Healing Hands International Supports Tombolombo Cooperative, Empowering Farmers in Mzimba
Healing Hands International assists Tombolombo Cooperative with agricultural grant, empowering farmers and promoting poverty alleviation in Mzimba.
MZIMBA, MALAWI — Healing Hands International, in collaboration with the Church of Christ, has provided crucial support to Tombolombo Producers and Marketing Cooperative in Mzimba, writes Victor Musongole.
The cooperative received a tractor and a warehouse, along with training on VSL (Village Savings and Loan) and organic fertiliser production.
Modester Shaba, the cooperative's head of finance, expressed gratitude for the organization's assistance.
She emphasised the positive impact the tractor and warehouse would have on their farming activities, reducing labour and improving market access.
Shaba also highlighted the organization's contribution to poverty alleviation through various interventions.
Rodrick Masebo, the Agribusiness officer for Mzimba South, praised Tombolombo Cooperative for their unity and encouraged more people to form cooperatives to benefit from the Agriculture Commercialization (Agcom) grant.
Masebo expressed optimism about the cooperative's future with the acquisition of the tractor and warehouse.
Carl Burkybile, the Director of Agriculture at Healing Hands International, expressed satisfaction with the cooperative's progress.
He mentioned that the organisation had helped Tombolombo Cooperative raise the required 30 percent for the grant, which enabled the purchase of the tractor, warehouse, and truck.
Burkybile pledged further support, including assistance in connecting the cooperative to the national grid to reduce reliance on firewood at the bakery.
This is not the first time Healing Hands International has supported Tombolombo Cooperative, having previously assisted with the establishment of a bakery and maize mill.
The organisation is actively involved in various activities in Mzimba, such as organic farming, women's and youth empowerment, and more.
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