How It Works
Shabani Farm connects your generosity directly to a real farm in Chiotcha Village, Malawi - with proof.
1. A Real Farm in Malawi
This isn't a hypothetical project. Shabani Farm is a real groundnut farm in Chiotcha Village, Traditional Authority Makwangwala, Malawi, run by real people. We started with a business plan, seed money for seeds and fertilizer, rented land, and hired local laborers. The farm is growing - and so are the costs.
2. Fund Real Needs
Browse the farm's current needs - things like fertilizer, labor, seeds, equipment, or new land. Each need has a real cost. When you "fund" an item, your money goes directly toward purchasing that specific thing for the farm.
3. Secure Payment
Payments are processed securely through Stripe. Your card information never touches our servers. After payment, funds are transferred to the farm operator in Malawi via Western Union / Airtel Money.
4. Verified with Receipts
Once your funded item is purchased, the farm operator sends a photo of the receipt and the item in use. We post this as a verification update so you can see exactly where your money went.
5. Track Progress (and Setbacks)
We post regular updates with real photos from the farm. Good news and bad news - weather damage, pest issues, or unexpected costs are reported honestly alongside growth milestones and successes.
6. 100% Transparent
There are no admin fees. The platform runs on free hosting tiers. The only cost is Stripe's standard processing fee (2.9% + $0.30 per transaction). Every other cent goes to the farm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tax deductible?
Currently, Shabani Farm is a personal project, not a registered nonprofit. Donations are not tax deductible.
How do I know my money was used correctly?
Every funded item is verified with a receipt photo from the farm operator. You'll receive an email notification when your item is verified.
Can I get a refund?
If your funded item hasn't been purchased yet, we can process a refund. Once the item is purchased and verified, refunds are not available.
What happens after harvest?
After harvest, groundnuts are sold at local markets. Revenue is reinvested into the next growing season, expanding the farm's capacity and impact.