Scheme benefits 29 Blantyre farmers

Over 29 farmers from Mlanga Village in Traditional Authority (TA) Nsomba in Blantyre are benefiting from Mlanga Irrigation Scheme constructed with the help of Irrigation, Rural Livelihoods and Agricultural Development (Irlad).

Speaking in an interview on Monday, Mlanga Irrigation Scheme chairperson Grace Mafuta said Irlad donated 220 bags of cement to construct the scheme.
“Irlad has also been helping us with different varieties of seeds such as maize, beans and vegetables for us to grow in our fields,” she said.

Mlanga Irrigation Scheme development secretary Victoria Kachembere said, through the project, she has built a house.

“Apart from the house, I also have goats which I sell to get school fees for my children and I am sure they will complete their education,” she said.
Mlanga village head Stanley Mandowa said people now have enough food to feed their families the whole year.

He noted that land scarcity is hindering other people from joining the scheme.
The scheme was introduced in the village in 2008 and currently has 29 members out of which 25 are women and four are men.