In the rural village of Denthema, Nkhata Bay North, the story of Mrs Lusayo Kaonga illustrates the transformative power of sustainable agriculture through Temwa’s Farmer Field Schools (FFS) program. Like many families in the region, Mrs Kaonga and her family have faced significant challenges brought on by climate change, high input costs, and land degradation. However, with Temwa’s intervention, the family has not only restored hope but also found a path toward food security and financial stability.
The Kaonga family migrated to Nkhata Bay in 2008 in search of better opportunities. When farming became their primary means of survival on a 3-acre plot, poor crop yields, rising fertilizer prices, and eroding soil fertility pushed them to the brink of hunger. By 2019, their land had become so degraded that it was nearly impossible to grow enough to feed their family. “We were regarded as the poorest family in the village,” Mrs Kaonga shared, reflecting on the difficult times.
The drought crisis currently sweeping across Malawi has made stories like Mrs. Kaonga’s even more urgent. Prolonged dry spells and unpredictable rains have exacerbated food insecurity in rural communities, leaving families struggling to survive. In a recent address, President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera stated that the country “is not out of the woods yet” regarding the crises, citing that 5.7 million Malawians are still affected because of prolonged droughts and, consequently, poor harvests.
With over 90% of families in Nkhata Bay North relying on subsistence farming, the impacts of these challenges are severe. In response, Temwa’s Farmer Field Schools program equips farmers with practical, sustainable agricultural techniques to build resilience against the devastating effects of climate change.
Through the program, farmers like Mrs Kaonga receive hands-on training in techniques such as organic manure production, soil conservation, crop diversification, and water conservation measures. These methods enable families to improve soil fertility, increase yields, and reduce their dependence on costly chemical fertilizers, which many can no longer afford.
In 2023, Mrs Kaonga joined the Tigwilizane Farmer Field School after previously participating in Temwa’s pig pass-on scheme. Through the training she received, her family gained the knowledge to restore productivity on their degraded farmland. “The FFS project has restored hope and joy for my family. We are now increasing crop production every season,” she explains. By utilizing organic compost and sustainable farming methods, they are no longer as vulnerable to the unpredictable weather patterns that have worsened over the years.
Temwa’s mid-term report highlights similar success stories across the region. As droughts impact staple crops like maize, many farmers have turned to drought-tolerant varieties such as cassava and sweet potatoes, ensuring they can still feed their families. The use of natural fertilizers, like compost and Mbeya manure, has further helped improve soil health, protecting it from erosion caused by heavy rains and sustaining crop growth despite challenging conditions.
For Mrs Kaonga, the journey does not stop here. She dreams of focusing on tomato production by constructing a greenhouse to grow high-quality fruits for sale. “This will be my reliable source of income to support my family and my community. I want to employ people to help me in my business,” she shares. Her story underscores how training and knowledge gained through Temwa’s Farmer Field Schools can transform not only individual lives but entire communities.
Beyond her personal success, the program’s impact on the broader community is clear. Farmers in Denthema are now better equipped to combat drought and rising input costs. The pig pass-on scheme, for example, has provided over 30 households with access to manure, significantly reducing their reliance on expensive fertilizers and improving crop productivity. By promoting peer-to-peer learning, the project ensures that sustainable farming knowledge is shared, creating a ripple effect across villages.
As Malawi continues to grapple with climate-induced droughts, initiatives like Temwa’s Farmer Field Schools are more vital than ever. By teaching farmers how to adapt and thrive under harsh conditions, the program is building resilience in communities that are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. However, there is still work to be done. Farmers like Mrs. Kaonga are producing more crops than ever before but need access to reliable markets to maximize their income and secure their progress.
Lusayo Kaonga’s journey demonstrates the importance of community-driven, sustainable solutions in the face of climate change. Through programs like the Farmer Field Schools, families in Nkhata Bay North are turning challenges into opportunities, ensuring a future where food security and resilience go hand in hand.
Read more about Farmer Field School in our latest report here.