How We Do It

Research

Through constant close communication and collaboration with farmers we understand the challenges to their crop and animal production. We listen and we examine how we can remove these obstacles to production, through prevention and cure. We work closely with scientists both within Africa, and in the rest of the world to develop products that suit the conditions on the African continent.

Once products have been developed we work with research institutes to ensure that our products are thoroughly tested and trialed and the results are impartial. We conduct trials in different regions to test efficacy at different temperatures, altitudes and with different strains of pests.

We employ biochemists and veterinarians who are able to assess the effect of these chemicals on plants and animals. Once the products have been approved by the stringent regulatory bodies, we are ready to launch them into the market.

Manufacturing

Shumba Manufacturing (previously Ecomed Manufacturing) manufactures products for the Shumba Group for sale in Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe, and Toll manufactures for Afrivet South Africa and Afrivet Zambia.

We are an approved manufacturing site for MSD, and manufacture an extensive range of animal health products for MSD under the Coopers brand.

The factory also repacks imported products for sale in Africa.

The factory adheres to current Good Manufacturing Practices as defined by the World Health Organisation. Annual audits (GMP) are conducted by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe, the licensing authority. We are also licensed by National Social Services Authority in terms of adherence to Safety and Health in the workplace. The Environmental Management Agency licenses us in terms of environmental health.

Our skilled permanent and contract factory team is complimented by students on attachment from local universities and polytechnical colleges. Students on attachment from local universities and Polytechnical colleges also make part of the staff complement.
The factory employs chemists/ biochemists, and a veterinarian who form the core of the technical team, amongst other professionals who in addition to maintaining the high quality standards, are also involved in new product development.
We have a fully equipped laboratory, a maintenance workshop, manufacturing and packing unit all complemented by a capable administration unit comprising of Human Resources, Accounts, Stores and Logistics, as well as a buying function.

Marketing And Distribution

Through our well-established networks in Africa, and our deep understanding of the people and communities who use the products we manufacture and distribute, we are able to successfully market products in both urban and rural areas in Africa.

We are also able to market and distribute complementary brands that we manage on behalf of third parties in Africa, using existing synergies and economies of scale.

Farmer Education

Listening to communities and sharing knowledge is critical to the success of our products.
Through our own efforts and together with our distributors in Africa, we visit thousands of communities, sharing knowledge on best farming practices and listening to their concerns and experiences.

We believe this knowledge transfer, the sharing of practical skills and expertise with communities, is one of the most important facets of our business. We have a dedicated team of scientists and educators who work closely with not-for-profit organizations, government bodies, and local leaders to ensure that farmers update their skills and are kept abreast of best farming methods.

We develop posters and printed material to assist farmers in identifying pests and diseases, and with that we also show them how to cure the diseases. Of paramount importance is promoting good disease-preventative production methods.

Partnerships

Partnerships are key to our farmer outreach. We work closely with organizations involved in upskilling farmers. Our experts train farmers and develop information packages that the farmers can keep after their training.

These are some of the organizations that we have worked closely with in connecting with and upskilling small scale farmers.