'HOT, the story of a sustainable chili company.' (ENG)
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This film tells the story about how the Elephant Pepper company in Mozambique is working towards sustainability for the company, the growers and the surrounding environment.
Elephant Pepper cultivates, processes and exports chili mash from Zambia, Swaziland, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It is one of just seven approved suppliers for McIlhenny, makers of the world-famous Tabasco brand. In Mozambique, the company sources chilies in two ways: from its own chili plantation and through an outgrower network of independent, small-scale farmers. These farmers benefit from a guaranteed market and guaranteed price, generating income and enabling them to improve their crop quality and yields.
Environmental concerns are at the heart of the Elephant Pepper initiative. In Africa, conflict between farmers and elephants is common. Elephants often destroy the crops – and thus the incomes – of farmers, and farmers kill elephants as they try to protect their crops.
But elephants hate the spicy smell and taste of chilies. Elephant Pepper set up a development trust to train farmers to surround their food crops with a buffer of chilli plants, which acts as a deterrent for elephants. The Elephant Pepper Development Trust also provides training in agricultural skills and conservation farming and supports HIV/AIDS awareness and educational projects.
Michael Gravina, CEO Elephant Pepper:
‘Our purchasing of chilies has a significant impact on these economies. Having businesses like this has a significant impact and reduces the short-term poverty of the people we work with.’
Farmer, Mozambique:
‘My dream from working together with Elephant Pepper is to raise funds for the future. Soon I should have transport and be able to improve the lives of my children.’
Duration: 6 minutes 24 seconds
Language: English spoken (or subtitled)
This film is made possible by: KIT, Annona, Elephant Pepper en www.africareport.com
