At the end of 2022 we introduced our third group of our Financial Empowering Microloan (FEM) for Women group called Takondwa. Read our latest blog, as Magret Moffat, one of the group's beneficiaries, tells a story of how the program has already transformed her life through loans and business skills training.
Introducing the Orant Farm
The Cost of Soil
Rural Malawians live in relationship with the land. The food they cook is the food they grow. They learn what seeds to sow and where. They plan gardens to nourish their families. However, not everyone owns land. Especially women. Farmers who don’t own land must rent. And the costs add up.
“Land has been a major challenge to me,” says Monica Banda, “I don’t own a field. Every year, I must sublease a piece of land. It’s costly. I’m only able to rent an acre. This can feed my household of 6, but without anything left over.”
Each year, the costs of farming inputs increase. Most farmers grow crops for their livelihood, not for business.
Sowing Opportunity
In the 2021/ 2022 farming season, Orant distributed 20 acres of our farmland to Kasese farmers. We split the 20 acres between 10 households. 60% of the land went to women. 40% to men. Each participant doesn’t have their own access to land beyond subsistence farming. Each is eager to develop their farming into an income-generating opportunity.
Growing Wealth
At the Orant Farm Plot, we prioritize growing cash crops. Legumes such as soya and groundnuts are profitable in the market. Plus, they don’t require fertilizer. And! They are compatible with local weather conditions.
Blooming
Orant has also given farmers inputs to support their efforts. These inputs include seed, inoculant, and pesticides. Farmers will pay back the inputs at zero interest.
In addition, Orant provides training in:
- Commercial business
- Record-keeping
- Enterprise budgeting
- Agriculture techniques and instructions
“Without proper skills, advice, and instructions, the land and farm inputs can’t yield enough,” says Gracious Msimuko, Agriculture Program Manager. “Most farmers are not well versed with new farming techniques. Orant is here to support them in every aspect.”
Share on:
The Orant Journal
As a way of cultivating a saving culture in the FEM Program, Orant requires each cohort to establish a savings group. Why is this important? Find out here.
Who grows cash crops in Malawi? What are the best cash crops for the climate and soil? Which are most profitable? We interviewed Orant’s Agriculture Extension Officer Gracious Msimuko for expert insight.
Mbeya Fertilizer may be the solution to rising fertilizer prices in Malawi. It is easy to make with local materials. Here's how.
Orant launched the Tchale Irrigation Club in April. Irrigation Clubs create food security and economic opportunity.
The Orant Farm Project has transformed Teleza Manuwelo's life. With 2 acres for farming, Teleza earned enough income to feed her family.
The Orant Farm Project distributed 20 acres of our farmland to Kasese farmers. Of the farmer recipients was Dumase Mtengowamingo.
When bad weather affect the fields, food security is affected. Orant distributes maize in February and March to farmers in rural Malawi.
Orant has given Madisi Cooperative a loan of 2 million kwacha for the 2021/2022 growing season. The loan has a low-interest rate of only 3%.
After a long wait and frightening drought, the rains in Malawi started at last. Then Tropical Storm Ana blew into Malawi, flooding fields.