Cyclone survivors appeal for farm inputs

Cyclone Freddy survivors on Chisi Island in Lake Chilwa in Zomba District have appealed for farm inputs to replant during the winter.

Speaking on Wednesday when Permaculture Paradise Institute and Imagine Africa Organisation distributed maize flour, potato vines, cassava cuttings and rabbits to 120 farmers, group village head Tchuka said their crops were washed away by floods.

He also asked organisations to teach people modern farming methods to get bumper yields.

“With improved farming technologies, farmers will be able to produce more food. The future of the islanders lies in agriculture as the island has fertile soils suitable for crop and fruit production,” said Tchuka.

However, the chief expressed concern that people on the island do not receive aid and other relief items due to mobility challenges.

Permaculture Paradise Institute founding director Luwayo Biswick said permaculture has the potential to boost food security on the island.

He said permaculture, which is the technological approach to land management and settlement design that adopts the arrangements in flourishing natural ecosystems, offers solutions for soil fertility and water conservation.

“It also promotes initiatives aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change. The technology empowers the communities to grow and maintain food security without depleting the environment,” said Biswick.

Imagine Africa chief executive officer Chimwemwe Limani said the farmers will be able to grow more crops on less land.

“The technology is an excellent idea that can be implemented anywhere, including backyard gardens,” he said.