Malawi Empowers Youth, Women in Climate-Resilient Farming
Such grassroots empowerment efforts are vital as Africa grapples with climate impacts amid limited adaptive capacity and overreliance on rain-fed farming and natural resources.
MZIMBA, Malawi - Amidst escalating climate challenges like droughts and floods, Malawi is bolstering resilience through initiatives that empower youth and women in climate-smart agricultural practices, writes Everister Lungu.
The Mzimba Youth Organization secured a $12,000 grant from Global Plus One to enhance food security at the household level in Gwaba, Mzimba District. The project targets women and youth landowners, facilitating adoption of climate-resilient farming methods.
"The project will enable women and youth to efficiently cultivate their land, aiming for three harvests annually," said Executive Director Moses Nkhana at the launch.
"We'll provide essential inputs like fertilizers, chemicals and water pumps."
The 12-month initiative, backed by Paramount Chief M'mbelwa, will also distribute chickens and goats to households. Successful implementation could see expansion to neighbouring villages.
National Coordinator for the International Land Coalition Kettie Nkhata underscored the project's role in securing women's land access, crucial given their prominence in agriculture.
Climate-smart agriculture represents an integrated landscape management approach addressing interconnected food security and climate change challenges through sustainable, resilient agricultural solutions.
Such grassroots empowerment efforts are vital as Africa grapples with climate impacts amid limited adaptive capacity and overreliance on rain-fed farming and natural resources.