People in Sub-Traditional Authority Nkapita in Zomba District have commended Matoponi Irrigation Scheme for improving food security in the area.
The scheme, under the Programme for Rural Irrigation Development (Pride), supports irrigation farming on 110 hectares.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, farmers said they grow crops all-year round.
One of the farmers, Calorine Shumba, said extension workers under Masaula Extension Planning Area guide them on modern farming technologies.
She said: “The availability of water has enabled us to embrace irrigation farming in the area. Most importantly, we pay attention to advice rendered to us by extension workers.
“Growing crops thrice a year has solved the problem of food insecurity in the area.”
Another farmer Luciano Kandulu said people using the scheme have seen an increase in crop yields and income.
“I do not struggle to provide for my family as previously,” he said.
Village head Masaula commended the initiative for empowering women economically.
“This scheme is ours. We, therefore, should take care of it. I also urge farmers to share various skills to improve their farming,” he said.
Matoponi senior irrigation officer Lauren Jonas expressed optimism that more farmers will benefit from the scheme.
He said the project targets vulnerable groups, including women, youths and persons with disabilities.
Malawi Government is implementing the project in Chitipa, Zomba, Dowa, Machinga, Chiradzulu, Rumphi and Nkhata Bay districts with funding from the International Fund for Agricultural Development
