New Irrigation Scheme Boosts Livelihoods in Chikunje Village, Blantyre
Launched earlier this year, the Nankumba Irrigation Scheme operates in communities around Group Village Head Malekwa, providing farmers with a chance to engage in irrigation farming.
Blantyre, Malawi – A newly-established irrigation scheme at Chikunje Village in Traditional Authority Somba district of Blantyre is creating farming opportunities for smallholder farmers, offering a lifeline for rural communities seeking to diversify their sources of income, writes Thokozani Beaton.
Launched earlier this year, the Nankumba Irrigation Scheme operates in communities around Group Village Head Malekwa, providing farmers with a chance to engage in irrigation farming, a significant departure from the traditional rainfed farming system.
Mary Anthony, a smallholder farmer at the irrigation scheme, shared her enthusiasm for the project, highlighting how it has provided her with a new source of income during the off-season.
She expressed her optimism for a positive shift in her family's livelihood due to her participation in the irrigation scheme.
"This year, I did not harvest enough maize due to various reasons, such as the disaster caused by Cyclone Freddy. Now I am relieved because, through the irrigation scheme, I anticipate a good harvest, which will help my family during the lean period," Anthony said.
In addition to addressing crop yield challenges, the scheme addresses the issue of land scarcity. Farmers in the area can now cultivate on the same piece of land twice, maximising their yield.
Ruth Senga, another beneficiary of the Chikunje irrigation scheme, emphasized the job opportunities it provides to the community, especially during off-seasons. She highlighted the positive impact the scheme has had in utilizing people's time productively.
"Previously, some of us used to stay idle, especially during off-seasons, as there was nothing to do while we waited for the rains to come. But now I am happy to report that I use my time productively by taking part in the irrigation scheme. I am happy to have found something productive to do," she said.
Zidana Chiphale, Chairperson of the Chikunje Village Development Committee (VDC), praised the irrigation scheme for promoting human productivity in the area. He acknowledged the scheme's role in boosting agricultural activities and raising living standards for many households in the community.
"We appreciate Mai Aisha Trust and its partners for supporting the irrigation system. The project has increased agricultural activities in the area, which is crucial for rural people who mostly rely on farming for their living," Chiphale said.
He added that farmers are also benefiting from extension services provided by the Department of Agriculture, which empower them with modern farming techniques.
Extension Officer Mary Katandika highlighted recent training initiatives for farmers in the Nankumba and Chikunje irrigation schemes.
The training focused on modern farming practises and encouraged smallholder farmers to treat farming as a business.
Farmers were educated on creating organic manure using readily available resources and the introduction of irrigation farming in various areas.
The Nankumba Irrigation Scheme is already making a substantial impact, offering hope and opportunities to the local community and contributing to improved livelihoods through innovative and sustainable farming practises.