Lilongwe Farmers Praise Organic Manure for Boosting Crop Yields
The project demonstrates how organic farming methods can offer sustainable alternatives to chemical fertilizers while improving soil health and crop yields.
LILONGWE, Malawi - Small-scale farmers in Lilongwe's Chamamba Village have reported significant improvements in soil health and crop production after adopting organic composting practices through a new environmental initiative, writes Esther Banda.
The farmers, working under Traditional Authority Njewa, create compost from farm waste materials as part of the "Promoting Organic Systems of Soil Improvement to Build a Lasting" project led by the Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy (CEPA).
"Malawi has reached a tipping point where soil organic matter is below a minimum threshold for supporting crop productivity," said Project Coordinator Tamara Mataka.
The initiative aims to promote green transition in agriculture and waste management, helping smallholder farmers increase yields while reducing input costs.
Farmer Korrinto Saddon emphasized the benefits of organic farming methods over chemical fertilizers.
"Compost manure is the best for our soil because it maintains soil health and plant nutrition. It has no hazardous chemicals and acts as a vaccine," Saddon said.
He called on the government to raise awareness about organic farming practices and support organizations that convert waste into compost.
"It's important that the government promotes small organizations that are turning waste into compost manure so they can help heal soil that has been damaged by heavy use of chemicals," he said.
The project demonstrates how organic farming methods can offer sustainable alternatives to chemical fertilizers while improving soil health and crop yields.