About K2.6 million is said to be earned per month through dairy farming in Dowa’s Mbalame Group under Chibvala EPA, Traditional Authority Mkukula.
The group, which has 290 members, owns 252 dairy cows — 97 received as a grant from AGCOM, 69 from the Transform Project implemented by NCD and Dan Church Aid through Trustees of Agriculture Production Program (TAPP)Malawi while 86 were part of the group’s old stock.
Speaking in an interview, Mbalame Group Chairperson Pretorius Msonthi said dairy farming has brought positive changes to the community, helping members pay school fees for their children and reducing malnutrition in the area.
He added that although cattle rearing is done individually, milk marketing and sales are coordinated through MDI Processors Titukuke.
Established in 2017, Mbalame Dairy has not only improved household income but also promoted sustainable farming practices.
Despite this progress, the group faced a challenge with electricity to preserve their milk for business.
However, the project supported them by supplying a genset and paying for the electricity connection fee, which amounted to K1.2 million.
Msonthi further explained that the group also faced cases of lumpy skin disease, which affected milk production and animal health.
“We had a challenge of lumpy skin disease which can impact milk production, overall health, and farm profitability. But due to early detection and treatment offered through the Transform Project and agricultural extension workers in our area, only three cows died,” he said.
The group now utilizes biogas systems to produce biochar manure, which members use to enrich their crop fields.
“The biogas is also used for lighting homes and cooking, reducing dependence on firewood”, said Msonthi
Anita Mangochi, Program Officer for the Transform Project, said the pass-on initiative taking place among farmers is part of the project’s sustainability plan, aimed at helping farmers continue benefiting even after the project phases out.
“We worked hand in hand with the government. We gave them 69 cows, and through this project, we have greatly contributed to increasing food production and income generation among farmers,” she explains
The Transform Project, implemented by Norwegian Church Aid and Dan Church Aid with support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy, operated in the districts of Rumphi, Mzimba, Kasungu, Dowa, and Mchinji.
Story by Catherine Tembo
