By Victoria Yande
Farmers in Mzimba have started benefiting from innovative farming techniques, nutritious food systems as well Village bank loans, courtesy of Foundation for Community Support Services (FOCUS ) Organisation.
The Organization conducted a two-day field day tour at Mtunza and Kamzomera section under Eswazwini Extension Planning Area (EPA) on Tuesday and Wednesday, in the area of Paramount Chief M'mbelwa in the district.
FOCUS has been in the forefront to train farmers in modern farming methods, nutrition and financial management under harvesting prosperity and resilience initiative.
Executive Director for the organisation, Kosamu Munthali, said the project aims to encourage communities to adopt modern farming technologies, nutrition and village bank loans practices, and has already started showing promising results.
Munthali said they are thrilled to see the impact of the initiative in Mzimba by empowering communities to adopt modern farming technologies to improve agricultural productivity but also enhance nutrition and food and financial security.
"We are committed to empowering farmers in Mzimba with the skills, knowledge and financial resources they need to improve their livelihoods and health and financial management," said Munthali.
One of the Village agent, Charity Makamo from Yeremiah Mabaso village underscored that this initiative has helped them manage to finances, access nutritious food, and adopt improved farming technologies.
"Through the village bank the Organization trained us to run our village bank, helping us to save over 20 million kwacha and meet our basic needs, i have bought a motorcycle, fertilizer, and paid school fees for my child," said Makamo.
Lead farmer, Eness Sibande, from Traditional Authority Kampingo Sibande said since she adopted conservation agriculture practices, she has seen a significant increase in her maize yield.
" I am grateful for the nutrition training, which has helped me to improve the health and wellbeing of my family but also ensuring that I harvest enough yield through various agricultural technologies," She said.
One of the beneficiary farmers from Chido village, Jean Mkandawire commended the introduction of farming technology in her area, citing significant improvements in farm yields and enhanced food security.
Food and nutrition Officer for Mzimba South Agriculture office, Mervis Mkhalipi applauded FOCUS flr the vital role in reducing malnutrition and promoting healthy lifestyles.
"It is important to empower communities with knowledge and skills to improve their health and well-being by promoting nutritious food systems and providing training on meal preparation,"said Mkhalipi.
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