Mwasadzu Irrigation Scheme in Dedza covering an area of 25 hectares with 126 farming households is poised to create economic opportunities and ensure food security for small-scale farmers.
According to Mwasadzu Irrigation Scheme Chairperson, Hassan Sambani, small-scale farmers from Kudemera Village in the area of Group Village Head Chipindo, Senior Chief Kaphuka, were struggling to find food and income to support their families.
“We were using water canes to draw water from Linthipe River which passes in our area, it was very hard to irrigate a large area. This we do to enhance income at the household level.
“With support from Group Village Head Chipindo, we accepted the establishment of the irrigation scheme. Our agriculture extension worker linked us with United Purpose (UP). The organisation has been instrumental that the irrigation scheme should take off,’’ said Sambani.
Commenting on the development, UP official, Barton Mwale, said Mwasadzu Irrigation Scheme Project was established based on challenges affecting smallholder farmers in the area.
Irrigation scheme to resolve challenges
“As United Purpose we noted economic challenges at the household level, food insecurity, issues of climate change, no access to supporting organisations, use of poor quality seeds, working as individual farmers among other shortfalls hence launching the scheme,” explained Mwale.
On the sustainability of the project, Mwale said UP has helped the farmers to form a cooperative, revolving fund among other initiatives.
Reported by Sothine Ndazi, MBC Online Services
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