A group of enterprising farmers from Zomba, operating under the name “Chiliko,” have successfully transitioned from subsistence farming to commercial farming through irrigation.
The group has established a farm along the Likangala river, where they cultivate crops such as maize and vegetables.
According to Chiliko group chairperson Wyson Zambia, the decision to venture into irrigation farming was motivated by the challenges posed by rain-fed agriculture.
“Last growing season, climate change really hit us hard here in Zomba, which enticed us to join hands and formulate this group,” Zambia said.
Earlier this year, the group secured a loan of K11.5 million from the state-owned National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF), which they utilized to purchase pumps, sprays, and engines for pumping water from the Likangala river.
“The risk we took by obtaining this loan paid off as it miraculously transformed our fortunes,” Zambia noted.
This year alone, the Chiliko group has managed to harvest maize twice, with a third harvest expected in the coming weeks.
The group’s vision is to contribute to reducing the threat of hunger caused by climate change.
National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) Chief Executive Officer Humphrey Mdyetseni expressed delight with the development, stating that the entity is pleased to see positive results.
“It is our wish to address the risk of hunger in the country being caused by climate change through various loan facilities, including the irrigation loan which Chiliko group obtained from us,” Mdyetseni said.
