ABOUT US
Kalapula Agribusiness Ventures (KAbV) is a fully registered, community-rooted for profit-social enterprise based in Samfya District, Luapula Province, Zambia. We operate an integrated, circular, zero-waste farming system that combines piggery, aquaculture, and maize production to address one of the biggest barriers facing small-scale farmers: the high cost of animal feed and chemical fertiliser. Using our piggery and fish farming units as a financial engine, Kalapula Agribusiness Ventures (KAbV)’s core mission is to manufacture sustainable, high-quality, and low-cost animal feed and bio-organic fertiliser from farm waste and locally sourced agricultural by-products. Feed and fertiliser costs account for approximately 70–80% of total agricultural production expenses in Zambia, creating a major barrier that prevents many small-scale farmers from scaling their operations. By transforming waste into affordable farm inputs, we aim to reduce these costs while strengthening sustainable and circular agricultural systems. Operating under a Triple Bottom Line framework; People, Planet, and Profit, KAbV is designed as a practical demonstration model that small-scale farmers can learn from and replicate, enabling them to reduce production costs, scale from subsistence to commercial farming, restore environmental balance, and build a resilient local economy.
Our Products & Services
Kalapula Agribusiness Ventures (KAbV) delivers an integrated portfolio of products and services designed to lower farming costs, strengthen local value chains, and support sustainable livelihoods. Our core production activities include pig production for meat and breeding, fish farming through sustainable aquaculture, and crop production supported by a smallholder outgrower scheme that provides farmers with guaranteed markets for their produce. At the heart of our model is the manufacture of affordable, high-quality animal feed and bio-organic fertiliser using farm wastes and locally sourced farm by-products, directly addressing the high cost of feed and fertiliser that limits small-scale farmers from scaling. Beyond production, KAbV serves as a learning and innovation hub through farmer training programs, a planned Farmers’ Centre of Excellence, student internships, and applied research and education partnerships. We also implement community empowerment initiatives that support vulnerable youths, disabled and women-led households to participate in commercial agriculture. Together, these products and services form a circular, zero-waste system that transforms agricultural waste into value, reduces dependency on costly external inputs, and enables farmers and communities to transition from subsistence to sustainable, commercial farming.
OUR TEAM
Meet US
Marrien Kalapula Bartels
Founder & CEO
Marrien is the Core Founder and CEO of Kalapula Agribusiness Ventures (KAbV) and the visionary force behind the company’s strategy and innovation. She is a sustainability expert with 15 years of experience developing and implementing sustainability strategies across various sectors of development. She holds two master’s degrees focused on Sustainable development, circular economy and nature-based solutions, applying these principles to advance climate action and drive sustainable agricultural innovation. Born and raised in Samfya, Zambia, Marrien brings deep local insight into rural livelihoods, environmental pressures, and community dynamics. This lived experience, combined with her global sustainability expertise, enables her to design solutions that are both technically rigorous and locally relevant.
Felix Bartels
Director, Innovation & Tech
An IT expert specialising in software development, automation, and artificial intelligence, he leads AgTech innovation at Kalapula Agribusiness Ventures (KAbV). His work integrates AI, data analytics, and smart technologies to enhance operational efficiency, traceability, and scalability across sustainable agribusiness systems. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Information Systems, combining strong technical expertise with a solid understanding of business processes and systems management. His leadership strengthens KAbV’s digital backbone, positioning the company at the forefront of innovation in sustainable agriculture. At KAbV, he drives the development and deployment of technology-enabled platforms that support climate-smart, resource-efficient, and impact-driven agricultural solutions.
Kalapula M Dennyson
Director Operations
He oversees all farm operations at Kalapula Agribusiness Ventures (KAbV), bringing decades of practical agricultural experience in both crop and livestock production. He is a highly experienced and passionate farmer, with extensive hands-on expertise in pig farming, having led a successful pig farming cooperative and qualified as a Trainer of Trainers (TOT) in piggery management. His commitment to sustainable livestock production dates back to his national service days in the 1960s, where he served as Manager of the pig production unit. Since then, his dedication to pig farming and sustainable agricultural practices has remained unwavering. He also served as a primary school teacher and retired as a Head Teacher (School Director), demonstrating strong leadership, discipline, and a lifelong commitment to community development.
Kennedy Kabwe
Farm Manager: Aquaculture Operations
Leads our fish farming and aquaculture operations. He specialises in farm operations, sustainable aquaculture practices, production optimisation, and team coordination. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Aquaculture and brings over three years of hands-on experience in fisheries management and fish production. His combination of academic training and practical expertise ensures high farm performance while maintaining environmentally responsible practices. Born and raised in the area, Kennedy has a deep understanding of the local environment, community dynamics, and aquaculture landscape. This local insight enables him to manage operations effectively while building and maintaining strong community relationships.
Kabita Kabita
Grants & Investment Expert
Leads resource mobilisation for Kalapula Agribusiness Ventures, securing strategic grants and investment to support sustainable growth. He is an experienced accountant and financial advisor with over 20 years of expertise in finance, donor-funded programs, and agribusiness development. His career includes work with high-profile institutions such as USAID, UNFPA, and the World Bank. He has played a key role in financial governance for national-scale initiatives, including Zambia’s 2022 Census, ensuring full donor compliance and accountability. Through programs such as USAID EDGE, he has also supported inclusive and climate-smart agribusiness initiatives that strengthen rural livelihoods.
Gideon Sakala
Grant Finance Expert
Leads grant acquisition and financial management, ensuring strong donor compliance and effective stewardship of funds. An experienced INGO Finance Specialist and Accountant, he brings extensive expertise in grant accounting and financial oversight. He has worked with major international donors, including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), European Union (EU), Irish Aid, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), and various United Nations agencies. His deep understanding of donor financial regulations ensures grants are managed in full compliance, maintaining donor confidence and strengthening organisational credibility.
Our Network
Our network brings together innovators, makers, researchers, and local partners who collaborate to turn bold ideas into real-world impact.
YOU ARE WELCOME
Get in touch with us for quality pigs, partnership opportunities, or to connect, learn, and grow with Zambia’s agribusiness community.