The morning opens under heavy rains, drumming steadily across lush green soya fields that stretch into the distance.
The crops, vibrant and healthy, promised a sharp contrast to seasons past when many young farmers struggled to access basic farm inputs.
Today small groups of young youths from Demera EPA Traditional Authority Kabudula, Chisu Cooperative in Lilongwe, move through the fields with purpose, their confidence growing alongside the crops they carefully planted and nurtured.
With support from Farmers Union of Malawi, these young farmers managed to prepare plant and maintain their field on time.
Now they look ahead with hope, expecting a bumper harvest and better income as for them this season is more than just good rains, it is a sign that their hard work is finally paying off and that a more secure future is within reach.
Among the beneficiaries is Harold Harrison from Village Headman John under Traditional Authority Kabudula, a member of Chisu Cooperative who joined the group in 2025. He has since benefited from a loan obtained through the Farmers Union of Malawi (FUM).
I am expecting a bumper harvest-Harold
“This is my first attempt. I cultivated one and a half acres and received a 60-kilogram input loan. Looking at the health of my crops and the quality of the seeds, I am expecting a strong harvest—about 23 bags this season,” says Harrison with a smile.
Harrison is just one of many young people who previously struggled to access farm inputs, including quality seeds.
The introduction of loans by the Farmers Union of Malawi (FUM) has empowered many youths to venture into farming, particularly in value chains like soya, which were once perceived as a domain for older farmers.And it’s working.
“I can confidently say I see a difference. Previously, when I started in 2021, we were in a cooperative, but accessing loan opportunities, especially for value chains like soyabeans was very difficult,” Harrison recalled.
A local non-governmental organization, the Farmers Union of Malawi cluster coordinator Spencer Wanda says the project is progressing well in areas where loans have been distributed, with many young people now actively cultivating and expecting higher yields.
We are seeing progress- Wanda
“We are seeing progress. We are targeting young people, and the aim is to create job opportunities as many youths were previously stagnant, but now the project is bringing a positive impact in the community,” he said.
FUM is implementing a project called High Value Agriculture for Accelerated Youth Agro -Premiership in partnership with Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), support from Master Card Foundation, targeting youths in two Agriculture Development Divisions ADDs, Lilongwe and Kasungu.
Programs manager for FUM Derrick Kapolo said the project aims at promoting the values chains products such as soya beans and create job opportunities to improve economic status of young people.
“We noted that youths often sidelined in agricultural initiatives, stressing the need to shift mindsets and encourage young people to actively participate in farming as a viable source of income,” Derrick says.
Assistant Agriculture Extension Development Officer (AAEDO) under the Ministry of Agriculture, Billy Mkwezalamba, has commended the Farmers Union of Malawi (FUM) for its initiative, saying many youths in cooperatives lack access to farm input products, making the intervention a significant boost for young farmers.
It’s a significant boost to our young farmers, we hope hope for more support- Mkwezalamba
“The assistance has come at the right time, as many young people in my area are facing challenges accessing farm inputs. The provision of seeds is therefore a welcome development, and we hope for continued support through similar initiatives,” he said.
This support reflects Sustainable Development Goal number 2, which aims to “End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture” by 2030.
It is a commitment to ensuring that everyone, everywhere, has access to sufficient, nutritious food year-round, while promoting farming practices that support, rather than harm, the environment.
As the rains stop in the afternoon hour, the fields of soya glisten under the soft sunlight, a testament to the hard work of Malawi’s young farmers.
Harrison, one of the beneficiaries, smiles as he looks over his crops and says, “I expect a good harvest this season—I can see the effort paying off.”
