Chikwawa Farmers Await Canals to Start Commercial Farming
The Mwanaalirenji Cooperative, which started in 2021, has 845 hectares (2,087 acres) of land with 791 farmers composed of 333 males, 330 females and 80 youths.
CHIKWAWA, Malawi— Farmers of the Mwanaalirenji Cooperative in Chikwawa are looking to the Shire Valley Transformation Program to speed up the construction of canals, allowing them to start growing assorted crops and improve their livelihoods, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
"We are ready and only waiting for water to flow so that we can begin growing crops such as soya, maize just to name but a few crops as per our plan," said Robert Makiyoni, chairperson of the cooperative, on Thursday during an interface meeting with the Parliamentary Committee on Budget and Finance.
Makiyoni said the farmers are failing to begin commercial farming in the area due to lack of water.
He said the farmers have received training in preparation for growing assorted crops in their gardens, but are delayed because the SVTP has yet to complete the construction of the canals meant to carry water.
One farmer, Tereza Mwalija, said they are expecting their lives to improve once the cooperative becomes fully operational, addressing hunger and uplifting socio-economic status.
"For sure once the cooperative becomes full operational farmers will be able to support themselves such as paying school fees, building houses and even healthier families," Mwalija said.
Gladys Ganda, a member of the Budget and Finance Committee of Parliament, assured the farmers that the committee will ensure the cooperatives become functional.
She said the SVTP is not just for Chikwawa and Nsanje districts, but for the whole country.
"It is going to address the much needed forex which the country is struggling with," Ganda said.
The Mwanaalirenji Cooperative, which started in 2021, has 845 hectares (2,087 acres) of land with 791 farmers composed of 333 males, 330 females and 80 youths.