By Burnett Munthali
The Trustees of Agricultural Promotion Programme (TAPP), through its Transform project, have distributed 1,600 goats to 800 households in Dowa district. This initiative is part of a pass-on scheme aimed at boosting income, nutrition, and food security among smallholder farmers in the district.
The goat pass-on initiative allows beneficiaries to receive goats, breed them, and then pass on the offspring to other community members, thereby multiplying the benefits within the community. TAPP’s approach addresses the immediate needs of the farmers while ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience.
Anita Mahata Mangochi, TAPP’s Transform project officer, emphasized that the initiative is designed to improve agricultural production and help smallholder farmers become more resilient to the effects of climate change. “Through the distribution of goats, we hope to enhance not only the nutrition of these households but also to provide them with a reliable source of income. This is particularly important as the impacts of climate change continue to challenge traditional farming practices,” she explained.
The initiative was warmly received by local authorities. Dowa Agriculture Office Crops Officer, Samuel Madimbo, commended TAPP for the gesture, describing it as a step in the right direction for smallholder farmers. “This support comes at a crucial time when farmers are struggling with unpredictable weather patterns. The goats will not only contribute to food security but also provide an alternative source of income, especially during lean times,” he said.
The Transform project, which is funded by the Royal Norwegian Embassy through Norwegian Church Aid and Dan Church Aid (NCA-DCA), is aimed at improving agricultural practices and promoting sustainable development in vulnerable communities. The goat pass-on initiative is one of several efforts under the project designed to empower farmers by providing them with resources and training to build resilience in the face of climate challenges.
Through initiatives like this, TAPP and its partners are playing a vital role in improving livelihoods and fostering a culture of self-reliance among smallholder farmers in Malawi.
