On the 31st of January, 2025, Ungweru Organization distributed NUA bean seeds to farmers in the communities of Jailos Mhlanga, Palangu Mhango and Telu Kamanga in Doroba, a community found in Mzimba, the northern region of Malawi. These bean seeds were distributed to farmers who courtesy of a project funded by The CIFA Trust have ventured into irrigation farming.
Each farmer received 2 kilograms of bean seeds as part of a seed multiplication initiative. This seed multiplication initiative is in preparation for irrigation farming which farmers will venture into after the rain season. The plan is for farmers to plant the bean seeds which they have received and, following a successful harvest, have them multiplied. The multiplied seeds will then be planted through irrigation farming after the rain season.
Community members were in a jubilant mood upon receiving the bean seeds. This is so as according to one community member, Lofina Luhanga, the bean seeds will be instrumental in improving their food security and economic wellbeing.
“I’m very happy today. We have been given NUA bean seeds which we are going to plant. Once these seeds have multiplied following a successful harvest, we are going to plant them again through irrigation farming. We expect to have a bigger harvest through the irrigation farming. Income from sales of the harvest will enable us to send our children to school, and we shall also have food from the beans harvest”, said Lufina.
Cecelia kadzombe, the Agriculture Extension District Officer, hailed the move as a game-changer for the community members/project participants. She urged community members to take ownership of the project by indeed planting the seeds rather than cooking the beans.
This activity was part of project funded by The CIFA Trust . The activity is expected to greatly improve the food security of farmers and from sales of extra harvests, greatly improve their income generation. This project is being implemented at Doroba in Mzimba, the northern region of Malawi.