Title: Shire Valley Transformation Programme Trains Over 24,000 Cooperative Members in Commercial Farming
The Shire Valley Transformation Programme has made significant progress in training cooperative members on commercial farming, with over 24,000 individuals benefiting from the initiative. The Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale, recently visited the project and was impressed by its scale and potential impact on smallholder farmers in the region.
According to Dr. Stanley Khaila, the Project Coordinator, a total of 12,055 men and 12,249 women have received training on agricultural cooperative member education in commercial farming. This initiative is in line with Malawi’s national vision of becoming an ‘Exclusively Wealthy and Self-Reliant Nation’ by focusing on agriculture productivity and commercialization.
The Shire Valley Transformation Programme aims to irrigate approximately 43,370 hectares of land owned by smallholder farmers, benefiting a total of 223,000 farmers from 48,400 households. In preparation for the completion of the irrigation project, it was crucial to train farmers in commercial farming techniques.
The construction of the irrigation project faced delays due to the destruction caused by Cyclone Ana-induced floods last year. However, Dr. Khaila stated that the project is now progressing well, with the construction of a climate resilient cofferdam currently underway. The target is to increase the cofferdam’s height from 146m to 148m above sea level.
Additionally, climate resilient intake designs are being reviewed and are expected to be finalized by the end of this month. Other structures contracted to Condril construction company have already been completed, and the construction of canal lining along Lengwe National Park is making excellent progress.
During Minister Kawale’s visit, he also met with the Mlambe Cooperative, whose members expressed their eagerness to benefit from the project. The cooperative’s chairperson, Mr. Chiutsi, highlighted the challenges they faced with low crop productivity due to unpredictable weather patterns in recent years. However, after receiving training from the Shire Valley Transformation Programme, they are now well-prepared for commercial farming.
Minister Kawale commended all stakeholders involved in the landmark programme, recognizing their efforts in making history and ensuring future generations benefit from the irrigation project. He assured cooperative members that the delays were caused by natural forces stemming from climate change and urged them to replant trees for sustainable energy use.
In terms of agricultural support, Minister Kawale announced changes to the agricultural inputs program (AIP). People living with disabilities will receive relief cash transfers, while those without land will be offered employment through the public works program. Commercial farmers in cooperatives will receive grants facilitated by Agriculture Commercialization (AGCOM) to boost their businesses. The Minister also assured cooperative members that structured markets for produce exports would be secured to develop the country’s economy through food security.
Minister Kawale concluded by encouraging cooperative members to take pride in being the first to utilize the landmark project, emphasizing the government’s commitment to completing the project promptly. The combination of comprehensive training in commercial farming and the irrigation project’s completion will undoubtedly contribute to realizing Malawi’s agricultural productivity and commercialization goals.
In conclusion, the Shire Valley Transformation Programme has successfully trained over 24,000 cooperative members in commercial farming. With the support of the Minister of Agriculture and various stakeholders, the project is making significant strides towards completing the irrigation system and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the region.
