Food Security through Irrigation Farming in Malawi

by Waqful Waqifin Foundation (Gift of the Givers Foundation)

Summary

The project aims to improve food security and income of rural farmers who are struggling with food insecurity and poverty. These farmers are dependent on rain-fed subsistence farming which is negatively affected by natural disasters, and a lack of resources and knowledge. The project will provide solar-powered irrigation systems, farm inputs and training to improve harvests. Improved harvests will lead to food security and income for the farmers and their families.

$15,000
total goal

$14,597
remaining

5
donors

0
monthly donors

1
fundraiser

9
months

Challenge

Malawi is heavily dependent on rain-fed subsistence agriculture, which provides 65% of the total income of the rural poor. Natural disasters, such as drought, floods and crop destruction by pests and diseases, are causing adverse effects on the country's national food supply situation. Some of the challenges the sector faces include susceptibility to weather shocks; poor management of land, water and soils; low adoption of agricultural technologies; little access to finance and farm inputs; weak

Solution

This project aims to provide portable solar-powered irrigation systems and farmer's starter packs to 150 farmers. The farmers will be trained in modern farming methods, including conservation agriculture, irrigation systems management, group dynamics and agribusiness. The solar-powered irrigation system will assist them to irrigate their crops throughout the year, hence will no longer be dependent on rain-fed agriculture. Farmers' starter packs will enable them to plant improved seeds and apply

Long-Term Impact

The main problem that the project will address is low agriculture productivity which is causing poverty & food insecurity. The interventions planned will give rise to improved farming practices through planting of improved seeds, practicing Conservation Agriculture and irrigating crops. These practices will increase the production on the farms leading to improved food security and income for the 150 targeted farmers. Having enough food and income overall well-being & dignity of farmers.