Nestled in the heart of Dowa district, Tikondwe Freedom Garden, an organic farm, has become a beacon of sustainable agriculture and community development.
Established in 1981 by Daniel Chinkhuntha’s father, the farm has grown from a humble 10×10 plot to a sprawling 15-hectare enterprise.
Under Daniel’s leadership, along with his siblings and mother, the farm has diversified its produce to include a wide range of crops.
“We have maize ready for harvest, as well as fresh strawberries, green peas, beans, and green peppers, among others, the farm’s strategic location and climate allow a year-round production”. Stated Chinkhuntha.
However, Tikondwe Freedom Garden has not been immune to the challenges posed by climate change, they experienced unpredictable weather patterns, affecting their yields and crop quality, that led to the farm to face market fluctuations, losing some hotel contracts due to the pandemic.
But however, despite these setbacks, the farm has adapted, focusing on local market sales, online platforms, and supplying produce to various schools in Dowa.
“We are committed to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship, we do our things in this farm in our own way, you may notice many farms in Malawi they are inorganic but my father opted for organic, we use manure and we make our own pesticides” emphasized Chinkhuntha.
The farm’s beekeeping operations yield high-quality honey, providing an additional revenue stream. The seven fish ponds each producing one tonne of fish per harvesting season, ensuring a consistent supply of fresh produce and protein for the local community.
Employment opportunities abound at Tikondwe Freedom Garden, with 26 full-time and part-time workers, supplemented by daily laborers from surrounding villages.
“We believe in working with the community therefore who ever comes to look for work we give them, we made the community to be part of this farm, as am saying some who used to work here graduated, they opened their big farms outside this farm” added Chinkhuntha
Emily Kambwiri who is one the graduate from the farm has hailed Tikondwe Freedom Garden calling it a game-changer for the community.
“I started in that farm as one of their workers by that time I had no idea that I can own a farm one day but look at me now, I will never stop thanking them and their commitment to sustainability inspires us all.” Said Kambwiri
From humble beginnings to its current expensive operations, Tikondwe Freedom Garden serves as a model for Malawi’s agricultural sector.
Daniel’s family has demonstrated resilience, innovation, and dedication to community development.
Meanwhile programs officer for Kusamala institute of agriculture and ecology Dorothy Limbanga has called Tikondane farm as one of the best organic farms in Malawi.
