We are so happy about the strides our Business Development Program is making. In today’s post, we share the story of Judith Kachala, a Financially Empowering Microloans (FEM) for Women program cohort 3 member. Judith’s story is a testament to the power of hard work and determination. Read our latest blog to learn more about Judith’s story.
5 Facts About Maize in Malawi
Fresh green corn, enjoyed in an open field under the Malawian sun. Fluffy nsima, spooned onto plates. A well fed family. The energy to work. Maize is ingrained into Malawi’s agricultural, economic, and family life. Here are 5 facts you should know about maize in Malawi:
- Maize is the major staple food crop in Malawi. 60% of the total cropped land is devoted to its production.
- Malawi’s food security depends on maize. If the land yields a poor maize harvest, people will suffer. Think: famine. Think: hunger. Think: how will we feed our children?
- Maize provides jobs. While most Malawian families grow their own maize, they often have to buy more from the market. Because of this, maize accounts for about 25% of agricultural employment. In other words, maize is is an income generating crop.
- There are 29 varieties of maize in Malawi. They grow in all different colors and lengths. Orant’s Field Day Demonstration leads farmers through planting different maize seed varieties. Farmers learn which varieties are drought resistant, which can be planted earlier than others, and which mature faster than others. This knowledge allows them to be more strategic with their planting choices.
- If maize is the only available food for a family, their diet is poorly diversified. As a result, their overall health suffers. In Malawi, this is too often the case. Orant’s irrigation clubs encourage farmers to diversify their crop production. In turn, vegetables like tomatoes and peanuts improve local diets.
To learn more about Orant’s Agriculture & Business Programs, visit here.
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The Orant Journal
Some months ago, our Education Program surveyed all the primary and secondary schools in our catchment area. There were a total of 24 schools: 20 primary and four secondary schools. We are so happy to have successfully conducted the survey and analyzed the results from it, which have helped us to start implementation of some projects. Read our latest blog to learn more about this development.
At Orant, we are committed to supporting local entrepreneurs, especially women. This is what spurred us to start our Financial Empowering Microloans (FEM) program in 2017. However, we came to realize that our program participants needed more comprehensive support to achieve sustainable growth. This is why we are excited to announce the evolution of our FEM program into what we now call Business Development Program!. Read our latest blog to learn more about this evolution.
Of 20 Orant sponsored students who sat for the Malawi School Certificate of Education Examination (MSCE) last year, 18 qualified for University, and we are thrilled to announce that 14 have secured places at public universities! Of the 14, two are boys and 12 are girls. Read our latest blog and learn more about what this means to Orant.
Some weeks ago, we opened our Orant Nyali Yanga Poetry Competition as a way of encouraging creative expression in Dowa Secondary School Students. We are excited to announce that the competition is still open and the deadline has been extended to July 15th! Read our latest article to learn more about the competition, what it means to us and how important it is to the schools and communities we work with.
Let your light shine with our new poetry competition for secondary school students in Dowa district!
On Saturday, April 27, we are holding a Spring Bingo fundraiser in support of education in rural Malawi. Read today’s blog article to learn more about how your support will help in promoting education in rural Malawi.
Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month. In this month, we honour and celebrate women’s contributions to history and contemporary society. In today's blog, we talk with women from our FEM program, and they highlight the roles they play in their families and Kasese community. Read the blog article to learn more!
Congratulations to the Ulemu Scholarship Recipients! Orant’s Ulemu scholarship seeks to invest in the education of outstanding, hardworking and intelligent Malawian students by sponsoring them towards getting a diploma or bachelor’s degree. Read their bios here!
Learn how to make this favorite Malawian dish, Mpiru Otendera. One of Malawi’s most popular recipes, Mpiru Otendera (mustard greens with peanut flour) is a nutritious and filling recipe that goes well with many meals.