Farmers hail climate intervention initiative
Farmers in Rumphi have said the Participatory Integrated Climate Services for Agriculture (Picsa) approach has improved food security in the district.
Picsa, an approach that seeks to build resilience at farm level, supports decision-making through integration of information on local climate.
Speaking on Monday during a tour organised by UNDP under the Scaling up the Use of Modernised Climate Information and Early Warning Systems (M-Climes) to appreciate how Picsa has transformed farmers’ lives, lead farmer Winston Kanyenda from Traditional Authority Mwankhunikira said farmers were able to use early warning systems to make good decisions on farming.
“I harvest 50 bags of maize. Previously, I used to harvest 18 bags. I have bought two goats and an ox-cart. I am also supporting my grandchild with school fees,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Edwin Nyirenda said his family is now food-secure.
M-Climes national project coordinator Ted Nyekanyeka said farmers participating in Picsa have improved their food security because they have better climate adaptation practices.
Malawi Government, with support from UNDP, secured funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to implement Picsa project to scale up the use of modernised early warning systems.
