Floods could be a blessing

 This year, heavy rains in Northern Malawi and southwestern Tanzania left Lake Malawi swelling and flooding communities along its shoreline.

The flood displaced communities, damaged infrastructure and disrupted businesses.

The lake is the country’s topmost tourist destination, a face of the tourism industry that contributes about 6.7 percent to the gross domestic product.

However, the sector faces a slowdown with beaches and lakeside resorts flooded.

Perhaps it is time to look at the other side of the swelling lake.

It could be an untapped resource.

Lake Malawi has been rising since 2010 and some have wondered if this could be an answer to the country’s agricultural woes.

The rising waters could be a call to action. Instead of resigning to fate, we must ask: “What can we do with the abundant water?”

There is a mutual relationship between tourism and agriculture.

This year, the Southern Region experienced low harvests due to drought caused by the El Nino weather pattern.

The floods only worsen food insecurity, a grim reality for the country’s agro-based economy.

Here, irrigation could help mitigate hunger caused by weather shocks.

This may be seen as wishful, but the potential is noticeable.

Why hasn’t the nation embraced this solution faster?

Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc offers a compelling case study.

Through irrigation techniques, Illovo has become one of the largest cane growers and sugar producers in southern Africa.

The Ministry of Agriculture should harness this momentum and partner with experienced entities like Illovo to utilise irrigation for bumper yields.

The nation should leverage the lake’s abundant waters to accelerate irrigation farming.

This will help agricultural output and boost food security while alleviating the swelling lake to restore tourism.

Such projects require time, investment and planning.

It also involves relocating communities to put them out of harm’s way and free up land for irrigation. Yet, it is better late than never.

Irrigating crops using outflows from Lake Malawi could transform agriculture, an opportunity that transcends the immediate concerns about floods.

On this journey, the nation should heed the call for innovation to catalyse long-term growth and development.

Irrigation offers a sustainable solution to mitigating the impacts of climate change on agriculture.

With erratic rainfall patterns, traditional farming methods that rely on rain are no longer reliable.

Harnessing the swelling lake guarantees Malawi a consistent water supply for improved crop harvests, food security and livelihoods.

Irrigation also presents an opportunity for crop diversification and value addition.

With abundant water, farmers can produce more, including high-value cash crops such as fruits, vegetables, and flowers, twice or thrice a year.

This enhances farmers’ income and contributes to export earnings and economic growth.

Moreover, modern irrigation techniques can improve productivity and efficiency.

Farmers can achieve higher yields with fewer inputs by utilising water resources, reducing production costs and maximising profitability.

Additionally, innovations such as drip irrigation and precision farming minimising waste and environmental impact.

Beyond the direct benefits, the ripple effects of irrigation extend to other economic sectors.

A thriving agricultural industry stimulates demand for inputs and services, creating job opportunities along the value chain.

From agricultural machinery suppliers to agro-processing industries and market vendors, the entire economy will benefit from a vibrant agricultural sector.

Additionally, irrigation infrastructure development generates substantial investment opportunities and economic growth.

Large-scale irrigation projects require significant capital, spurring demand for construction services, engineering expertise and financing solutions.

Irrigation expansion opens new land for cultivation, unlocking the agricultural potential of underutilised areas.

Instead of just lamenting the impact of the swelling lake, let us dare to dream and believe in our potential to turn the tragedy into a gift that keeps giving