Machinga Agriculture Development Division (ADD) has urged farmers to adopt irrigation farming as a reliable solution to persistent food insecurity amid climate change shocks.
The ADD’s programme manager Adreck Banda said this on Thursday at Ipani in Traditional Authority Bwananyambi in Mangochi during the launch of the Irrigation Season and Catchment Management Campaign in the district.
He stressed the urgent need for irrigation in the ADD, which comprises Mangochi, Balaka and Zomba districts, saying it is a way to go in the face of climate change.
Banda noted that these districts have experienced prolonged dry spells during recent rainy seasons resulting in poor harvests.
He said: “Irrigation farming is no longer an option, but a necessity. With the changing climate, we must invest in sustainable farming methods.
“Irrigation allows farmers to harvest more than three times a year, which translates into improved food security and higher incomes.”
Banda further highlighted that the ADD is rich in water resources such as lakes Malawi, Malombe, Chiuta and Chilwa
and Shire River; hence, the need to utilise these water bodies for irrigation schemes.
One shining example of successful irrigation farming in the district is the Mgwirizano Irrigation Scheme under Masuku Extension Planning Area at Ipani.
The 5.5-hectare scheme is showing impressive results.
The scheme’s chairperson Maxwell Madomba shared the success story.
“Through this scheme, we have improved household food security and empowered our members economically,” he said.
Madomba said last season, they harvested 304 bags of maize, generating K15 million in revenue and currently, they are cultivating beans and expect a return of K40 million from 200 bags.
“The scheme has 28 members and is structured to target both domestic consumption and commercial markets. We thank agricultural extension workers for their continued technical support,” he said
