Farmers in Kasungu have been urged to turn to drought-tolerant crops as changing weather patterns continue to threaten agricultural production and livelihoods.
Managing Director and Head of Research at Renaissance Seed Company, Chimwemwe Josiah, said farmers risk crop losses and poor yields if they plant seed varieties that can not withstand dry conditions.
Josiah made the remarks on Friday, October 2, 2026, during a presentation at the Kasungu District Agriculture Extension Coordinating Committee (DAECC) meeting.
He said changing weather patterns mean farmers need to pay greater attention to the type of seed they use, particularly as Malawi depends heavily on rain-fed agriculture.
“We have brought a message of encouragement and hope to our farmers at a time when there are warnings about El Niño. We have brought seed varieties that are drought-tolerant and suited to the changing climate,” said Josiah.
He said the effects of El Niño could lead to crop losses if farmers plant varieties that are not suited to dry conditions.
Josiah said Renaissance Seeds had developed and supplied varieties that mature early, tolerate drought, and can perform in soils with limited fertility.
He said these characteristics could help smallholder farmers respond to unpredictable weather and reduce the risk of losing their crops.
Josiah said the company works with government and other stakeholders to help farmers access seed varieties suited to changing weather conditions.
He said Renaissance Seeds had established a shop in Kasungu that serves as a distribution hub for farmers in Kasungu and neighbouring districts, including Mchinji and Ntchisi.
The company has also introduced a programme called “Mlimi Apepukidwe”, which allows farmers to pay for seed in instalments before the seed is delivered to their areas after completing payment.
Josiah said the arrangement was intended to ease the financial burden on farmers who might struggle to pay for seeds at once.
Meanwhile, Kasungu DAECC vice-chairperson Milcah Tomoka commended Renaissance Seeds for introducing crop varieties that can withstand harsh weather conditions, including drought
Tomoka said the availability of such varieties could help farmers achieve better harvests and contribute to food security as Malawi is expecting to experience El Niño.
Josiah said farmers need to take changing weather conditions seriously when deciding what to plant because the consequences could extend beyond individual farms.
“Malawi depends on agriculture, so using seed varieties that are not suited to changing weather conditions has the potential to affect farmers and the wider economy,” he said.
