Finding activities for young men when they reach adulthood is one of the great challenges being faced in the development process in sub-Saharan Africa.
But one group of young from Mwima village in Self Help’s Nsondole Project outside Zomba, Malawi, believe that they have found an opportunity which can provide them with a secure future in small scale farming.
Having watched their parents and neighbours reap the dividends of improved farming methods after they had established successful farmers groups in the area, a number of 10 young men got together to form the Tingoyesana Farmers Club.
Group chairman is 18 year old Wilson Dambanu, who along with his fellow club members worked for several months to clear a stretch of riverside land for the growth of maize and other cereal crops.
A number of the group had previously grown rainfed maize in the locality,but with access through Self Help to improved seed stock, and to a treadle pump from which they can use riverwater to irrigate their crops, the group are optimistic for the future.
The Tingoyesana Farmers Club have since sub-divided the holding amongst members, and are optimistic that with proper management, they can yield two crops of maize and one of rice from their riverside allotments every year.
Mixed cropping with beans, pumpkins and other vegetables is also being promoted, giving the group additional revenue earning opportunities, and also restoring vital nitrogen and other vital nutrients to the soil. |
Self Help Africa in Malawi |
Self Help Africa began working in Malawi in the late 1990's - the organisation's Irish arm (formerly Self Help Development International) implementing programmes in the south of the country, and it's UK operation (formerly Harvest Help) in the north.
The organisation is currently engaged in implementing a series of area based programmes, and measures to build capacity at regional level, so that communities can improve their lives and the living standards and conditions of their people. |
