Founded in 2019 by shareholder directors Graham McCulloch, Francine Sheldon, Anna Songhurst, Heine Du Toit and Loki Osborn, this venture originated from the nonprofit world and is making a significant impact on both local livelihoods and conservation efforts.
“Our journey began over a decade ago when we first sought solutions for human-elephant conflict in the Okavango Delta,” said Graham McCulloch. “Realising the farmers needed a sustainable incentive to coexist with elephants, we turned their surplus produce into a high-value product.”
The team’s efforts have led to the emergence of “elephant aware farmers” who engage in conservation agriculture while practicing humane methods to protect their crops. McCulloch emphasised, “The moment we compensated farmers fairly, they began to see the value in changing their practices.”
At the heart of Okavango Craft Brewery is the commitment to quality. After conducting extensive research and development in the food and beverage sector, the brewery has successfully transformed local millet into award-winning craft beer. “We always believed that while our story is compelling, the product has to stand up to scrutiny as well,” McCulloch remarked, noting the brewery’s accolades at the African Beer Cup over the past four years.
Engaging with the local community has been pivotal for the brewery’s success. The project has witnessed a surge in interest from surrounding farmers, eager to adopt conservation practices. “It’s a win-win situation; more farmers want to join our network, and we’re here to support them,” said Francine Sheldon.
To scale their operations, the brewery is exploring essential partnerships with local tourism businesses and seeking to establish stronger supply chains to ensure that more farmers can benefit from viable markets. As McCulloch noted, “We acknowledge that it takes a village to create meaningful change, and we’re actively reaching out to forge those connections.”
To enhance production capacity and reach wider markets, Okavango Craft Brewery is seeking investment to upgrade their infrastructure, focusing on processing and distribution capabilities. According to McCulloch, “We plan to increase our production from 6,000 to 20,000 liters by the end of next year. However, to realise this growth, we require strategic investments in supply chain infrastructure.”
The brewery is looking to not only drive growth in their operations but also to find investors who are passionate about both social impact and high-quality craft products. The dual objective of business viability and conservation is crucial to their mission.
Okavango Craft Brewery stands as a testament to the impact of innovative business models on conservation and community development. As they continue to grow and explore new opportunities, the story of their success highlights the importance of sustainable practices in preserving the delicate balance between human livelihoods and wildlife conservation.
In the words of Graham McCulloch, “We have only begun to scratch the surface of what’s possible when communities work together to foster both economic and environmental sustainability.” The world will undoubtedly be watching as Okavango Craft Brewery paves the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.
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