Climate-Smart Farming Bears Fruit for Rural Malawians
The project has also advanced women’s representation in village governance.
MZIMBA, Malawi - A project seeking to empower livelihoods through smart agriculture is yielding tangible results for rural communities in northern Malawi, writes Susan Moyo.
The initiative, titled “Empowering the Vulnerable Population Through Climate Smart and Agro-Ecological Practices and Gender Equality,” is being implemented by the Small Producers Development and Transporters Association (SPRODETA).
It has trained farmers in organic farming techniques, livestock rearing, beekeeping, drip irrigation and savings programs.
The project has also advanced women’s representation in village governance.
“Our goal is to reduce poverty, build resilience and promote gender equality,” said SPRODETA Programs Manager Albert Mtonga.
He said the project has reached some 2,000 people in Mzimba and Rumphi districts.
“We’re empowering rural communities with climate-smart agriculture,” said Mtonga.
Beneficiaries like Wyness Gama are using new farming methods like micro-drip irrigation to grow tomatoes intensively on small plots.
“I managed to buy a smartphone with my profits,” Gama said. “Through this farming, I can solve financial problems.”
Daniel Nyangulu received goats from SPRODETA to start a livestock operation. “I've bought a motorcycle and fertilizer. I can now provide for my family,” he said.
Group Village Headman Walutundu Gondwe said the initiative has brought major change.
“We used to discriminate against women owning land. Now women have income for their families,” he explained.
Nellie Gondwe, a newly appointed village tribunal member, said women can now take leadership roles.
“In the past, men always won cases. With SPRODETA's training, we can handle disputes fairly,” she said.
The project is funded by NCA and DCA.