Aim
The aim of the project was to provide groups of unemployed youths in two remote rural villages in Malawi with the necessary training, guidance, and farm input materials to set up small-scale farms in their community. The farms are intended to be the basis for long-term sustainable and expandable food production and employment in one of the poorest countries in Africa.
We work with our partner organisation in Malawi, Tivavwire Youth Organisation. We secure funding for our projects from UK charities, and TYO manages the projects in Malawi.
The Project
Kitchen Table Charitable Trust provided us with a grant of £ 2,200 in November 2019 to fund the project. The funds were received in Malawi on 5th December 2019, and supplies of farm inputs were purchased on 6th December.
Groups of unemployed young people in the two villages of Kawusha and Kajiyeyere had already been formed. Work commenced on preparing 12 acres of land to grow crops of maize, tomatoes, and vegetables. All the land preparation was carried out with hand tools under the supervision and guidance of TYO.
The groups had little previous experience of farming, so they were given practical instruction on the basics of land preparation, sowing and planting of crops, and ongoing care of the crops through to harvest. Visits to other small farms were arranged as part of the training. Learning basic financial planning and budgeting, and help and advice about the sale of produce were included.
Experienced volunteer farmers from TYO mentored the youths, providing them with regular training, advice, and encouragement throughout the project.
Maize was planted in January 2020, and tomatoes and vegetables in February, when conditions allowed.
The young people worked hard, being keen to grasp the opportunity to start their own small business, provide themselves with an income, and contribute food and income for their families. They wanted to have the opportunity to expand their small farms in the future.
Results
The crops were successful, and the prices realised were 15% higher than forecast, resulting in a good return on the initial investment provided by KTCT.
We are delighted to report that each of the young people earned in excess of the Malawi Government’s Annual Minimum Wage in just six months. This is quite an achievement, and the youths are greatly encouraged to continue farming next season.
Proceeds from the sale of crops £ 8,110.
less funds retained for 2021 inputs £ 2,200
Surplus £ 5,910
less payment to TYO for other projects £ 500
Profit £ 5,410
Fourteen young people worked on the project. The surplus was £ 386 per person.
The Malawi Ministry of Labour Annual Minimum Wage as of June 2020 is £ 329 per annum.
Individual income was higher than the minimum wage, and this was earned in just six months. Previously these young people had no income.
Outcome of the project
KTCT has provided the means to start the youths on their way to reliable employment. Poverty has been removed from them and their families. They now have the skills, and financial means to continue working in agriculture. They plan to increase the amount of land they farm in 2021, with a view to boosting their productivity and income.
Under the guidance of TYO, the youths will be encouraged to continuously expand their small farms, increasing their income, and providing employment for others.
Malawi Farmers Aid and TYO have now completed small farm projects in seven villages and will commence the eighth next month. All the projects have been successful in providing sustainable employment,
Comments
From the most recent annual figures, the UK Government provided £ 75 million in aid to Malawi, and the US government $ 200 million.
According to our partner TYO in Malawi, no foreign aid has ever reached their rural region.
And yet, Malawi Farmers Aid’s small contributions of aid have produced successful results in providing sustainable employment and income, and helped alleviate hunger and poverty to the poorest of Malawi’s people.
A lack of initial capital makes it impossible for small farmers to expand food production.
By providing initial capital to the participants in our projects, the impact we have made is real, but we accept that the number of people helped is relatively few.
We are certain that if foreign aid was channeled to the right people in Malawi, and used at the grassroots level, the country’s economy would be transformed.
We also accept that this is unlikely to happen, and so are grateful to the vision of John Humphrys and the work of KTCT’s trustees in supporting so many small charities.
We really appreciate the trust you put in Malawi Farmers Aid. Our project was a success, and I hope you are pleased with our report.