Umodzi: Transforming Nkhata-Bay, Growing Farmers, Nourishing Lives
Since its establishment in 2019, the school has made remarkable strides in its region.
Nkhata Bay, Malawi-In the heart of Traditional Authority Mkumbira in Nkhata Bay district, a notable challenge has long plagued small-scale farmers: the lack of knowledge and skills in modern agricultural methods, writes Royal Kasiya.
This deficiency has not only hindered individual families but has also impacted the wider community, resulting in low food production and heightened food insecurity.
Stepping into this void is the Umodzi Farmer Field School, an initiative spearheaded by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) aimed at equipping smallholder farmers with the necessary expertise in contemporary agricultural techniques and technologies.
Lewis Mwandika, chairperson of Umodzi Farmer Field School, highlighted the critical issue, stating, "Food insecurity is a huge problem, both at family and community levels.
A good number of households struggle to provide enough food, leading to significant impacts on families and malnutrition."
Since its establishment in 2019, the school has made remarkable strides in its region.
With a mission to tackle food insecurity, the organization has rescued 33 households and provided training on modern farming techniques encompassing rice cultivation, vegetable farming, and pig rearing.
Maureen Chida, a beneficiary of the program, expressed gratitude, stating, "Umodzi Farmer Field School has been a lifesaver to my family. With the knowledge gained, I can harvest significantly more farm produce, supporting my family and even enabling me to send my children to school through the proceeds from selling honey."
Group Village headman Chapumbwa commended the initiative, emphasizing the community's newfound self-reliance and enhanced collaboration among its members.
Despite its successes, challenges persist.
The school faces the need to increase agricultural production to meet rising demands, prompting efforts to acquire more hand tools for cultivating larger plots of land.
Thokozire Liwomba, a member, reflected on the challenges, noting, "Purchasing farm tools required dedication and teamwork. Being part of such a cause is immensely rewarding."
Recognizing the significance of community support, Mwandika stressed the importance of teamwork in project success.
Looking forward, Umodzi Farmer Field School aims to expand operations and acquire modern agricultural equipment to bolster productivity.
Additionally, plans are in motion to establish an agro-processing manufacturing industry, transforming their farm produce into a variety of products.
Mwandika expressed confidence in the future, stating, "With the right funding and support, we are poised to elevate our efforts. We believe our farm produce can be successfully manufactured into diverse products, and we're actively exploring opportunities to make this a reality."