Non-Functional Irrigation Schemes Overlooked by Authorities, Negatively Impacting Food Security
Parliamentarian expresses concern as non-working irrigation schemes are not rehabilitated, impacting food security and the livelihood of farmers in Nsanje, Malawi.
NSANJE, MALAWI — Gladys Ganda, Parliamentarian for Nsanje Lalanje, has criticised the government for neglecting non-functional irrigation schemes, affecting food security in the region, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
Ganda highlighted the lack of visits and rehabilitation efforts for non-working schemes, such as the Nyaphembere Irrigation Scheme, which was devastated by tropical cyclone Freddy.
She urged authorities to visit these schemes to ensure their restoration and functionality.
Ganda emphasised the importance of rehabilitating the non-working irrigation schemes, stating, "It would make sense if the minister would have been taken to some of the non-working ones, such as Nyaphembere Irrigation Scheme, which was devastated by tropical cyclone Freddy. In my constituency, there are some irrigation schemes which are not working, hence the need to revamp them so that they serve the intended purpose."
The Parliamentarian believes that visiting these non-working schemes will draw attention to the relevant authorities, prompting necessary actions to rehabilitate and restore their functionality.
Ganda also urged the government to seek better markets for farmers to benefit from their produce.
She further highlighted the disparity in prices between the Tiyanjane Irrigation Scheme and other areas, claiming that farmers in Tiyanjane sell their produce at lower prices compared to those in Tsangano or Lizulu areas.
Ganda advocated for better markets to ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their crops.
Agriculture Minister Sam Dalitso Kawale responded by commending the hardworking spirit of farmers at the Tiyanjane Irrigation Scheme. He assured that the government has plans to rehabilitate and address challenges faced by the severely affected irrigation schemes.
Kawale stated, "As a ministry, we are going to do our best to address some of the challenges farmers are facing at the scheme, such as fertilizer, pumps, capital, markets, and pesticides."
The Tiyanjane Irrigation Scheme, established in 2012 and rehabilitated in 2015 by the Church’s Action in Relief Development (CARD), has a membership of 110, with 42 males and 58 females.
These must be repaired. Apart from the benefits of food produced, employment and cash income for producers are considerable.
NGOs could be asked to come on board to help.