Chitakale Estate

Chitakale Estate has been a part of the Giannakis family since 1980, situated 25 kilometers south of Namwera off the Bakili Muluzi Highway. Encompassing approximately 470 hectares of prime agricultural land, macadamia planting commenced at Chitakale in 2004 alongside tobacco, soya seed and maize seed production. Over the years, the plantation has expanded to its current extent of 236 hectares of trees, ranging in age from 1 to 19 years old. As of 2021, 100% of these trees are under drip irrigation, with 110 hectares consisting of mature, nut-bearing trees and an additional 48 hectares reaching first maturity by the end of 2024. Planting is set to continue until September 2024, reaching a maximum arable area of approximately 275 hectares.

It is noteworthy that all grafted seedlings of multiple clones are produced in Agrivest's own nurseries on Chitakale Estate, significantly reducing purchase costs and ensuring a diverse mix of varieties. The Construction of a new 600,000 cubic meter dam and a state-of-the-art drip irrigation system was completed at Chitakale Estate in 2021. The estate has also been fully fenced, with new facilities including a processing shed, garage, storage warehouses, offices, and housing. Additionally, a comprehensive range of equipment such as tractors, sprayers, and drying and sorting equipment has been strategically placed to accommodate the current crop size with room for future growth.

Mwame Estate

Mwame Estate was acquired in 2012 and is located in Katuli, Mangochi District, around 100 kilometers from Chitakale. Covering 670 hectares at an ideal altitude of 1150 meters above sea level, Mwame benefits from high rainfall, making it conducive to macadamia production. At Mwame, 162 hectares of dry land is currently planted, of which 40 hectares are yielding age, with an additional 35 hectares projected to come online next year. Planting is slated to resume in December 2024, reaching a maximum arable extent of 350 hectares over the next two years, with completion expected in January 2026.

Additionally, a comprehensive range of equipment such as tractors, sprayers, and drying and sorting equipment has been strategically placed to accommodate the current crop size with room for future growth. Enhancements similar to Chitakale Estate have been implemented on Mwame Estate, encompassing equipment, sprayers, garages, storage facilities, and housing.

Community Impact

Agrivest Ltd ensures that the various communities surrounding the Estates are positively impacted by its operations. Part of the corporate social responsibility activities include the sponsorship of a local football team and football ground, sponsorship of a local netball team and the provisions of scholarships for under privileged children from the surrounding communities.The scholarships provide educational support to secondary school learners from Balaka District, focusing on students that lack financial support to continue their studies after completing Primary school. With sponsorship for 20 learners annually, the program is designed to cover tuition, books, uniforms, exam fees, and academic aids, thereby alleviating financial barriers to education. Upon completion of secondary school, exceptional students can be considered for tertiary education sponsorship where application through National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) is successful.

Jobs (permanent/seasonal)

The location of the estates in the most remote part of the country means availability of jobs whether permanent or temporary for the local community. Through job creation, the local community livelihood is empowered as disposable income is increased. This will result in the emergence of small businesses and improved economic activity in the rural areas surrounding the estates. As both estates continue to develop and expand operations, the community will continue to benefit from increased job opportunities.

Environmental conservation

Macadamia nuts grow in trees which are protected for their entire productive period. Thus, the more macadamia plantation there is, the more the trees available for the various environmental benefits that they provide to human beings as well as flora and fauna. Thus, the plantation positively contributes to reduction of the impact of climate and weather changes.