At just 22, Sheirrah Chaima is breaking new ground in her community by balancing her love for teaching with a newfound dedication to farming.
Trained as a primary school teacher at Kasungu Teacher Training College, Chaima’s path took an unexpected turn while she waited for a teaching position. Rather than letting time pass idly, she embraced farming as a way to stay productive and support her further studies at Malawi Adventist University.
“Farming allows me to stay active, support my education, and contribute to my community,” she explains.
Growing up in Ntcheu, Chaima always felt a connection to agriculture, making farming a natural path for her to explore.
Her background in education has been an unexpected asset; skills in planning lessons have helped her organise crop rotations and manage resources, while her training in teaching has enabled her to educate others in her community on sustainable practices that align with Malawi’s 2063 development goals.
Chaima primarily grows maize and vegetables, focusing on staple crops that meet both local dietary needs and market demands. She is committed to sustainable farming, which helps protect the soil and fosters a healthier environment.
However, as a young woman, she has faced hurdles in gaining respect and overcoming stereotypes in the agricultural sector.
“It’s been challenging to gain acceptance, but I keep learning and connecting with other women in agriculture,” she says. Additionally, limited access to farm inputs and resources has been a significant challenge for her as a small-scale farmer, but Chaima remains determined.
Currently studying agricultural practices and business management, Chaima is expanding her knowledge to enhance her farm’s efficiency and economic sustainability. Balancing her studies with farming requires strict time management, and she sets schedules that help her stay focused in both areas.
Looking ahead, Chaima envisions expanding her farm and incorporating value-added products, like processed vegetables, to increase her income and create jobs in her community. She also dreams of merging her two passions—teaching and farming—by one day instructing young farmers in agricultural sciences or holding workshops for her community. “I’d love to pass on what I’ve learned and inspire others to see farming as a viable path,” she shares.
Chaima’s journey offers a powerful message to Malawi’s youth, especially young women. She advises them to be proactive, exploring opportunities like farming to gain life skills and build fulfilling careers. “I want young women to see that they can pursue multiple dreams. With patience and hard work, anything is possible,” she says.
Sheirrah Chaima’s story is one of resilience and resourcefulness, showing how education and agriculture can come together to create a brighter future for both individuals and communities in Malawi.
