In a heartening testament to the power of innovation, farmers in the Mzimba district are defying the unpredictable rains this season, their fields promising a rich harvest thanks to the embrace of cutting-edge agricultural technologies. Once vulnerable to the vagaries of climate, these smallholder farmers are now showcasing the transformative impact of climate-smart practices on their livelihoods.
The verdant fields of the Kazomba Extension Planning Area bore witness to this agricultural resurgence on Thursday, during a vibrant Joint Mzimba South Field Day held at Chasato Ground. Under the resonant theme, “Strengthening the Resilience of Smallholder Farmers through Climate-Smart Agricultural Technologies,” the event, orchestrated by the Mzimba South Agriculture Office, became a stage for inspiring success stories.
Among the beaming faces sharing their triumphs was Ruth Muva, a determined farmer from Mkomakuka Phungwayo Village. Her testimony painted a vivid picture of a life transformed. “For years, we were trapped in a cycle of poverty, reliant on expensive chemical fertilisers that we often couldn’t afford. By September, our food stores would be empty,” she recounted. “But since adopting these new methods, particularly the affordable Mbeya fertiliser, we now harvest enough maize to see us through to the next season. Hunger no longer casts a shadow over our home.”
Muva’s ambition now stretches beyond subsistence. “Last year, my tomato crop yielded good profits, allowing me to invest in tobacco farming. I am hopeful that the proceeds from this harvest will enable me to provide my children with a better education and secure the necessary inputs for future seasons,” she shared with palpable optimism.
Melpha Kaposka, a respected lead farmer from Yakhobe Chakwira Village, echoed this sentiment of empowerment. She attributed her farm’s remarkable resilience during dry spells to the adoption of swales, an ingenious soil and water conservation technique. “In the past, seasons like this would have meant meagre harvests,” Kaposka explained. “But since I started using swales in 2020, my yields have improved dramatically. Furthermore, I utilise crop residues to feed my livestock and produce valuable manure for my crops, eliminating the need for costly fertilisers. These methods have not only improved my life but have also made me a source of inspiration within my community.”
Francis Chilenga, the Chief Agriculture Extension Officer for the Mzuzu Agricultural Development Division (ADD), expressed his profound satisfaction at the widespread adoption of these improved technologies. “It is truly rewarding to witness the tangible difference these practices are making in the lives of our farmers. Those who have embraced these innovations are visibly more prosperous than those who haven’t. The use of manure, for instance, demonstrably enhances soil structure and its ability to retain vital moisture,” Chilenga noted. “Our unwavering goal is to see even more farmers adopt these sustainable and effective methods.”
Chilenga also offered a crucial word of caution to the farmers as they approach harvest time. “We strongly advise our farmers to resist the temptation of prematurely selling their hard-earned produce. Unscrupulous buyers may seek to exploit them. If they choose to sell, we urge them to adhere to the government’s gazetted farm gate prices. Above all, they must prioritise ensuring their households have sufficient food reserves to last until the next harvest,” he stressed.
The success of this agricultural transformation is a collaborative effort, with support pouring in from a range of dedicated stakeholders. Organisations such as Find Your Feet, ARET, NASFAM, SEEDCO, CIP, Plan Malawi, MZADO, Heifer, CADECOM, the Farmers Union of Malawi (FUM), and Bayer are working hand-in-hand with the government to bolster agricultural resilience and enhance food security through the promotion of these innovative farming practices.
As the farmers of Mzimba continue to embrace these climate-smart solutions, their district is emerging as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that even in the face of a changing climate and the persistent threat of food insecurity, ingenuity and collaboration can pave the way for a more prosperous and secure future.
