Some farmers in Nkhata Bay District have commended the livestock pass-on programme that former president Joyce Banda launched in 2012 for improving their livelihood.
Speaking in an interview on Monday, one of the beneficiaries Amos Magala, from Traditional Authority Fukamapiri in the district, said the initiative changed his life.
He said: “Initially, I thought of migrating to South Africa for green pastures after living many years in abject poverty.
from livestock farming
However, before I could leave, the former president launched the livestock pass-on programme and I was among the first people to receive a cow.”
Magala, who belongs to Kajembe Club in Kavuzi, said he can now afford three meals a day.
“The club has improved the initiative and has begun distributing goats to its members,” he said.
Emily Kamanga, a Form Three student from Kavuzi Community Day Secondary School in the district said her mother started another business with proceeds from the goats.
“My mother is able to support the family, including paying school fees for me, thanks to the programme,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Hilda Chima, said livestock farming was an alternative to rain-fed agriculture.
“Nkhata Bay is known for its agricultural activities, including crop production, but in recent times, climate change shocks affected production,” she said.
Kajembe Club vice-chairperson Zex Chirwa urged people to embrace livestock farming to improve their economic status.
He said: “We also urge people to adopt improved animal technologies when rearing livestock.
“It is also important to join the club to learn different things, especially how to treat sick animals.”
Village head Kamzingeni expressed excitement with how women have improved their livelihood under the initiative.
