Irrigation Farming Propels Economic Empowerment and Growth in Mangochi's Awadi Village
MANGOCHI, Malawi — Awadi Village, nestled within the jurisdiction of Traditional Authority Jalasi in Mangochi, has emerged as a beacon of progress and economic upliftment through a concerted effort by its residents to embrace irrigation farming, and cultivate a variety of vegetables for sale, writes Ernest Mfunya.
This transformative journey has been spurred by the Mchengawede Youth Club, a group of determined young individuals who joined forces in 2016 to empower themselves and their community economically through agricultural interventions.
Initiated with a modest cohort of 16 enthusiastic members, the Mchengawede Youth Club embarked on an endeavour to foster economic resilience.
The initial cultivation of tomatoes, potatoes, and mustard through rain-fed agriculture in the 2016–17 growing season yielded limited success.
Recognising the need for more sustainable approaches, the club sought guidance from agricultural experts who imparted knowledge on irrigation farming to ensure year-round crop growth.
Zachariah Alisa, a 27-year-old founding member, recounted their journey. "As novices, our initial harvests were disappointing, and we grew disheartened, questioning the viability of farming.
Yet, the counsel of agricultural extension workers redirected us towards irrigation farming," Alisa shared with Africabrief.
In response to the guidance, the club invested the earnings from their first year into purchasing tomato and mustard seeds, pesticides, and a plot of land dedicated to their crops.
The transition to irrigation agriculture proved transformative, allowing the club to harvest crops three times a year as opposed to the previous reliance on erratic rainfall.
"Through irrigation farming, we've experienced profound change. We now sustain ourselves and our families through our hard-earned proceeds. When we sell our crops, we equitably divide the profits within the club," Alisa emphasised.
Marrium Saidi, the club's chairperson, highlighted their innovative approach to crop utilisation. Apart from selling tomatoes, the club processes them into jam, adding value and fetching better prices from community members and local businesspeople.
Saidi expressed gratitude to the Mangochi District Youth Office and their collaborators for imparting crucial skills.
"We were fortunate recipients of training organized by the district youth office and partners. They encouraged us to explore innovative ideas for adding value to our produce. This is why we embarked on processing tomato into jam," Saidi explained.
The impacts of irrigation farming extended beyond economic upliftment. Amina Dickson noted how improved nutrition, courtesy of crops like Irish potatoes and vegetables, has elevated the health and well-being of club members and their families.
Abuti Zambia, another member, testified to the profound changes brought about by the club. "Joining this club has been life-changing. I can now afford essentials like clothes and food. Even when resources are scarce, the farm provides sustenance," Zambia shared.
Despite their success, the Mchengawede Youth Club hopes for support in the form of modern farming equipment, as they currently rely on manual tools for irrigation.
"Using water cans to irrigate a large farm is arduous and time-consuming. Modern equipment would greatly enhance our efficiency and allow us to participate in other activities," Zambia added.
Mchengawede Youth Club now boasts 27 members, with 20 females and 7 males, uniting the community in their pursuit of economic empowerment and sustainable livelihoods.