In Malawi, there is a famous saying that goes “Chuma chili mu nthaka” meaning “there is money in farming,” or in other words, “wealth lies in farming.” This saying is true for Malawi as farming is the backbone of the economy, with 85% of the population highly dependent on it. However, as much as most Malawians are involved in agriculture, they suffer persistent food shortages. This is because many smallholder farmers depend on rainfed and low-cost subsistence farming to meet their food needs. In this week’s article, we will explore what the life of a subsistence farmer looks like in the rural part of Malawi, in Dowa district near Orant’s headquarters.
The Orant Farm and Agriculture Demonstration Plot
The Orant Farm
The 33 acre Orant Farm is located behind our campus in Kasese. Most of the farm is used to work with local farming families. Orant helps farmers develop the skills to farm for business instead of just for food.
The remaining land is planted by Orant staff to provide extra food during the lean season.
Agriculture Demonstration Plot and Farm Day
Each year in March, Orant invites hundreds of farmers and the local chiefs to our campus. They review different seeds and fertilizers that were used on the demonstration plot. Together, they discuss the importance of fertilizer and being a proactive farmer. Finally, we make important announcements regarding health and safety and perform skits that emphasize the importance of being a proactive farmer.
Local Orant-sponsored “lead farmers” guide other farmers throughout the year with advice and assistance.
Photo Credit: Gift Mgunda
BOMFA
We have been supporting the Bowe Mission Farmer’s Association (BOMFA) since Orant Charities Africa was founded. BOMFA is a farmers cooperative that organizes seed and fertilizer distribution to its farmers and helps them sell and transport their crops in bulk. BOMFA supports farmer clubs and contributes to building a more stable community.
FEM for Women
Our FEM for Women Program supports local women entrepreneurs with microloans. These loans financially empower women in the community and at home. Many of our members improve their family’s living situation and pay for their childrens’ schooling with their profits.
Irrigation Clubs
Orant sponsors and manages 14 irrigation clubs in our Kasese operations area. These clubs are supplied with the skills and supplies necessary to plant and harvest multiple crops per year, helping them develop prosperity and wealth.
Stories From The Field
As Orant renovates our campus in Kasese, we find a need for more consistent power supply. Working with Green Impact Technologies, we will be installing solar power onto our campus. Read more about the project here!
Orant is always excited about the progress and the fruits our Irrigation clubs bear. We are happy seeing people's lives transformed through different initiatives from our Irrigation clubs. However, we understand that all this would not be possible without the commitment of individuals from the communities who work tirelessly to make sure that their communities are transformed. In this blog, we meet Christina Lemani, the chairperson for Madzimayera Irrigation Club.
Orant is always excited about the progress and the fruits our Irrigation clubs bear. We are happy seeing people's lives transformed through different initiatives from our Irrigation clubs. However, we understand that all this would not be possible without the commitment of individuals from the communities who work tirelessly to make sure that their communities are transformed. In this blog, we meet Christina Lemani, the chairperson for Madzimayera Irrigation Club.
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.
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.