be generating steady income from the project supporting their livelihoods, social and economic needs. Through self-reporting, project members shall be able to give testimonies of functional productive assets secured by type and quantity from project proceeds compared to the situation before as shall be established at baseline. Project outcomes shall also be captured and measured based on verifiable evidence of achieved versus set-targets of individuals, zonal and wards’ production performances.  Established viable network marketing structures supporting project’s weaning sustainability strategy shall also contribute to the measurement of the expected outcomes. In addition, project members shall be expected to have secured health and funeral insurances for themselves and even their immediate family members. At least 60% of project members shall be expected to be enjoying sustained economic and health benefits derived from the project. 

Response:  The project was greatly affected by the outbreak of COVID-19 that was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization with our country, Zimbabwe following suit. From March 2020 there was a complete national lockdown (level one) that also did not spare the project from operating. This meant that all activities that were planned for the project were temporarily put on halt as public movements were strictly restricted particularly within urban areas; from urban to rural areas and vice versa. However, the situation was relaxed to level two in June until end of August 2020. Although level 2 restrictions were still in place by the beginning of September 2020 to the present day, curfew restrictions were waivered from 16:30, to 18:30 and now 20:30. Given this situation, the project to remain relevant was able to out-manoeuvre the restrictive lockdown requirements by becoming one of the essential service providers. Some of the noticeable achievements that added some value to the project outcomes with the active involvement of participants are the following; 

a) Chicken Pass-on Gift

Through chicken pass-on concept, 10 members were issued one bird each. The ten (10) indigenous chicken were paid in waiver of cash by community members to access project products. After being issued with the birds, members will be expected to pass-on a bird at a point of laying eggs to another project member after the initial bird hatch and multiplies.

b) Installation of electricity

One project member, Fadzai Marange aged 23, is now at advanced stage of tubing his parents’ house to install electricity. After installation of electricity, his plan is to buy hatchery equipment so that he can start supporting community members who are keeping indigenous chicken to hatch their eggs as an income generating project. Rearing of indigenous chicken is now a lucrative business as communities both in urban and rural are now opting for organic or natural grown food sources.  

c) Access to Medical Services     

In Zimbabwe, access to medical service is a nightmare as the health delivery system is compromised due to lack of resources. As such, project members using the proceeds being generated from the project, have increased their capacity to access medical services like transportation, medical examination and purchase of medical drugs. In total, 42usd generated from the project was spared for such use that resulted in supporting two project members and one immediate family member.

d) Support to People Living with Albinism 

For people living with albinism, the project has equipped 8 members (5 females, 3 males) with skills on producing their sunscreen ointments. Since the project started, project members were supplied with ointment worth 116 USD (7 540-00 ZWDL). Based on the imparted skills on the production of ointments, members are expected to continue producing their own ointments with surplus for sale as income generating beyond the project life span.

e) Viable Network Marketing

Despite the vices of COVID-19, the project has established viable network marketing structures within and outside the project area as a strategy towards supporting project’s weaning efforts. With support of two bicycles on rotational basis, project members on different scales have been actively involved in conducting some marketing outreach initiatives within and outside the operational wards. Some of the notable achievements are the following;

Fadzai Marange aged 23 years one of the dynamic and energetic members, has facilitated the opening of Gondo Herbal Outlet in ward 29. On average, for the past two months has generated not less than 50USD from the sale of products.

Penida Mufambi aged 44, is a project member from the Apostolic Sect. She has been marketing the project products among her church members and including the general community. Her average sales for the past 4 months were 40USD on monthly basis.

Heggar Ndagurwa aged 67, the Project Chairperson has been the shining example in setting the marketing pace and promoting project visibility in the project designated area, other wards, City of Harare and Chitungwiza Town just to mention a few. On average, her monthly sales were 70USD for the past 4 months.

Apart from this effort, jointly with the Director, she has been instrumental in coming-up with the idea of linking project products to Mr. Right and Crisco marketing outlets that are generating an average income of 130USD per month for the past 2 months.  

Scaling- Up

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic challenges, unstable economic environment owing to high poverty levels and inflationary national overtones, the project has managed to remain floating in the unfamiliar charted waters. As such, the potential to scale-up and consolidate the above-mentioned achievements under the background of plethora of challenges is proof enough to prove the mantra of the project in navigating the terrain of unpredictable nature. The relevance and significance of the project to members, the community, board and the nation at large cannot be overemphasized.

Interim Report  May 23, 2019

Final Report never received despite significant outreach.  Based on lack of responsiveness and lack of outcomes, would strongly discourage funding for this organization despite evidence of significant completion of initial phase construction.  MW / NWN

Mr.Marty Waters

NextWorldNow Organization

Director

 Subject:  Milagros project's progress in order to receive the next disbursement request Grants 2019

Bottom we sent the advancement for the innovative project “Promotion of vertical cultivation techniques (vertical farms) to produce vegetables and fruit plants towards the commercial insertion of small producers living in rural areas of municipalities plagued by the violence of the north-west of the Department of Antioquia – Colombia” developed by COOPIAGRAN in partnership with MIL-AGROS corporation of farmers from San Pedro in rural area of department of Antioquia Colombia and Pep´s S.A.S. Company dedicated to the business of Restaurants.

We expect this advance inform fill the expectation of NWN in order to receive next disbursement in order to continue to support and build the transformation of the Territories especially with the participation of peasant.

Kind regards

 JUAN DAVID MUÑOZ LOPERA

GENERAL MANAGER

MILAGROS DEL CAMPO

 Project name: Promotion of vertical cultivation techniques (vertical farms) to produce vegetables and fruit plants towards the commercial insertion of small producers living in rural areas of municipalities plagued by the violence of the north-west of the Department of Antioquia – Colombia.

1.            General Goal

Develop innovative methods of cultivation through agroecological vertical cultivation techniques or vertical farm called “agroponic” to improve the nutritional quality of agricultural products, generating surpluses of marketable production at the best price, favoring the associativity and Young people's roots.

2.            Specific Goals

• Increase the agricultural production of the families benefited in the project through the promotion of innovation in vertical farms.

• Induce cultural changes in farmers about better cultivation techniques that are more cost-efficient by rational use of land, decreased water consumption and natural resources.

• Increase the use of organic and solid waste.

• Increase production to market surplus vegetables

• To develop model of pedagogy of the alternation in a field demonstrative school that serves of transfer technological in vertical agroponia to induce the peasants to their incorporation to the traditional forms of cultivation

• Develop associative and cooperative models for the insertion of young people in agricultural and commercial developments that allow them to improve the quality of life and the rooting of the territory.

Advancements:

General Goal

Develop innovative methods of cultivation through agroecological vertical cultivation techniques or vertical farm called “agroponic” to improve the nutritional quality of agricultural products, generating surpluses of marketable production at the best price, favoring the associativity and Young people's roots.

Specific Goals (SG) // Results indicators over 4 months // Means of verification

SG1: Increasing agricultural production through the promotion of vertical farm

The original idea was the creation of 1 farm of 200 m2 of vertical cultivation techniques under greenhouse (vertical farms or “agroponic”) that allow greater volumes of clean and controlled agricultural production. After dialogues between all associates and taking in account that they had received other resources, they decided to increase the area of greenhouse to 480 m2, so they used approximately 90% of the first disbursement of NWN to build the greenhouse and start with cultivation

Images, measurements

SG2: induce cultural changes in peasants about better cultivation techniques that are more cost-efficient by rational use of land, decrease in water consumption and natural resources.

Until now these activities have not started

SG3: Increase the use of organic and solid waste.

Until now these activities have not started

SG4: increase production to market surplus vegetables

The projects started the vertical production of vegetables (lettuce)..

SG5: Develop model of pedagogy of the alternation in a field demonstrative school that serves of transfer technological in vertical agroponia to induce the peasants to their incorporation to the traditional forms of cultivation 

Until now these activities have not started

SG6: Develop associative and cooperative models for the insertion of young people in agricultural and commercial developments that allow them to improve the quality of life and the rooting of the territory

 This project was converted on a new organization named MILAGROS DEL CAMPO (Miracles of the land) and we expect that before 31 of December 2019 we have all kind of legal documents. Until now Juan David Muñoz Lopera was elected as legal representative, the account bank was created by him in order to receive all kind of funds (included next NWN disbursement).

Activities developed

  A1: Construction of infrastructure for vertical crops

 Starting   with vertical cultivation techniques.

IV-Estimated budget of the project, and use of the subsidy

 A detailed execution is explained on excel file attached to this advancement inform.

 Notes: 

• All activities are planned to be executed on 12 months but some of them will be started on January. 

• The change of greenhouse passing from 200 m2 to 480 m2 is a goal of the project taking account the opportunity to increase the production. Adding to this, passing to build in wood to metal is better because the durability of this greenhouse is higher. 

• The cultivation was started on November and December but is necessary to receive next disbursement to develop all vertical farm. We expect to receive the second disbursement starting January. 

• The next disbursement should be sent to the bank account of Juan David Muñoz Lopera as director of Milagros organization. He will send all kind of documents to support the disbursement. 

• Dr. Marco Sosa as representant of NWN in Colombia, review the advancement of this project.

 Juan David Muñoz Lopera