Not many young people venture into sugarcane farming but for 26-year-old Mlimi wa N’zimbe, popularly known as Thighzo, this path has opened doors to financial independence, community impact and personal growth.
Born in Nkhata Bay and raised in Nkhotakota, Thighzo defied expectations by choosing the farm over a white-collar job while pursuing higher education.
Today, he holds a degree in Human Resource Management from Exploits University, class of 2024, but his journey as a farmer began much earlier.
“I started sugarcane farming in 2019, just before my first year at university. Before that, I had already been helping my parents in the fields since 2017,” he shares.
His decision to farm wasn’t made lightly. It was inspired by the hardships he witnessed at home. Coming from a large family, he noticed that his parents couldn’t manage to provide everything on their own. With farming being a way of life in Nkhotakota, sugarcane felt like a natural and promising venture.
“I saw it as a good opportunity, not only to support my family but also to prepare for life after graduation,” he said.
That vision has brought tangible results. Through the income from his sugarcane business, Thighzo was able to buy school supplies, support his siblings’ education, and even invest in a motorcycle that helps with transport and small errands. He also used part of the income to start small businesses, expanding his sources of income.
“It has also helped me become known in my area and I’ve even managed to buy a small piece of land,” he added.
But the impact of his farming venture goes beyond his personal achievements. Thighzo has become an employer. During planting, weeding and harvesting seasons, he hires local laborers. During harvest time, cutters and loaders are often hired through the sugarcane association.
“It’s not just about making money for myself. I know that when I grow, other people benefit too,” said Thingzo.
Despite the success, the road has not been easy. One of his major challenges is limited access to land.
“I want to expand my farm, but there just isn’t enough land available to me,” he explains.
Other hurdles include high labour costs, expensive farm inputs like fertiliser and seedlings, and the instability of buying prices.
“Sometimes Illovo lowers the prices, and that affects our income. The devaluation of the kwacha has also made things worse. Everything has become expensive. Transporting the cane during harvest is another struggle,” he added.
Even with all these difficulties, Thighzo remains hopeful and determined. He believes that sugarcane farming is one of the most reliable agricultural ventures in Malawi, especially for young people.
“Sugarcane fits our climate well. Even if there’s a dry spell, it survives. Once you plant it, it can last up to five years. The first year is the hardest, but after that, it becomes easier to manage,” he said.
His message to fellow youth is clear: don’t wait. “Sugarcane farming is a long-term investment. It can change your life if you give it time and commit to it. You don’t have to wait for someone to employ you. Start small and grow from there.”
Looking ahead, Thighzo hopes to acquire more land and grow his farming business even further. He dreams of becoming one of the top youth farmers in the region and inspiring other young people to consider farming as a serious and rewarding caree
“I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but I still have a long way to go. I want to keep growing, create more jobs, and show that farming is not just for the poor. It’s for the wise,” he said.
In a generation where many young people are still waiting for white-collar jobs, Thighzo is showing that farming can lead to a powerful path to dignity, self-reliance and lasting success.
