In Malawi unpredictable weather ensuing from the climate crisis is significantly disrupting the agricultural sector; a concerning matter when 90% of families in Nkhata Bay North are relying on subsistence farming. The ever-increasing impacts of climate change from soil erosion to the drying up of water sources alongside crop pests are making it difficult for families to grow their own food, driving them further below the poverty line and proliferating their vulnerability.
Amie Mposa, a 64-year-old farmer from the Zowani Village in Malawi, is facing these challenges daily. Living at home with his wife and four children, harvesting food on their land has been a struggle with almost all of his fields having been attacked by pests and the current severe drought impacting yields. It has been estimated that 749,113 hectares of land which equates to 44.3% of the national crop area of maize in Malawi has been impacted by dry spells resulting in a 17% decrease in maize production, starkly increasing levels of food insecurity. Maize, Malawi’s main crop, is highly demanding of nutrients and therefore without ample rainfall and an affordable irrigation system to use throughout the year, communities are unable to achieve necessary yields and feed themselves.
Amie wants to learn more about sustainable farming and increase his yields in order to enable both his family and the wider community to have enough food to eat throughout the year. Having known about Temwa since it was established and being called to most Village Development Committees (VDC) meetings, Amie felt the opportunity to get involved with Temwa’s Farmer Field Schools (FFS) Project could be a turning point.
FFS is designed to enhance food security, providing training to farmers in the realm of sustainable agricultural techniques, and encouraging the sharing of knowledge within communities in Malawi. It intends to promote climate-smart agriculture and improve food production practices, enhancing the skills and capacities of farmers to boost agricultural productivity in the face of climate change.
Farmer Field School Members have embarked on a process of crop diversification, prioritising drought-tolerant crops which would increase yields and Temwa has strengthened this initiative by providing material support in the form of seeds, potato vines and cassava cuttings to 47 farmers. Alongside such material support, Temwa has offered locally tailored theoretical and practical training on sustainable agricultural methods.
In March for example, routine monitoring showed that crops in Nijiri were under attack from new pests, likely due to prolonged dry spells and the project identified the pests and trialled some treatment efforts. Over 50 households in Nijiri have now actively participated in pest management efforts to address a new outbreak and this proactive approach is expected to save more than 35 fields from significant damage.
Since the project began in 2023, 29 farmers in Nijiri have now embraced a holistic approach to crop production and witnessed a remarkable turnaround in their maize cultivation. Plus, the use of natural pesticides has proven to be effective at curbing pest damage and farmers are eating a larger variety of foods as opposed to their previous diets centred around maize which is easily impacted by disease and poor weather.
Whilst currently, Amie’s yield does not last until the next harvesting season, he is optimistic that with Temwa’s guidance, he will be able to develop sustainable agricultural practices which will work to feed his family and the larger community throughout the year. He can diversify his crop production, curb pest damage, and learn a range of other sustainable techniques. For Amie, Temwa’s Farm Field Schools represent an opportunity to transform his community’s life, working in an innovative partnership which encourages community-led development. In Amie’s words; “We hope Farmer Field School will be the change.”
Farmer Field School is working with communities to develop sustainable solutions to the drought crisis and resulting agricultural poverty in Malawi, working to support both people and the environment to create lasting positive change.
To find out more about Farmer Field School, read our latest report here.