Food security remains a challenging issue in Malawi. According to the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) 4.4 million people in Malawi, about 22% of the population, are currently experiencing crisis levels of food insecurity.
Amid this crisis, 80 kilometers north of the capital, Lilongwe, Opulence is working in Madisi, Dowa District, addressing this pressing issue. Since 2022, the organization has been implementing the Food Security Programme, which promotes the adoption of permaculture methods of food production.
Among other things, permaculture encompasses a variety of activities, including creating home gardens, planting and nurturing fruit trees, establishing food forests, practicing mixed cropping, utilizing manure, engaging in animal husbandry, building compost toilets, and developing tree nurseries.
Sifoliyano Khwamba, a father of four, is a lead farmer in the village. He adopted permaculture in April 2022 and explained how the journey started. “We received permaculture training and were given three months to implement what we learned. Before that, the land around my house was just bare, and we would sweep it daily. They advised us to use this space to grow food for our households, which is why you see vegetables and other plants around my home now. The goal is food security, and I can say that we always have vegetables and fruits, with enough surplus to sell,” he shared.
Khwamba recalls how people initially mocked him, claiming that planting fruit trees was pointless because they wouldn’t bear fruit until after he was gone. However, their perception has drastically changed after seeing the benefits he reaps from permaculture.
“When I started, people doubted it would work, but I took that as motivation. Some said I would be long gone before the trees start bearing fruits. However, I had seen it succeed at the demonstration farm, so I persisted, knowing it would work. Now, they have embraced permaculture after seeing the results. I sell a lot of pawpaws, which has significantly boosted my income. I have four children: one has just completed standard 8 exams, and the others are in standards 7, 6, and 3. All the money I paid for their exams this term came from selling pawpaws”, Khwamba recounted.
According to Chikumbutso Chibweza, the Agricultural Extension Officer for Opulence, the project has greatly enhanced food security. He noted that initially, there was limited understanding of permaculture among the locals, who were accustomed to conventional agriculture that relies on fertilizers and other chemicals, which are not environmentally friendly. In contrast, permaculture emphasizes ecologically sustainable practices that conserve resources.
The initiative has since gained widespread acceptance due to its clear and tangible benefits. For example, households now enjoy a steady food supply throughout the year, with monthly harvests. The permaculture model supports continuous harvesting, as opposed to seasonal yields that are spread out over several months.
“They have planted various fruit trees with alternating harvest seasons, giving them access to fruits year-round. This has been vital in meeting the nutritional needs of children who previously suffered from malnutrition.”
“In the past, they often sold their maize, their staple food, to cover immediate expenses, leaving them without food in the following months. Now, the income from selling surplus fruits allows them to meet their daily needs, protecting their maize and ensuring long-term food security,” shares Chibweza.
This shift from traditional practices to permaculture has had a profound impact not only on food security but also on the individual lives of community members. As the benefits of permaculture become increasingly evident, more villagers are experiencing significant improvements in their daily lives and overall well-being.
Luwiza Ganizani is another member of Khwamba village whose life and that of her loved ones have also significantly changed. Before the coming of Opulence, the land around her house was just lying idle. She thought it was just a waste of time to start planting trees but now she is seeing the benefits as her efforts have literary started bearing fruits.
“Before I started permaculture, we had to buy everything including vegetables. We would go on an empty stomach if we did not have money to buy relish. Now we have enough vegetables all the time and my four children have unlimited access to fruits”, said Ganizani.
While the benefits of the project have been evident, the journey has not been without its hurdles. Chikumbutso Chibweza shares that the main challenge facing the program is that farmers struggle to produce or obtain manure enough to cover one or two acres since permaculture encourages the use of manure. To address this issue, the program is exploring alternative ways of producing it. Consequently, they have introduced compost toilets and distributed livestock to boost manure production.
The shift to permaculture in Khwamba Village has proven to be a sustainable solution to the pressing food insecurity challenges faced by Malawi. As seen in the stories of farmers like Sifiliyano Khwamba and Luwiza Ganizani, the adoption of these methods has not only ensured a consistent food supply for their households but also empowered them economically. With year-round harvesting, improved nutrition, and increased incomes, permaculture is driving long-term resilience in rural communities. As these efforts expand, it’s clear that initiatives like the Food Security Programme have the potential to transform the landscape of food production in Malawi, helping to combat the crisis of food insecurity that affects millions across the country.
This is so amazing.🤩.
Big up Opulence 👍