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Chiradzulu District Farmers Gain Knowledge, Skills Through Tikondane Farmer Field School
Lack of knowledge and skills in modern agricultural methods has been a longstanding challenge in the Chiradzulu district, specifically in Traditional Authority Ntchema, writes Royal Kasiya.
Chiradzulu, Malawi - Lack of knowledge and skills in modern agricultural methods has been a longstanding challenge in the Chiradzulu district, specifically in Traditional Authority Ntchema, writes Royal Kasiya.
This has resulted in low food production not only at the family level but also within the community.
To address this issue, the Tikondane Farmer Field School (FFS) initiative has been introduced by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) with the aim of providing small-scale farmers with knowledge and skills in modern agricultural methods and technologies.
This hands-on training program seeks to ensure food security by equipping farmers with practical experience in implementing modern farming techniques.
"Food insecurity is a significant problem, both at the family and community level. A substantial number of households do not have enough food to feed their families, which not only has a profound impact on the family but also leads to malnutrition," says Charles Chigumula, the chairperson of Tikondane Farmer Field School.
"Our goal is to equip each other with modern agricultural methods and technologies that will help us increase our yield. We train farmers in beekeeping, banana cultivation, and other field crop techniques," he adds.
Since its establishment in 2019, Tikondane FFS has successfully lifted 28 households out of food insecurity.
The school has also provided training to small-scale farmers in modern beekeeping methods and banana cultivation. Presently, the school has 60 banana suckers growing on their field.
"I have been a beneficiary of the honey produced by Tikondane Farmer Field School for the past few years," says Gift Chirwa, a regular customer at a local community college where Tikondane FFS supplies honey.
"Having access to fresh, nutritious honey has been a blessing, and it would not have been easily available if the organization did not produce it."
Akonda Ngozo, a member of Tikondane FFAS, praises the school for being a lifesaver for her family.
She shares, "It was difficult for me to provide enough food for my family before. With the knowledge and skills gained, I am now able to follow modern agricultural methods, which has allowed me to harvest a greater amount and sell some of it. Moreover, I can send my children to school with the money we earn from selling honey."
Village Headman Chindunguli, Fickson Mpachika, states that the organization has made community members self-reliant.
He says, "Members of the community are now able to produce more agricultural products, gradually becoming self-reliant. Additionally, they can interact and share different developmental ideas as they work together."
Chigumula, the chairperson of the club, expresses gratitude for the overwhelmingly positive response from the community.
"We have received tremendous support from the community we work with. It's truly heartwarming to see the positive impact we have been able to make in our community," says Chigumula.
Like any other project, Tikondane Farmer Field School has faced several challenges.
One major obstacle has been the need to continuously produce more agricultural products to meet the growing demand, which can be difficult with limited hand tools.
To address this, the school has tirelessly worked to secure additional hand tools to cultivate a larger piece of land.
"We have put in a lot of effort to purchase farming tools," says Akonda Ngozo, a member of Tikondane Farmer Field School.
"But the sense of teamwork and purpose that comes with dedication makes it all worthwhile. I am proud to be part of such a worthwhile cause."
Overall, the leadership of Tikondane Farmer Field School has recognized the importance of building a strong community of supporters and seeking new opportunities to expand their reach and impact.
Looking to the future, Tikondane Farmer Field School has ambitious plans to further expand its operations and continue making a significant impact in the fight against food insecurity.
The school is currently working diligently to secure funding for the purchase of modern agricultural equipment.
This equipment will enable them to cultivate their land more efficiently and produce a larger quantity of agricultural products to meet the growing demand.
In addition to expanding its farming activities, the organization has set its sights on establishing a manufacturing industry where agro-food processing will take place.
This initiative aims to add value to the agricultural products grown by the farmers and create new economic opportunities within the community.
"We believe that by implementing agro-food processing, we can not only enhance the value of our agricultural products but also contribute to job creation and economic growth in the region," explains Chigumula, the chairperson of Tikondane Farmer Field School.
The organization recognizes that achieving these goals will require continued collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, foundations, local leaders, and individuals passionate about promoting sustainable agriculture and food security.
"We are committed to fostering partnerships with all relevant stakeholders to maximize the impact of our work. We believe that together, we can create a more prosperous and food-secure future for the people of Chiradzulu district," states Chigumula.
The Tikondane Farmer Field School has become a beacon of hope for addressing the challenges faced by small-scale farmers in the region.
Through their training programs and community-driven initiatives, they are empowering farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to improve their agricultural practices, increase their yields, and secure a better future for themselves and their families.
As the school continues to expand its operations and forge partnerships, it remains dedicated to its mission of promoting modern agricultural methods, enhancing food security, and uplifting the livelihoods of farmers in Chiradzulu district.
With the support of the community and stakeholders, Tikondane Farmer Field School is poised to make a lasting impact in the fight against food insecurity and contribute to the overall development of the region.