Nick von Westenholz, the Director of Trade and Business Strategy at NFU, has successfully generated over £12,000 in donations by conquering the Mahale Mountains Challenge for the Farm Africa charity.
These generous contributions will be dedicated to assisting farmers in East Africa, thereby combating poverty by bolstering the income of rural families.
The Mahale Mountains Challenge entailed an arduous 80km hike, taking place amidst sweltering temperatures of up to 35 degrees Celsius, spanning the rugged terrain of western Tanzania’s Mahale Mountain range.
This demanding journey guided the team through diverse landscapes, including mixed woodlands, bamboo forests, and rolling plains, in a region rarely explored by humans. Following six days of challenging trekking, the team culminated their adventure on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
Subsequently, they returned to Tanzania’s primary city, Dar es Salaam, where they engaged with various food producers and businesses to gain insights into the benefits derived from Farm Africa’s initiatives in the country.
Nick, along with eleven other professionals from the food and farming sector, including Julian Marks, an NFU horticulture board member who led the expedition, accomplished this feat. Collectively, under the banner of #TeamMahale, they have amassed an impressive £215,000 for Farm Africa thus far.
In expressing his gratitude, Nick remarked, “I’d like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all those who have contributed to this noble cause. I’ve exceeded my initial fundraising target by more than twofold, underscoring the significance of Farm Africa’s charitable endeavors.”
He continued, “I’d also like to commend the entire team and offer them a resounding well-done. Our extraordinary journey, while at times demanding and exhausting, has underscored the importance of addressing the shared challenges confronting global farming and food production.”
Nick observed, “While farming in the UK and Tanzania exhibit conspicuous disparities, issues like climate change, unstable supply chains, and food security are universal concerns. It is now more imperative than ever that we unite to foster positive change.”
Anissa Msallem, Farm Africa’s Head of Partnerships, stated, “Farmers in eastern Africa are grappling with unprecedented challenges. The threat of conflict and the impacts of climate change are exacerbating the plight of farming communities, pushing them further into poverty. Eastern Africa is currently grappling with its most severe drought in at least four decades, devastating lives and livelihoods.”
She further added, “Through their fundraising efforts for Farm Africa, Team Mahale is poised to make a significant impact by transforming the lives of farmers in eastern Africa and preserving vital natural habitats. We are deeply appreciative of their support.”
