Maendeleo Farm

11+ years experience

Focus Vegetables

Updated February 3, 2025

  • Farmland
  • 0-5 acres
  • Lease
M

Munyambaraga Shabagwe

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I have been farming in the Intervale in Burlington, VT for two years now. I am looking for another acre of land.

11+ years experience

Currently farming

Yes

Highest level of farming experience

Farm business ownership

Description of farming experience

I grew up farming in Congo, but political unrest forced us to flee to Uganda, where I continued farming in a refugee camp for 20 years. Starting at age 15, I cultivated crops like cabbage, tomatoes, beans, corn, peanuts, and rice.  I even managed a successful sugar cane plantation within the camp. In 2016, I resettled in the US and began growing crops in the Intervale in Burlington. My journey has been shaped by a lifelong commitment to farming, from my early days in Congo to my current endeavors in the U.S. I currently grow African vegetables including eggplant, beans, tomatoes, potatoes, and more.

Tenure arrangement desired

Lease

Tenure arrangement description

Ideally I am looking for land to grow on at no, or low cost. 

Planned farm enterprise: Primary

Vegetables

Planned farm enterprises: Others

Vegetables

Farm enterprises description

I currently grow mixed vegetables with a focus on African varieties. I grow a lot of garlic, corn, tomatoes, squash, potatoes, beans, greens and more. 

Written business plan

No

Business planning description

I currently work with Sara Armstrong Donegan at the Intervale Center to increase my business management skills. 

Farmer housing needed

No

Water source needed

Yes

Access to equipment needed

Yes

Description of equipment needed

A tractor for tilling would be ideal, or having the acreage tilled in advance. 

I am a skilled grower who is looking to expand production. I cultivate about two acres in the Intervale and my crops have been flooded the last two years, so I am seeking opportunities outside the Intervale, but within 30-40 minutes of Colchester, VT.  Please note that English is not my first language. If you have an opportunity for me to consider, please email Sara ([email protected]).