At a time when unscrupulous traders are increasingly selling fake pesticides and chemicals to farmers, a new wave of training is equipping farmers with sustainable alternatives through agroecology practices.
Farmers in Dowa have been trained on proper seed storage methods using locally available resources, helping them reduce reliance on costly and sometimes counterfeit agrochemicals.
The training was conducted by the Catholic Development Commission of Malawi (CADECOM) under the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, with support from DanChurchAid. The initiative aims to promote indigenous knowledge in seed preservation while cutting down the costs farmers incur when purchasing farm inputs.
One of the beneficiaries, Teleza Kapachika, 42, from Kukhulire Village in Traditional Authority Mponela, said she has noticed a significant difference between the use of chemicals and traditional storage methods such as clay pots.
She explained that clay pots are not only affordable but can preserve seeds for long periods without damage.
Beneficiary Teleza Kapachika holding clay pots traditional seeds bank
“Before the introduction of these local seed banks, vendors tricked us into buying fake chemicals, and within a few months, our seeds would start rotting,” she said.
Kapachika added that the clay pots can store a variety of seeds, including maize, beans, pumpkin leaves, and rice.
Another beneficiary, Kafosi Kalima from Kuphulira Village in the same traditional authority, said training in manure production has greatly reduced his dependence on expensive fertilizers.
We are benefiting a lot-Kalima
“I have benefited a lot. For instance, last year I harvested 10 bags of maize from one acre using organic manure,” he said.
Kalima, who is now a champion farmer, said he is committed to continuing with organic farming methods and sharing knowledge with others in his community.
Assistant Agriculture Extension Development Officer (AAEDO) Ephraim Mlamba said the project is yielding positive results, particularly in promoting organic farming and local seed banking.
Farmers are adopting the method- Mlamba
“We are seeing significant changes. Farmers are now able to reduce the costs associated with accessing farm inputs, which remains a major challenge for many in rural Malawi,” he said.
Mlamba added that the use of traditional seed storage methods is also helping to curb losses caused by fake agrochemicals sold by unscrupulous traders.
Malawi is gradually transitioning towards agroecology farming, which has the potential to lower production costs and improve sustainability.
This shift aligns with the Malawi 2063 agenda, which envisions a more inclusive and wealthy nation driven by a robust agricultural sector.
