In the lush landscapes of Iringa, Tanzania, Mauren Govin Molen, CEO of Hot Living Horticulture, has an 8-acre farm that flourishes with tomatoes, capsicum, beetroot, pepper, mint, and strawberries. Molen's journey into agriculture began in 2021, diverging from her academic background in social protection to embrace the soil's bounty. "Horticulture has become my passion," Molen shares.
Under Molen's leadership, Hot Living has seen significant growth, a testament to her dedication and innovative approach to farming. In 2024, her efforts were recognized with a grant from Feed the Future's Private Sector Strengthening Activity (PSSA) and the Tanzania Imarisha Sekta Binafsi initiative. This grant marked a turning point, enabling the acquisition of essential farming equipment. "The grant allowed me to acquire trays, crates, trolleys, shade nets, and spray pumps," Molen explains, highlighting how these tools have transformed operations at Hot Living.
The addition of a second shade net has been particularly transformative, doubling production capacity to meet the high demand from customers, including large hotel clients. Despite challenges such as weather and pests, Molen's strategic investments have fortified her farm against adversity. "Having the right equipment and resources has made a significant difference," she notes, emphasizing the importance of resilience in agribusiness.
Molen is not only focused on expanding her operations but also on nurturing the next generation of farmers. By establishing a seedling nursery, she aims to provide local farmers with access to quality seedlings, fostering a community of innovation and sustainability. "I see an opportunity to offer a service where farmers can either buy seeds from me or bring their own seeds," Molen states, outlining her vision for the nursery.
Hot Living Horticulture has also become a center for learning, where smallholder farmers and local youth can gain hands-on experience with modern agricultural practices. Molen is passionate about empowering young people to see agriculture as a viable path to self-employment and entrepreneurship. "Agriculture presents a unique path to self-employment and entrepreneurship," she asserts, encouraging the youth to explore farming as a career option.
Looking ahead, Molen is grateful for the support from the AID-I project and is determined to continue expanding her farm's capabilities. With plans to add more greenhouses and acquire additional land, she is poised to meet the growing demand for her crops. "I am excited about what the future holds," Molen concludes, optimistic about the impact Hot Living Horticulture will continue to have on the agricultural sector and the community at large.
Source: CimmyT