Farmers from traditional authorities (T/As) Mponda and Chimwala in Mangochi District have hailed the farmer field schools initiative for promoting good farming practices.
The farmers said this on Tuesday when Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) officials visited their areas to appreciate the progress of the Promoting Sustainable Partnership for Empowered Resilience (Prosper) project being implemented in the district.
plantain they harvested
Through the project, FAO has been engaging farmers in farmer field schools to teach them modern farming technologies to build their resilience to climate shocks.
Speaking during the visit, one of the farmers, Helena Mpotola, who is also chairperson of Issa Mponda Farmer Field School, said the schools have enhanced their farming skills.
“Unlike in the past, we are now producing more more yields,” she said. Her group is into banana farming.
Mpotola said the initiative has enhanced food security and they are selling the surplus to earn an income.
Her counterpart, Limbanazo Chimwala from Chimwala Farmer Field School in T/A Chimwala, said they have learnt how to keep livestock and the correct use of manure.
“We have learnt that we can raise livestock and produce manure to apply to our fields,” he said.
In her remarks, Nasenga Extension Planning Area agriculture extension development coordinator Diana Pinifolo said the initiative has transformed famers’ lives in the district.
“The testimonies from the farmers are a clear indication that the farmer fields schools have been a success and we are happy about this,” she said.
FAO has been implementing the Prosper project with funding from UKAid
