Farmers of Mzimba and Their Organizations

Supporting local FOs to improve food security and farmers’ incomes in northern Malawi

Technical Partner:

ANNUAL BUDGET :

190,000 €

Context

In Malawi, agriculture is mainly subsistence-based, rainfed, and poorly diversified. In Mzimba District, farmers mainly grow maize, groundnuts and tobacco, and raise poultry, pigs and goats, while better-off households may also keep dairy cattle. Yields remain low due to limited technical skills, restricted access to inputs, and low levels of mechanization. Since 2022, Fert has been supporting farmers and their organizations in the district.

Partnership Objectives

Increase agricultural production by improving access to production inputs and promoting effective, sustainable farming practices
Add value to agricultural products through processing and better marketing
Strengthen FOs so they can provide their members with the services they need

Key moments

2020 - 2021
Two exploratory missions in Malawi
2022
Creation of Fert Walima and launch of field activities
2024
Establishment of a farmer committee to represent the FOs and launch of a local vaccination system against Newcastle disease
2025
Expansion into two new areas of the district, bringing the number of supported FOs to 24

Previous Next

Our Impact

24

FOs supported,
representing 700 families

50

lead farmers specializing in
agroecology and animal health

111 400

vaccine doses administered,
protecting 73,800 chickens
against Newcastle disease,
60% reduction in chicken mortality

Key Results in 2025

✦ 76 training sessions delivered to 1,340 farmers, including 60% women

✦ 25 new lead farmers trained (16 in livestock farming and 9 in agroecology)

✦ 13 lead farmers independently organized 36 training sessions, benefiting 404 farmers

“I have been a member of the Doroba cooperative since it was created. For years, the cooperative faced difficulties: it only sold milk and members were paid late. Yogurt production transformed our cooperative by increasing income. Members are now paid regularly and on time, the cooperative can provide them with loans, and they have regained confidence in their organization. This has had a significant impact on my life: I was able to buy a plot of land and build my house. I am now a homeowner!”

Duncan MHLANGAMember of the Doroba Cooperative