By Burnett Munthali

Farmers across the country have been encouraged to establish associations to improve farming activities and enhance productivity. This call was made by Richard Mapemba, Vice President of the Bua Water Users Association, during a learning visit by farmers from Zomba to Bua in Nkhotakota. The visit was organized under the Malawi Watershed Services Improvement Project (MWASIP).

Mapemba emphasized that by forming associations, farmers could work together more effectively, share resources, and resolve challenges related to water usage, crop management, and other agricultural activities. He urged the visiting farmers to take lessons from Bua and apply them in their respective communities to improve their yields.

Hawa Williams, a farmer from Zomba, praised the initiative, noting that the visit had equipped them with valuable knowledge on managing conflicts and ensuring year-round crop production. “This experience has opened our eyes to new farming techniques and strategies that will help us deal with disputes over water and other resources, while also ensuring we can produce crops throughout the year,” she said.

Sustainable Development Excellence Trainer, Norias Kaira, who also spoke during the visit, highlighted that the initiative provided a platform for farmers to share experiences and learn vital skills such as conflict management, resource mobilization, and leadership. These skills, Kaira said, would be crucial in fostering collaboration and improving the sustainability of farming projects.

The visiting farmers were drawn from Mango, Upilewethu, and Bilira Irrigation Schemes in Zomba, and they expressed optimism about the benefits of implementing what they had learned in Nkhotakota.