By Mirriam Kaliza
As Malawi continues to grapple with unemployment and economic challenges, initiatives such as PUSHA are demonstrating that agriculture can become more than just a survival strategy for young people.
For some youths in Ntchisi, farming is no longer viewed as a last resort. Instead, it is becoming a pathway to education, entrepreneurship and financial independence.
The PUSHA Loan Initiative is an agricultural input financing package provided by the Farmers Union of Malawi with support from AGRA. The programme is specifically designed to support young farmers by improving access to agricultural inputs and agribusiness opportunities.
Agriculture Extension Methodology Officer at Ntchisi Agriculture Office, Masautso Phiri, says empowering young people through agricultural financing is critical for improving productivity and strengthening livelihoods.
He says stakeholders must continue working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture to minimise risks associated with youth financing and ensure more young people are actively participating in agribusiness.
“Young people are an important component in achieving growth in agriculture,” he says.
Tazindikira Cooperative Chairperson Violet Kamwaza says working in groups has proven effective in helping young people improve their livelihoods and succeed in farming.
She says cooperatives not only improve access to loans and markets but also encourage accountability and knowledge sharing among young farmers.
Representative Alfonso Kachapira Banda says the cooperative buys produce using reliable scales and follows government-set prices.
“We help farmers access markets so they do not struggle after harvest,” he explains. “This benefits both the farmers and the cooperative.”
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