Likoma Island Youth Finds Economic Independence in Fruit Tree Seedling Production

Malawi — Abesi Vumbwe, a 33-year-old from Nkhwemba Village on Likoma Island, has found economic independence through the production of fruit tree seedlings, writes Oliver Malibisa.

Vumbwe's nursery produces seedlings of various fruit trees, including guavas, oranges, pawpaws, mangoes, bananas, avocado pears, granadillas, and ornamental plants.

According to Vumbwe, her business is booming in hospitality management facilities in Likoma and neighbouring districts.

She sells seedlings to Kayama Lodge, Chiponde Beach Resort, and other establishments where they are in high demand, especially among foreign visitors touring Malawi's hospitality management industry.

"I sell the seedlings to Kayama Lodge, Chiponde Beach Resort and some in Nkhata Bay, where they are in high demand. "This economic activity has also been shown to have boosted tourism in response to the demands of foreign visitors touring Malawi," Vumbwe said.

With the help of expertise from the Likoma district agriculture office, Vumbwe makes over K1.5 million per planting season, starting in early May each year.

Depending on the size and type, she sells each seedling for between K2,000 and K3,000 and produces around 3,000 seedlings in each planting.

The agriculture extension officer, Arthur Machila, supports Vumbwe with training in grafting and budding skills, as well as in disease prevention, to ensure that the trees are healthy.

Machila encourages farmers to seek expertise from the agriculture office to ensure that their fruit trees are protected from insects and diseases.

Vumbwe has encouraged fellow youths to follow in her footsteps, urging them to engage in fruit production and other economic activities to achieve economic independence.

Through the production and sale of fruit seedlings and ornamental plants, Vumbwe has built a house, purchased a motorbike, and opened up other small businesses, making her economically stable and independent.

"Fruits help to decorate a place and provide shade to our customers. Foreign visitors are attracted to visit our place because of its beauty from these fruit trees and ornamental plants from this young lady," said Gideon Khuni, manager at one of the hospitality management facilities in Likoma, Chiponde Beach Resort.

Apart from providing shade and decoration, fruits are also a source of various food products, such as homemade juices from mangoes and guavas.

Pawpaws and avocados make locally made margarine and jam, which are good for human health.

This success story proves that with hard work and the right skills, anyone can achieve economic independence and make a difference in their community.