From Corporate Career to Agricultural Pioneer
The story of Hazel Farm begins with an extraordinary entrepreneurial journey. Iman Mostafa Kamel, the farm’s Founder and Managing Director, made a bold transition from her position as an employee in an international organization to becoming a pioneering entrepreneur in Egypt’s agriculture sector. Her decision to leave the corporate world and enter farming—a field traditionally not considered high-tech—demonstrates how innovation can flourish through community inclusion and local support.
Dr. Winslow Sargeant, Immediate Past Chair of the International Council for Small Business (ICSB), recently interviewed Kamel to explore this remarkable transformation. During their discussion, Kamel shared the personal motives that drove her career change, the significant challenges she faced in establishing herself in the agricultural sector, and the valuable lessons she learned throughout her entrepreneurial journey.
Her approach proves that technological innovation isn’t the only path to business success. By focusing on including local communities and supporting regional development, Kamel has shown how traditional sectors can be revolutionized through human-centered strategies. The conversation also explored how she successfully transformed what began as a family business into a sustainable and scalable business model that continues to grow and positively impact communities.
ICSB Global will be visiting Hazel Farms to witness firsthand this innovative model of community-driven agriculture and sustainable business practices.
In the heart of Egypt, Hazel Farm now stands as a beacon of sustainable farming practices, transforming how food is grown and how communities connect with the land that sustains them.
A New Model for Egyptian Agriculture
Hazel Farm represents a bold departure from conventional farming methods. While Egypt’s fertile Nile Delta has long been the region’s breadbasket, modern challenges, including soil degradation, water scarcity, and chemical dependency, have prompted forward-thinking farmers to seek alternatives.
What sets Hazel Farm apart is its commitment to organic principles without sacrificing productivity or profitability. The farm demonstrates that sustainable agriculture is both an environmental ideal and a viable economic model in Egypt’s unique conditions.
Innovation Meets Environmental Stewardship
At Hazel Farm, cutting-edge techniques blend with traditional farming wisdom. The farm employs advanced composting systems, integrated pest management, and water-efficient irrigation while honoring Egyptian farming knowledge.
Environmental responsibility forms the cornerstone of operations. The farm has eliminated synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, relying instead on natural alternatives that enhance rather than deplete the environment. This commitment extends through renewable energy use, minimal packaging, and local distribution networks.
Community Development Through Agriculture
Hazel Farm catalyzes community development, providing fair-wage employment and training programs that equip local farmers with organic farming skills. Educational initiatives, including workshops, school visits, and farmer exchange programs, spread sustainable agriculture knowledge throughout the region, inspiring other farms to adopt similar practices.
The Visitor Experience
Hazel Farm offers an immersive educational experience for those seeking to understand the connection between food, farming, and environmental stewardship. Guided tours showcase organic cultivation techniques, while interactive workshops cover soil health, companion planting, natural pest control, and water conservation. Hands-on activities in planting, composting, and harvesting create meaningful connections between visitors and food production.
Measuring Success and Impact
Hazel Farm measures success through improved soil health, increased biodiversity, water conservation, and community members trained in sustainable practices. Regular assessments reveal increasing organic matter, improved nutrients, and the return of beneficial wildlife. These environmental improvements lead to healthier crops, lower costs, and increased climate resilience.
A Model for the Future
As Egypt faces food security concerns and environmental pressures, Hazel Farm provides a compelling blueprint for sustainable agricultural development. The farm’s influence extends beyond its community, inspiring policy discussions and serving as a research site for universities. For visitors and farming enthusiasts, Hazel Farm demonstrates what’s possible when innovation, environmental stewardship, and community development converge.