Ntcheu, Malawi: A quiet revolution is underway in the Ntcheu district of Malawi, where farmers are experiencing a dramatic turnaround in their fortunes. Once trapped in a cycle of unpredictable harvests and food insecurity, they are now enjoying abundance and prosperity, thanks to a transformative irrigation project.
The AREECA project has empowered local farmers to embrace sustainable agricultural practices, leading to significant improvements in their livelihoods. By providing crucial support in irrigation, conservation agriculture, and agroforestry, the project has enabled farmers to not only feed their families but also minimize environmental degradation.
A recent visit to irrigation schemes and farmer field schools in the Tsangano and Nsipe Extension Planning Areas revealed the project’s profound impact. Farmers like Stina George, from Liyata village, are now reaping the benefits of year-round cultivation. “We used to rely solely on the rainy season,” she explained. “But now, thanks to the irrigation, we can plant potatoes and maize three times a year.” George’s potato harvest has more than tripled since the project’s inception, a testament to the power of sustainable irrigation.
Joaquim Tobiyasi, from the Kanthumkako farmer field school, echoed this sentiment, praising the project’s introduction of Vertiva grass. “This grass has been a game-changer,” he said. “It has helped us control soil erosion and protect our land, ensuring its fertility for future generations.”
The AREECA project has achieved remarkable milestones, including the rehabilitation of the Chiyata irrigation scheme, livestock provision through a pass-on program, support for forest conservation, and extensive capacity building for both farmers and extension workers. Hundreds of farmers have been empowered, leading to increased agricultural productivity and enhanced livelihoods.
The district is now witnessing a significant shift, with farmers transitioning from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture. Food security has improved dramatically, and incomes have risen, transforming the lives of individuals and communities.
Funded by the German government and implemented by the Malawian government with technical support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the AREECA project stands as a shining example of how targeted interventions can unlock the potential of agriculture and create a brighter future for rural communities.
