Livestock farming offer people jobs

Communities in Traditional Authority Mbenje in Nsanje District have found employment opportunities in livestock farming.

The community members are working in various farms where they take care of cattle, goats and other animals. 

In random interviews with the community members, they said they earn between K50 000 and K60 000 a month, which they spend on food and other basic necessities.

Manesse Stewart from Zibankhwe Village, who works at Zibankhwe Farm owned by Mbugwile Nkolokosa, said his job has saved him from hunger.

He said: “Nsanje experienced Cyclone Freddy in March this year which affected our livelihoods as we lost crops and businesses during the disaster.

“Currently, many people are facing hunger in the district. However, some of us have found jobs at livestock farms.”

Stewart thanked Nkolokosa for opening the farm and installing a water kiosk in the village which is benefitting many people.

Another community member, Ganizani Chinthambo from Kaleso Village works at Nyam’mbwemba Farm, also owned by Nkolokosa.

“These farms have offered us employment opportunities,” he said.

In a separate interview, Nkolokosa, 73, said he has employed 60 people at his two farms.

“After working for 36 years in the United Kingdom as medical doctor, I opened farms in 2014 and have since raised 531 head of cattle, 527 goats and 161 sheep. I employed people to help with activities at the farm.”