Agribusiness shapes Malawian women to be resilient

In Mphinzi village and surrounding areas in the central Lakeshore district of Salima, Elephants have been a constant menace to people destroying crops, property and threatening lives during rampages. Today, a 55 km solar powered electric fence – that deters their rumbling movement has created opportunity for women to engage in agribusiness. CHARLES MKOKA travelled there to appreciate the initiative.

On the banks of Linthipe River Lunia Jamisoni and her friends from Mphinzi village seeks shelter under a shade of a legume scientifically called  Bauhinia thonningii  or  camels foot  explaining how vegetable growing has turn to be a form  of  entrepreneurship and  livelihood.

Jamisoni recalls how a vibrant Linthipe used to run the whole year round and children would not dare cross alone in the absence of parents. She remembers how a thriving river provided an enabling environment for Lake Salmon locally know as Mpasa to breed and multiply, today Salmon are a rare sight.  Locally known in the vernacular as Mpasa the fish migrate upstream to lay eggs and move back to Lake Malawi when the breeding season is over.

Today, Jamisoni and her colleagues only salvage pools of water to provide the needed moisture for the vegetables they are growing as an income generating activity. They blame wanton tree cutting as the cause of severe erosion and siltation that is chocking the river hydrology.

Solar fence provides hope

Over the years Elephants in the absence of a strong barrier have been a cause of worry especially during rainy season when crops are in the field and even after harvest. The Jumbos trekked to maize fields and this negatively affected crop productivity.
Today, Jumbos rampage are a thing of the past says local leader Traditional Authority Kambwiri whose area saw ugly face of the destruction that led to loss of life and property. Residents are now food secure from planting to harvest time as the Jumbos are now being tamed by the live fence. Communities are also engaged in winter cropping as they are able to grow tubers such as sweet potatoes and cereals like maize without problems.
“Elephants are no longer a problem here. We are now able to grow crops and harvest them without problems,” narrated Kambwiri during a visit to the area recently.

Women team up in agribusiness

Live solar electrical fence is providing shock to deter large Jumbos out of Thuma. This has prompted villagers especially women who have defied gender to explore opportunities to support their families. These are initiatives the locals did not attempt to embark on when the jumbos were on the loose.

Availability of pools of water in Linthipe has offered women farmer’s opportunity to grow vegetables as part of income generating activity. Previously they used to stay aloof waiting for their husbands to bring food on the table. That is now history as they now grow Chinese, Cabbages and Tomatoes which they supply the urban demand driven market.
The initiative is helping us eke a living explains Denitsa Gendala chair lady of group. “We carry the fresh relish and move with it around villages as fresh nutritious food high in fibre content. Some of the clients even travel all the way from as far as Lilongwe and Salima to buy the vegetables here. This is proving to be a worthwhile enterprise for us women here to undertake.

“Last year the thirteen women shared MK12, 000.00 each from initial tomato sales translating into a total of MK156, 000.00 earned by the group. This year onions and cabbages are expected to rake MK115, 000.00. We opened a bank account named Mphinzi Tuesday Trust maintained at Standard Bank, Salima Branch. After the sale we are able to buy goats and start new house hold businesses in our families as part of broader women empowerment. Some of us are able to buy iron sheets and transform our dwelling units from the typical thatch grass which we have lived in since birth,” is what Anne Mataya secretary of the grouping said at Mphinzi during the visit.

At regional level in the wake of climate uncertainties – and the need to build resilient communities New Partnership for Africa Development realising the role of women who dominate agriculture and rarely enjoy the limelight and recognition they deserve – is supporting platform for women in agri-businesses. These gatherings discuss ways in which agribusiness can be aligned to the activities of women smallholder farmers to be resilient.  The next meeting is slated from 3 - 5 November in Durban, South Africa.

Improve local relations

An Irish organisation Tuesday Trust and Wildlife Action Group (WAG), a local non - governmental organisation are partners in this programme. WAG has now constructed 55km of solar powered electric fence that now provides a barrier keeping elephants and other animals separated from human habitation, crops and property. WAG has been supporting the department of forestry in the management of the reserve that covers 197 sq kilometres since 1996. Tuesday Trust provides seed to the women farmers for free.
Lynn Clifford, WAG Manager narrated that her organisation together with Tuesday Trust bring income generating activities among peripheral communities that include women empowerment to support their families and hence changing their lives as relations between protected area staff  and villagers continue to improve.

“As WAG we are operating in the same way of the Public Private Partnership agreement in management of the reserve by supporting communities. We now have sustained good relations and come to one another for assistance when there is need. We offer transport to villagers but also take some of those that are sick to hospital for free, “this is what has made management of the reserve to be collaborative said Clifford adding chiefs are now appreciating the existence of the reserve.

One other resource that communities are also allowed to harvest on a sustainable basis is bamboo that is available in abundance. Used in the production of cane furniture the locals are given permits to cut bamboo which they are able to sale or make furniture, weave baskets or produce winnowing trays.

Lingson Machete is one of the beneficiaries of bamboo from Thuma from the surrounding communities. He lauded WAG for the conservation approach taken to ensure the resource is being utilised in a sustainable manner and there is order among the local communities.
“There is now order in the utilisation of the resource this is a commendable development for sustainability purpose,” concluded Machete in a interview

Agro - biodiversity vital for nutrition and food security

By Charles Mkoka

LILONGWE - Local varieties are a solution to nutrition and food security challenges in rural areas is what farmers at Chikwawa, Kawaza and Mkombezi seed banks in the northern region Rumphi district said. This was observed during a media visit to appreciate the initiative where farmers are retaining indigenous varieties inherited through the informal seed system over the years.

During random interviews farmers argued they are proud of local maize and legumes varieties they are currently growing. To them, it is these varieties that are compatible to the agro-ecology of the area; they favour the climate and give them the needed benefits compared to commercial hybrids varieties.

Mybeius Mkandawire, a single female headed family farmer who took journalists on a tour to see some of the crops she grows detailed how hybrids planted the past season failed to impress compared to local maize variety.  She explained how local  legume groundnuts called Tchayilosi outperformed CG1 variety which failed to cope with the little rainfall period due to reduced precipitation.

The dismal performance of hybrids forced farmers to express reservations on the impending draft seed policy that plans to encourage farmers to grow improved varieties from multinational corporations who form the bulk of the formal seed sector. However, there are concerns that the policy should also recognize the greater role played by informal seed sector where the bulk of the farmers’ access seeds through exchange.

Herbert Mwalukomo, Head of Programmes, at the Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy (CEPA) working in partnership with two other non - governmental organisations namely Find Your Feet and Biodiversity Conservation Initiative explained that Malawians need improved varieties and a formal seed system to meet national seed and food requirements.

However focusing on improved varieties and a formal seed system alone will not address Malawi's food security needs, not least because over 70 percent of the farming population relies on the informal seed system.

“Under the informal system, farmers save, sell and exchange farm saved seed among themselves. Those who can afford to buy seed from the formal market are able to produce more depending on the rainfall and the area agro-ecology. It is for this reason that we believe the right approach should be an integrated system in which the formal and informal systems complement each other. Integration would involve working with farmers and building on their knowledge in variety selection, undertaking participatory plant breeding, facilitating establishment of local seed banks and promoting knowledge exchange,” narrated Mwalukomo when asked to comment on the draft seed policy during the media visit.

Malawi’s economy is predominantly agro-based with a large majority of the rural population directly dependent on small-scale farming. Most farmers use indigenous varieties which are adversely affected by policy choices that emanate from the domestication of the international instruments according to non state actors observations.

Find Your Feet, Chimwemwe Soko suggests the need for more consultations saying more farmers needed to be approached especially where the policy stipulates that improved varieties have to be purchased annually. Ironically, local farmers interacted with expressed preference for local varieties especially maize because of its flavor, taste and durability.

Malawi just like others countries in the region however faces various challenges including inadequate technical and legal expertise to effectively negotiate and implement policy options relating to sustainable use of biodiversity, agro-biodiversity and equitable sharing of benefits arising from utilization of these; protection of indigenous knowledge systems, farmers’ rights and traditional practitioners’ rights.

These are some of the observations that are detailed in the National Policy Analysis and Advocacy for Sustainable Livelihoods where partners namely Biodiversity Conservation Initiative; Find Your Feet; and Trustees of Agricultural Promotion Programme are working with CEPA to raise the much needed awareness to strike  a balance to ensure the seed system remain vibrant and robust.

Experts suggest that genetic resources in agriculture represent the foundation for food security, rural income and livelihood and the basis for adaptation to impacts of climate change. The effects of climate change have exacerbated the challenges women and other excluded groups experience due to among others, unsustainable exploitation of natural resources. Some of these challenges include travelling long distances to collect fuel wood and water. The impact of climate change on women has been greatly pronounced because of policies that have weak provisions on gender related issues.

Mwalukomo added that the limited recognition of agricultural biodiversity is reflected in the rapid replacement of the informal seed system with the formal system and its modern varieties. An example of this in Malawi is the focus on maize, a crop that lends itself to hybridization, which then makes seed saving impossible.

The ‘maize model’ (technology transfer, high inputs and subsidies) has been promoted through research, investment and favourable institutional and policy frameworks. The result is that it has become such a dominant crop in Malawi that it threatens to replace not only traditional maize varieties, but also many other crops, reducing diversity in farmers’ fields and in people’s diets he observed.

Through stakeholder consultations, however, the informal seed system is gaining recognition as essential for food security. Farmers continue to save seed and the informal seed system has survived with women playing a significant role in saving seeds owing to the limited capacity for farmers to access credit and subsidies for them to buy expensive modern varieties. At the same time, farmers prefer varieties with specific adaptation to local conditions or with tasting, cooking and storing qualities that cannot be obtained from the formal sector.

It is against this background that local farmers during the visit feel it is high time that they are consulted as key stakeholders in the agriculture sector as they play a central role in food security, nutrition and the agriculture value chain.

Local seed systems have a regional bearing in the New Partnership for Agriculture Development, Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Program established in 2003 that focuses on improving and promoting agriculture across the Africa continent.

CAADP aims to eliminate hunger and reduce poverty through agriculture led development and a sound seed system is part of broader approach to achieving this regional dream for all the signatories to the CAADP process.

Kungoni echoes Pope’s concerns on ecosystem plunder

Kungoni echoes Pope’s concerns on ecosystem plunder

By Charles Mkoka

The 15th of August, 2015 will go into the annals of history as the days the Kungoni Arts Centre, based at Mua Parish in Dedza district took a cultural and religious approach and held a mass of stewardship of the universe. During the event the Catholic Church repeated the appeal made by Pope Francis in a letter addressed to its faithful which strongly condemned unsustainable resource degradation on the planet as human population increases.

The plunder of natural resources threatens food security by disturbing the hydrological cycle, nutrition through loss of edible wild fruits such as masuku rich in calcium and phosphorous, loss of botanical species of medicinal value and finally loss of the natural beauty.

The 184 page Rome letter raises concern on the scale of degradation humans are inflicting on the environment.  This was a catalyst for Kungoni artists led by Claude Bouacher locally known as (Achisale) to replicate the Pope theme to highlight the dangers of resource degradation to humans. Not surprising, that the Parish’s amphitheatre accommodated thousands of patrons who flocked to hilly terrain to see different traditional dances and plays from the cultural perspective that carried messages of conserving our environment.

Pope Francis letter on our common home

Pope Francis the head of the Roman Catholic concerned about the scale of degradation being inflicted on the environment globally in May authored a letter in which he highlighted the unsustainable practices being employed by mankind. In the words of this beautiful canticle, Saint Francis of Assisi reminds  the world of our common home which is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us.

The  sister the letter goes on to say  now cries out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her. Pope Francis writes that we have come to see ourselves as her lords and masters, entitled to plunder her at will. The violence present in our hearts, wounded by sin, is also reflected in the symptoms of sickness evident in the soil, water, air and in all forms of life. The Pope also touched on biodiversity saying the earth’s resources are being plundered because of short-sighted approaches to the economy, commerce and production. The loss of forests and woodlands entails the loss of species which may constitute extremely important resources in future, not only for food but also for curing disease and other uses. Different species contain genes which could be key resources in years ahead for meeting human needs and regulating environmental problems.

 "It is not enough, however, to think of different species merely as potential “resources” to be exploited, while overlooking the fact that they have value in themselves. Each year sees the disappearance of thousands of plant and animal species which we will never know, which our children will never see, because they have been lost forever. The great majority become extinct for reasons related to human activity. Because of us, thousands of species will no longer give glory to God by their very existence, nor convey their message to us. We have no such right, “says the Pope in reference to loss of genetic diversity.
Pope Francis then made a strong appeal to protect our common home, a concern to bring the whole human family together to seek a sustainable and integral development, knowing it is possible things can change.

 Kungoni open mass on environment

In the wake of the Pope’s concerns on ecosystem degradation globally, Mua Parish in Dedza dedicated a mass to the course of environment conservation. This follows local challenges especially the short rainfall duration that saw crops withering due to inadequate water. According to agricultural experts the lack of adequate water has actually affected crop production. This has lead to speculations of possible food shortage, a development that has forced government to buy maize from neighbouring countries to avert a possible famine.

The mass was titled; (Kokotakokota mitengo yatha, mvula ndi madzi kwakwala, chauta akutituma kuti tisunge chilengedwe) translated as over utilization of trees, rain and water. God is sending us to conserve the environment.

The clergy told local and international patrons that human population is growing annually hence the need to strike a balance in sharing resources on earth such as wildlife, fish, birds and trees. As such there is a need to live in harmony of our dear Lord in heaven without competition and offending others.  They made emphasis to live amicably with nature though sometimes humans may not agree with why God created other forms of life.

“God give us everything so that we can name those living creatures, use them sustainably and managed them in a manner that they should be available for the next generation. This is because we exchange air between plants and animal said the theme said the leading Father,” said the visiting Father from Saint Francis Parish in Lilongwe during the mass
Speaking separately in an interview after the event Claude Bouacher who coordinates Kungoni Arts Centre clarified the synergy that is on culture, religion and environment. He said we need guidance of the past for us to progress and succeed into the future. He made reference as to why they use the chameleon in most of their plays and activities.

Bouacher said he uses the example of a typical reptile which camouflages itself as it moves, “A Chameleon has the ability to throw one leg forward and one eye backwards. We combine the past, present and future for us to succeed in life. Like a Chameleon culture is not static, it changes and there are important values that can be passed on by looking at what will survive. That is what we are doing here,” he explained making reference to the use of culture to propagate messages that will benefit the local populace in the conservation of the environment. Interestingly, the Ngoni dancers no longer use skin hides of wildlife but manmade fabric as part of their regalia.

Chiefs hail cultural initiative

Among the many notable local patrons that came to witness the occasion at Mua Parish were chiefs from the nearby Salima district led by Traditional Authority Kambwiri. The visit was facilitated by the Wildlife Action Group (WAG) which thought the event at Mua had a bearing on the management of 197 square kilometers of Thuma Forest declared as a reserve in 1926. The reserve shared by Dedza, Dowa, Lilongwe and Salima districts has experienced strained relations with surrounding communities especially because of marauding elephants that have terrorized peripheral communities’ crops and property.

Today elephant rampages are a thing of the past as the newly erected solar powered fence restricts movement of Jumbos out of the reserve. “We had an interesting function here at Mua Parish and if all chiefs were to emulate this example the gospel of sound environment management would spread far and wide,” observed T/A Kambwiri who led Group Village Headmen from Salima to the event.

Kambwiri was quick to offer free advice on changing the mindset in as far as tree planting, “We should encourage people to plant trees as families. This is because individual trees that we have been planting all those years have not proven to be effective. But those planted by families are taken care of because there is a sense of ownership in these trees. If all the chiefs practice this, it would really make a difference in conservation in the Malawi.”

WAG the local non- governmental organisation managing Thuma Forest Reserve invited Chiefs to appreciate the day and celebrations with the view that they would learn more about the importance of conserving forests. The chiefs said they really enjoyed and learnt a lot on the importance of tree and forest through songs, dances and plays during the visit.
Lynn Clifford, WAG Manager felt this was indeed a great experience and urged the use of culture to educate local population about forest conservation. “It was an enjoyable day to spend with our traditional chiefs and Group Village Headmen. This will strengthen our relationships at grassroots level to fight deforestation and associated wildlife related crimes.” Clifford a determined lady who defies gender said.

PS praises initiative

But what is the reaction of government and the Ministry of Information, Tourism and Culture in this local initiative? Elsie Tembo, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Tourism and Culture who came to witness the event hailed Kungoni for using culture to spread the gospel of conservation. She said there were very strong linkages in the way culture; religion and conservation were factored in the theme.

“What is happening here need to be replicated elsewhere in the country. Conservation both natural environment as well as culture are quite relevant and key even if we talk about tourism. This is what makes a place, people and community unique from others. We therefore as a people must replicate this in the church, community and even in our towns so that we conserve the environment,” narrated Tembo on the sidelines of the event.

Joseph Moyo, song composer and singer said they thought of using traditional dancers to develop messages for the local populace to understand why environment conservation is an issue of global concerned as highlighted by the Pope in the letter.

“We have seen it with our naked eye, that the rains have been erratic this year largely because of the action of humans on the environment. No wonder we selected the Pope concerns on ecosystems as something to change the local populace mindset, “said the lead dancer while wearing the Ngoni fabric regalia that resembles the cats such as Leopards.