Transforming Agriculture through Diversification and Entrepreneurship (Trade) programme says it will upgrade a 3.5-kilometre road connecting farmers from Wowo Irrigation Scheme in Traditional Authority Nkhulambe (T/A) in Phalombe to markets.
Programme for Rural Irrigation Development (Pride) constructed the irrigation scheme to improve food and income security in the district.
Speaking during a tour of the scheme on Monday, Trade programme communication specialist Oscar Ulili said the initiative seeks to create an enabling environment for communities to undertake commercial farming.
He said: “Our sister project, Pride constructed the scheme, but these farmers are still experiencing challenges in terms of transportation of their produce to permanent markets.
“That is why Trade programme has come into address the transportation problem so that these farmers can have a good access to markets.”
Group village head Wowo said upgrading the road will help improve mobility for farmers.
“We are not benefitting from farming because many buyers do not reach here due to mobility challenges. Once the road becomes passable, farmers will transport their produce to bigger markets,” he said.
Phalombe district lands officer Isaac Madeya said the upgrading of the road is expected to be completed in three months.
At least 1 570 farmers are using the scheme.
Trade programme is implementing the initiative with support from International Fund for Agricultural Development and Opec Fund for International Development
