As Malawi grapples with the challenges of climate change, a group of dedicated farmers in Dedza district has taken proactive steps to implement sustainable practices and adopt climate-smart agriculture in their Irish potato fields.
In a recent visit to some of the fields, YICOD’s field officer Swabuli Affack expressed his excitement and satisfaction with the progress being made by local farmers.
Affack visited several Irish potato fields in the district to evaluate the impact of the Chuma Chili M’kachewere project on local farmers and in an interview, he shared insights on the farmers’ remarkable journey towards sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.
“Our project has been training farmers in three Extension Planning Areas namely Kanyama, Mayani and Chafumbwa on climate-smart agriculture practices. We witnessed a significant transformation in the way these farmers approach their Irish potato cultivation. They have adopted methods such as crop rotation, improved water management, and the use of organic fertilizers to mitigate the effects of climate change.
“It’s heartening to see how these farmers are implementing the ideas they’ve learned through our project. They are not only improving their yields but also reducing their environmental impact,” he said.
Among the farmers leading the charge in the adoption of climate-smart practices is Kizito Kalambule, a local farmer who has become an inspiration to many in the community and he said results are truly impressive after implementing the knowledge he gained through the trainings.
“I have been farming Irish potatoes for over five years, and I’ve witnessed first-hand the erratic weather patterns that can devastate our crops. But after the climate-smart agriculture training, I implemented practices like mulching, rainwater harvesting, and using disease-resistant potato varieties.
“The results have been amazing – my yields have increased, and my farm is more resilient to changing weather conditions. I’m proud to be part of this initiative and grateful for the knowledge I’ve gained. I encourage all local farmers to embrace these practices. Together, we can ensure food security for our community, even in the face of climate challenges,” he said.
Kalambule’s sentiments highlight the positive impact of training and dedication in the pursuit of climate-smart agriculture. The project was supported by International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and OPEC Fund for International Development through Diversification and Entrepreneurship (TRADE).
