A 22-year-old Patricia Mlelemba from Lilongwe has defied all odds to establish a successful farming enterprise.
After sitting for her Malawi School Certificate Schools Examinations (MSCE) in 2023, inspired by a fellow young farmer on Facebook she ventured into irrigation maize farming in September 2023.
Said Mlelemba: “My results were not good in my MSCE, then I thought of doing something else but I wasn’t sure about it, that’s when, I came across a certain young lady who is doing good in farming then I thought why can’t I do it. I started with a half-acre. I am glad my farm has expanded.
When she sold her first maize produce, she bought a 3-acre farm in Bisa Village, where she employed two people to help her. Now Mlelemba grows diversity of crop varieties, including maize, green pepper, beans, Irish potatoes and green peas.
Mlelemba aims at expanding her operations, creating jobs and contributing to Malawi’s food security. But she seeks funding and partnerships to achieve her vision.
“It is my dream to own a big farm one day, with the aid from well-wishers I believe I will achieve this dream, as of now I think my farming business is going as am able to support myself and people around me as am saying am yet to start harvesting soon as am also preparing for next farming season,” she added.
Mateyo Solobani, who sells fresh maize and vegetables, said they have also benefited a lot from her farm, saying she sells her products at a good price and she has fresh vegetables.
“Patricia’s produce is always fresh and of high quality, we no longer walk far long distance to order, said the satisfied farmer.
