Malawian MP Promotes Home Gardens to Combat Food Insecurity
"This initiative promotes improved nutrition for farmers and empowers families to conserve water throughout the year," stated Chifundo Chiphiko, a resident of Mpanje Village.
Salima, Malawi - A Malawian parliamentarian, Enock Phale, is advocating for the establishment of home gardens as a means to address food insecurity and combat malnutrition within his constituency, writes Alinafe Nyanda.
Residents of Salima's traditional authority Khombedza have expressed their appreciation for Phale's initiative, highlighting the positive impact of home gardens on both access to nutritious food and water conservation practices.
"This initiative promotes improved nutrition for farmers and empowers families to conserve water throughout the year," stated Chifundo Chiphiko, a resident of Mpanje Village.
Chiphiko further emphasized the prevalence of malnutrition in his community due to limited dietary diversity, particularly during dry seasons.
He credited his raised home garden with not only improving his children's health but also inspiring other villagers to adopt the practice.
"Several factors contribute to food insecurity in rural communities, including inadequate agricultural practices, limited access to extension services, insufficient input support for farmers, and a lack of knowledge regarding climate-smart agricultural techniques," explained Chiphiko.
Phale, lawmaker for Salima North West, citing food security as his primary legislative focus, declared, "Nutritious home gardens remain a cornerstone of maintaining food security within the country."
He acknowledged that the community's limited understanding of crop rotation practices negatively impacts their agricultural yields.
To address this challenge, Phale introduced the concept of raised home gardens situated near women's residences, enabling them to utilize leftover water for irrigation purposes.
"During this period, we typically observe a rise in malnutrition levels within rural communities," stated Phale.
"Maize, our primary food source, lacks essential micronutrients, leading to health complications and developmental issues in children under the age of five."
Phale expressed his hope for widespread adoption of home gardens across various communities as a means to combat childhood malnutrition.
While acknowledging that some households within the constituency have achieved food security, he stressed the continued importance of promoting food gardens to address the ongoing challenges faced by others.