Chikwawa farmers decry poor access to markets

M’bande Irrigation Scheme farmers in Chikwawa have complained about poor access to markets.

The women farmers operate under Namatope Cooperative through an irrigation scheme in Traditional Authority Maseya in the district.

In an interview, Namatope Cooperative vice-chairperson Chimwemwe James said the development is a challenge to their commercial farming.

“We plant some cash crops, including tomatoes, onions and other, but we lack access to markets,” she said.

James asked government and other partners to intervene, saying the past two farming seasons saw huge post-harvest losses.

Chikwawa District Council agriculture gender roles extension and support services officer Madalitso Makondi admitted the challenge the women are facing.

He said: “As government, we provide the farmers with technical aspects regarding crop production in relation to climate.

“However, securing reliable markets for their produce is a problem. But we will continue to work with the farmers so that their hard work does not end in vain.”