Empower 30 Malawian Families with Solar Irrigation

PROJECT REPORT TO GLOBALGIVING. 5TH DECEMBER 2022

Project #50162: Empower 30 Malawian Families with Solar Irrigation by Eagles Relief and Development Programme International

Project Location: The project is being implemented in Balaka District, Southern Region of Malawi. The district is disaster prone. With frequent droughts as a result climate change, farmers do not harvest enough to feed their families throughout the year. Rains for the new rainy season 2022/2023 are just starting.

Fundraising Goal:

With the fundraising goal of $50,000 to be raised to enable Eagles establish a solar powered irrigation system that would support 30 Malawian families to grow crops throughout the year, $26,293 has so far been raised. For every donation made this far and for every donor to the project, the communities are profoundly grateful for the commitment to support them to realise their dream of having the solar irrigation scheme. The communities eagerly look forward to the day the funds will be realized to accomplish this dream. $23,707 remains to be raised.

To enable Eagles effectively set up the irrigation system, more funds are needed to be raised to enable procurement of the equipment for the system as well as enable Eagles conduct other capacity building interventions for the farmers. Set up of the entire system requires at least $23,707 which comprises various components including the drilling of the boreholes, purchasing of solar panels, construction of a powerhouse for housing the water pumps, procurement of pipes and other accessories.

Project Implementation Progress

While waiting for the fundraising goal to be met, Eagles decided to initiate the project, while trusting that with continued contributions, the full amount of $50,000 will be raised.

We are encouraged that we now have one donor committed to donating monthly towards the project. We hope more donors will come forth with monthly donations, to help us meet the Project Budget of $50,000.

Since the last update, Eagles has thus far implemented the following activities:

• Eagles staff have continued to visit the communities to keep their hopes up and train the farmers in farming using existing resources while awaiting the solar irrigation scheme set up. 
• Tiyanjane Irrigation Scheme farmers continued to cultivate different crops on the land using traditional watering cans as before. They have continued to grow maize, Chinese cabbage, tomatoes as well as egg plants as can be seen in the pictures.
• The crops and vegetables cultivated have been used for their own food as well as for sale to generate income.
• Eagles are working with the communities to find direct markets for the farmers which fetch higher prices rather middlemen who come to buy at low prices for further resale.
• Given the recurrence of dry spells and droughts in Malawi, and in Balaka in particular, due to climate change, raising the remaining balance of $23,707 is greatly needed.
• The commitment of the farmers has been absolutely impressive.

On behalf of Eagles and the farmers, I would like to thank you very much for your generous support this far.

Yours sincerely Victor Mughogho Project Leader.

Links:

• Eagles website