From Widow to Farming Entrepreneur: Mphatso Gondwe Empowers Herself and Others
Widowed and facing the challenges of single parenthood in a rural community, Gondwe refused to be defined by her circumstances.
Mzimba, Malawi – A remarkable story of resilience and empowerment is unfolding in the village of Euyangeni, Mzimba, where a 31-year-old woman named Mphatso Gondwe has transformed her life from one of hardship to one of self-sufficiency and inspiration, writes Alinafe Sambo.
Widowed and facing the challenges of single parenthood in a rural community, Gondwe refused to be defined by her circumstances.
Instead, she embraced the words of the late Malawian president Kamuzu Banda, who once said, "Wealth is in farming."
In 2017, at the age of 27, Gondwe embarked on a journey into agribusiness, a decision that would prove to be life-altering.
With unwavering determination, she began cultivating a variety of crops, including soybeans, tomatoes, maize, and eggplants.
She also adopted irrigation farming techniques and invested in four goats, diversifying her agricultural endeavours.
Gondwe's dedication to farming has not only transformed her own life but has also become a beacon of hope for other women in her community.
She currently trains over 40 young women and youths, imparting her knowledge and empowering them to pursue agribusiness as a viable livelihood.
"Through farming, I am now able to fend for myself," Gondwe said.
"I am paying K350,000 in school fees for my daughter, who is in Form 3 at Christian Academy Secondary School and am able to pay four workers without facing any challenges. "Agribusiness has changed my fortunes."
Gondwe's success resonates with women like Tadeka Msofi, a widow who found solace and empowerment in Gondwe's mentorship.
Through Gondwe's training program, Msofi gained the skills and confidence to cultivate maize, groundnuts, and soybeans, enabling her to provide for her four children.
"Life was not easy after the death of my husband; I became the breadwinner to my family, and it was not easy for me to take on all the responsibilities," Msofi said.
"Through the training, I am able to grow maize, groundnuts, and soybeans. So far, I have managed to buy two pigs, which are helping me to provide for my kids. I don't have any problems being a single mother."
Gertrude Mphande, a 20-year-old young lady who is in Form 4 at Kamilaza Community Day Secondary School, credits Gondwe's mentorship with instilling in her the belief that everything is possible in life despite challenges.
"Being raised by my grandmother, life has not been easy for me, but Mphatso has always been my role model, and she told me that I can achieve my goals despite the challenges in life," Mphande said.
Gondwe's story is a testament to the transformative power of agriculture and the indomitable spirit of women like her.
She has not only secured her own future but has also ignited a spark of hope and inspiration among others, proving that even in the face of adversity, resilience and determination can pave the way for success.