Growing opportunity beyond the harvest: Efeso Kibiki

For as long as he can remember, farming has been part of Efeso Lameck Kibiki’s world.

Growing up in Tagamenda Village in Tanzania's Njombe Rural District, some of his earliest memories are of following his parents into the fields, his small hands helping with simple tasks alongside them. At the time, they were just fun activities. He had no idea those moments were the beginning steps of a path that would one day help provide food for his family and build a more prosperous future.

When Efeso turned 20, his parents entrusted him with two acres of land.

Now in his mid-40s, what began as two acres has grown into four, where Efeso farms maize and vegetables alongside avocado trees. Farming now enables him to provide for his family and plan for their future.

Access turns hard work into opportunity

Like Efeso, millions of smallholder farmers across Africa grow the food that feeds their families and communities. But to produce enough that keeps a family food secure and also produces a surplus to sell requires more than hard work. Without quality seeds, practical farming knowledge, or affordable farm supplies, even fertile land can produce disappointing harvests. But when farmers have the right support, their hard work can go further.

Looking to improve his harvests, Efeso joined One Acre Fund, where he gained access to farm supplies on credit and practical training on improved farming practices. He later joined our agroforestry and carbon credit programs, which diversified his income while allowing him to invest  in the long-term health of his farm.

What started with Efeso testing out a few avocado seedlings, evolved into his now farming approximately 60 avocado trees. For farmers, access to these tree seedlings provides an opportunity to think beyond the now. Once established, fruit trees can produce harvests year after year, creating a longer term source of food and income. In 2025, Efeso harvested eight trays of avocados, with each tray weighing between 22 and 25 kilograms. His harvest sold for the equivalent of $188 USD. As his trees continue to mature, they can continue to provide Efeso with a source of income for years to come.

Planting seeds for the next generation

Just as Efeso’s parents helped prepare him for adulthood by giving him land and trusting him to build something of his own, he is investing in his six children’s education, which will likely help them also build independent lives someday.

With two currently in secondary school, and three in primary school—supporting their education is one of his biggest priorities. 

"I typically allocate a portion of that income to buy manure for my trees," Efeso says. "The remaining funds are directed toward food and educational materials for my children." He also uses his farming income to purchase textbooks and uniforms for his children.

In the long term, Efeso says he is dedicated to ensuring his children can complete their education through advanced levels, and he trusts his farming will provide the money he needs to support his goal.

Dreaming beyond today's harvest

Through One Acre Fund's carbon credit program, Efeso receives tree survival incentives that reward farmers for successfully caring for their trees. After earning his first incentive payment of 20,000 Tanzanian shillings ($8 USD), he purchased a rooster which he hopes to use down the road to begin a poultry rearing business, creating another source of income for his family.

Efeso also hopes to build a permanent brick home within the next five years. He plans to continue financing his children's education while expanding his avocado farm by 200 avocado trees and increasing his participation in the carbon credit program to 1,000 trees.

When farmers like Efeso have access to the right tools, knowledge, and opportunities, they can grow far more than crops. They can grow healthier families, stronger livelihoods, brighter futures and create opportunities that can last for generations.