Gift of the Givers Empowers Farmers in Chikwawa

One of Malawi’s most disaster-prone districts, Chikwawa, has often faced floods and droughts, leaving many households grappling with food insecurity and economic instability.

It is for this reason that Gift of the Givers (GoG) Malawi has empowered 4,050 farmers in Mitole and Mikalango Extension Planning Areas (EPAs) in Chikwawa.

Each beneficiary received 1 kg of sorghum seeds, 0.5 kg of sesame seeds, and 100 ml of pesticides to support immediate food needs and long-term income generation.

Sesame, a high-value cash crop resilient to climate change, is part of a broader plan to replace cotton and boost the agro-economy.

“Through this initiative, farmers are not just given inputs but empowered with the tools to build sustainable futures,” said GoG’s Agriculture Project Officer Horace Pyam’dziko.

On the other hand, Agricultural Extension Development Coordinator Donnex Zopangana applauded this initiative and encouraged farmers to prioritise food security and avoid selling prematurely to vendors.

The foundation, with funding from Japanese donors, has also drilled nine boreholes and provided extensive agricultural training. As a result, sesame yields have improved and more farmers have joined the project with figures of 3700 to 4050.

However, in combating exploitation by middlemen and ensuring fair market access, Gift of the Givers, in collaboration with Itochu Corporation and Takemoto Oil, has constructed two warehouses in Chamanga and Saopa villages in T/A Ngabu.

These facilities offer farmers secure storage and direct access to international buyers, to enhance their earning potential.

Farmers can now bring their produce to these warehouses, regardless of their membership in cooperative groups.

Apart from this, Gift of the Givers is also supporting widows, youth and vulnerable families with funds to establish small-scale businesses, distributing bicycles to youths to start kabaza businesses, training women and youth in electric and manual sewing machine skills.

Gift of the Givers continues to demonstrate that timely and innovative interventions can uplift communities, turning adversity into opportunity.

As Horace Pyam’dziko aptly stated, “Our goal is not just to respond to disasters but to build resilience and create lasting change.”

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