The main objective of this project is to enable farmers to realise their rights as citizens of Malawi by managing their own development initiatives. The project aims to benefit 30,000 households in the Rumphi District of Northern Malawi.
The project will result in:
• Organised rural communities
The project enables ‘Lead Farmers’, who are skilled and motivated, to support neighbouring fellow farmers in new farming practices. Community organisations are also set up to enable small-holder farmers to work with organisations of government and the private sector. In this way, communities are given a voice and are able to develop stheir own strategies for poverty reduction.
• An increase in agricultural production and income
Crop diversification is encouraged to reduce peoples’ vulnerability to risks such as low rainfall or low seed supply. The project promotes conservation of the environment and biodiversity so that local communities are able to manage the natural resources which they depend upon for food. The methods of sale for food and crops are improved, resulting in a diversified rural economy.
• The empowerment of rural communities
The project aims to raise awareness of social, civil, economic and political rights. Community members, especially women, people living with HIV/AIDS, and the disabled, are given help to access a broad range of services provided by the state, NGOs and the private sector.
This project is a 10 year initiative which started in July 2007. The aim is to expand to the areas of Mzimba and Nkhata Bay over time.
This project is implemented in partnership with two Malawian NGOs: RUFA (Rural Foundation for Afforestation) and MACRO (Malawi Aids Counselling and Resource Organisation); as well as the government’s Ministry of Agriculture in Mzuzu (MZ-ADD).
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