As of 2024, the situation at Mchilawengo, a community located in Mzimba, the northern region of Malawi, was dire. Results from our baseline assessment had shown that climate shocks, lack of inputs, and the country’s economic crisis placed the people of Mchilawengo under significant stress regarding poverty and hunger levels. This situation mirrored the country’s broader challenges with regards to hunger and poverty. In 2024, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), Malawi faced a severe decline in staple crop production. National maize production dropped by 17 percent, from 3,509,837 MT in the previous season to 2,926,190 MT this season, primarily due to extended dry spells during critical growth periods. Mchilawengo, being a rural area, faced even greater challenges.

In response to Mchilawengo’s situation and the broader context in the country, Ungweru initiated an impactful intervention aimed at addressing the root causes of hunger and poverty in the area. This culminated in a project titled “Improved Income, Food and Nutrition Security through Improved Agriculture in Traditional Authorities Mabulabo, Chindi and Jalavikuwa” funded Misean Cara Member Managed Grant (MMG). The project aims to tackle income and food security challenges faced by the said communities by installing a solar-powered irrigation facility, distributing seeds for high-value crops (NUA 45 bean seeds), distributing pigs and chickens, and introducing village savings and loan groups.

As the project in Mchilawengo comes to an end, monitoring results indicate that these interventions will be impactful, assuring us that income levels and poverty rates among project participants are likely to improve.

Among the project participants whose lives are positively changing are Nelson Chisale and Rose Zimba. Both Nelson and Rose were targeted participants for the implemented interventions. They took part in irrigation activities and following the installation of the irrigation facilities, they have cleared the land, created plot layouts, and are now preparing to plant NUA 45 beans for the winter harvest. Nelson chose to receive pigs, while Rose opted for chickens. Additionally, they are also members of the village savings and loan groups.

According to Nelson, the solar irrigation, pigs, and the village savings and loans have significantly helped him, and his livelihood is set to improve greatly.

 “I can now see the benefits of Ungweru’s project. I no longer need to buy fertilizer since the pigs provide manure. If I need to pay for my children’s school fees, I can sell one of the pigs, generating income for their fees. Similarly, if I need fertilizer, I can sell one of my pigs to buy it. The pigs also provide food for our family,” Nelson said.

He added that the solar-powered irrigation system will enhance his family’s security, allowing him to farm year-round and reducing his dependence on rain-fed agriculture. Similarly, Rose expressed how the solar irrigation, pigs, and village savings and loans have aided her and how her livelihood is poised to improve.

“The chickens will provide manure for our farming activities. If we run out of food at home, we can catch and cook one of the chickens. Ungweru has enabled us to eat meat. I can also sell a chicken if I need school fees for my children or anything else. The end of the rainy season won’t stop me from farming in the winter, as the irrigation system will ensure a continuous supply of water,” Rose stated.

Evance Ndhlovu, the Counselor for Mabulabo North Ward in the Luwerezi Constituency of Mzimba District, commended the initiative, noting its significant impact on the people of Mchilawengo.

“The people here are very poor. This project will help them improve their livelihoods. They have learned a lot about modern farming techniques, particularly irrigation. The animals they received will enhance both their income and food security. When these animals are properly cared for and reach a stage where they can be sold, project participants will definitely earn money from them.” , said Evance.

Alexander Chisi, the Agricultural Extension Development Coordinator for Luwerezi EPA, expressed gratitude to Ungweru for conceptualizing such an initiative and was optimistic about the benefits the project participants would gain.

“Ungweru installed solar-powered irrigation facilities and distributed chickens and pigs in a pass-on initiative. I am confident that these initiatives will improve their food security as well as their access to income,” Alexander said.

The Misean Cara MMG project implemented by Ungweru Organisation has brought transformative change to Mchilawengo, addressing food insecurity and poverty through sustainable interventions. By introducing solar-powered irrigation, high-value crops, livestock distribution, and village savings and loan groups, the project has empowered community members and helped secure a better future for them.