Mulanje District Council director of agriculture services Osmund Chapotoka has urged farmers to construct water and land management structures in their fields to improve crop resilience to El Nino effects. He made the call at Masubi Primary School in Traditional Authority Chikumbu during the opening of an agriculture fair. The fair's theme was 'Promoting climate-smart agriculture, value addition and market access for sustainable development'. Chapotoka emphasized the importance of these structures in enhancing crop resilience.
Chapotoka specifically recommended that farmers build water harvesting structures such as check-dams, eyebrow basins, and swales to collect rainwater and retain moisture in the soil. This, he said, would enable crops to mature despite the challenges posed by El Nino. The director of agriculture services also suggested that farmers make Mbeya manure to improve soil fertility. These measures aim to help farmers adapt to the impacts of climate change.
The Mulanje District Council is promoting best farming practices through the agriculture fair. Council vice-chairperson Humphreys Mchenga stated that the fair provides an opportunity for farmers to share knowledge and learn from each other. With the help of agricultural extension officers, farmers are exchanging ideas on building resilience, selecting suitable seeds, and adding value to their crops to increase income.
The Point of Progress livelihood's project officer Gift Abinala, whose organization supported the fair, said they are also equipping farmers with value-addition skills. This initiative aims to boost agricultural livelihoods and reduce post-harvest losses. In Namphungo Area, for example, farmers are being taught to produce cooking oil from sunflowers.
One of the farmers, Foster Mpetiwa from Chinomba Village, commended the council for the initiative. He said it has enabled them to access early maturing and drought-tolerant seeds, which they will plant this year. Mpetiwa expressed his appreciation for the council's efforts to support farmers in adopting climate-resilient practices.
The agriculture fair provided a platform for farmers to interact with seed sellers and agricultural experts. Farmers were able to learn about new technologies and practices that can help them adapt to the changing climate. The event was well-attended, and participants expressed their enthusiasm for the initiative.
The adoption of climate-smart methods is crucial for Malawi's agricultural sector, which is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. By embracing these practices, farmers can improve their resilience and contribute to the country's food security. The Mulanje District Council's initiative is an important step towards promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing the risks associated with climate change.
Key points
- Malawi farmers are being encouraged to adopt climate-smart methods to enhance crop resilience to the effects of El Nino.
