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Malawi

Crop diversification benefits Malawi farmers

by Orla Fagan

Unlike many countries in the developing world Malawi remains largely rural, with 80 percent of its people depending on the land for subsistence. Global climate change has a visible impact here, where there have been three food crises triggered by drought since the beginning of the millennium.

Trócaire teamed up with the development arm of the Catholic Church in Malawi, Cadecom, to introduce new farming techniques and environmental conservation to the people worst affected. Cadecom Chikwawa works in Mbawera in the district of Thyolo, where some people embraced change with open arms.

Wyson Serengu proudly showed off his field and was full of praise for Cadecom. "The training provided me with so much knowledge," Wyson said. "We had rains this year but I have never had such a good crop and it is definitely because of the training that has been provided."

Wyson's land is situated on a hill so in previous years when rains came all the nutrients on the soil were washed away. Cadecom explained the benefits of making ridges and placing a strong grass along the ridges to prevent this. The grasses used also provide good nutrients for the soil so serve a dual purpose.

The shrubs planted on the ridges also provide nutrients for the soil but have to be kept well pruned or they will prevent maximum benefit needed for good vegetable growth. The leaves from the shrubs are also used as a fertilizer for the ground. Most of the farmers in the area cannot afford commercial fertilizer and they are now taking on organic methods.

"We have also diversified this year," Wyson said. "While maize is our staple diet I also grow potatoes, cassava and millet so if one crop fails, I can still have another crop to sell in exchange for maize." Cadecom has provided the people with more weather resistant seeds to protect them from the unpredictable weather patterns.

"This year I have a dozen 50 kgs bags of maize," Wyson explained. "This is more than enough to feed my family until the next rains in November." Wyson also has a small patch of forest which he shares with the community. Felling trees is prohibited but his neighbours graze their goats and pick mushrooms from the forest and also have fruit from trees on the land.

"Some of my neighbours don't want to adopt new methods because the work is hard," said Wyson. "But others are anxious to follow my success. I just could not have done this without the training and assistance of Cadecom. May God bless their work."

The people of Mbawera were lucky with the rains this year but in future leaner times at least there is enough diversity in drought resistant crops to sustain the community. Cadecom and Trócaire will continue to train people to be self-sufficient.