Malawi Farmers Turn to Year-Round Irrigation to Combat Hunger
The program aims to demonstrate sustainable alternatives to rain-dependent farming in a region challenged by irregular rainfall patterns.
SALIMA, Malawi— A cooperative of 50 farmers in central Malawi has embraced irrigation farming to boost crop yields and fight food insecurity in a country where 80% of people eat only twice daily, writes Edward Chikwanda.
The initiative comes as a survey by Welt Hungerhilfe (WHH) highlights widespread food shortages across the nation.
"Since I started this type of farming, I can harvest a lot of yields," said Thocco Masache, a local farmer who began irrigation farming two years ago.
"We are not relying much on rainfall, and we are doing this farming throughout the year."
Agricultural expert Ronald Chilumpha called for increased government support through loans and market access.
"There is a need to train these farmers to come up with good governance structures and improve the expertise aiming to boost agricultural productivity," he said.
Chilumpha recommended farmers diversify their crops and secure contracts with companies to ensure stable markets for their produce.
The program aims to demonstrate sustainable alternatives to rain-dependent farming in a region challenged by irregular rainfall patterns.