- Our MissionWe empower women farmers through microfinance, sustainable agriculture training and efficient technologies. Our non-profit social enterprise promotes gender equality and helps African women rise from poverty.
- Our StoryWe carefully select the most talented female farming cooperatives as cohorts to support through our unique program.
Committed to serving those in need, The Harvest Fund was founded to lift rural women who farm and their households out of poverty. Initially launched as a charitable non-profit, we now leverage our agronomic business expertise through a hybrid social enterprise model that combines philanthropic capital with farmer revenue.
Our values shape our mission and model. Collective personal and professional experiences inform how we best help our farmers: through transparency, curiosity, perseverance, customer success and delivery of results.
We must achieve the United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development by 2030. In accordance with SDG goals set forth, our multifaceted model supports: No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Gender Equality, Affordable Energy, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Reduced Inequalities, Climate Action, Life on Land and Partnerships for the Goals. We can create a better world, together, with urgency.
- Our Founders
Michelle Kurian
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Michelle leads the administrative and operational functions of The Harvest Fund. When she's not thinking about the ways to improve the lives of smallscale female farmers, she can be found studying a new language or exploring the outdoors. She holds a Master's in Business Administration from Columbia University and a Bachelor's in Economics from Duke University.
Ackson Mwanza
Co-Founder and Technical Director
Ackson leads the technical functions of The Harvest Fund. When he's not delivering agricultural extension, he can be found entertaining people with his vibrant sense of humor. He holds a Master's in International Agriculture and Rural Development from Cornell University and a Bachelor's in Agricultural Sciences from the University of Zambia.
Board of Directors
Mandla Nkomo
Ogochukwe Ibok
Martha Haile
William Chilufya
