In our work we use the expression “business transition” on a daily basis. Our regular discussions with business owners focus on their views of an eventual transfer or sale of ownership to the next generation of owners and leaders. Most people understand this in the Western world. However, what might transition mean to a farmer in the heart of Africa?

In a matter of hours of my writing this blog, I will be traveling to Burundi, Africa to gain first-hand experience to that very question. This will be my fifth trip into the impoverished community of Mufumya. I will be with a six member team applauding progress the community is making towards self sustainability. Here are some of the things we are expecting to see…

Three years ago Sherwood Park Alliance Church entered into a partnership agreement with Mufumya, committing to come alongside to help them achieve the Community Transformation Plan that they have created. Over that three year period we have raised funds for agricultural terracing projects, a school, and a number of community initiatives.

Our role is simply to provide consultation and assist in funding. The community’s role is to dream and provide labour. And the outcome of our combined efforts is a transition from poverty to sustainability.

On this trip we will also determine the support we can provide to fulfill their dream to bring water into Mufumya from a nearby mountain spring. This is a huge endeavour for these people but one that will make a big difference to their daily lives and to the future of their families and to the community. Having a local water supply will be a major step in their transition.

So, even though transition looks a lot different for the famer in Mufumya than the entrepreneur in Alberta, both go through the same process of determining what they want the future to look like.

For the next several days it will be my privilege engaging in discussions on what these people think transition can look like and how we can help make that happen.