Kolping Malawi has launched a new food security project. The aim is to increase crop yields, develop strategies to combat the effects of climate change and sustainably improve the livelihoods of smallholder farming families. The project is being implemented in the districts of Kasungu, Chitipa, Karonga, Rumphi, Mzimba, Ntcheu and Dedza.
“Through our project, we aim to combat hunger and poverty amongst our farming families,” explained Kolping’s Managing Director, Leah Nyondo. In predominantly rural Malawi, smallholder farmers are particularly hard hit by poverty and food insecurity. Many farmers work with basic tools and, due to inadequate farming methods, are unable to produce a harvest large enough to feed their families.
A key focus of the project is on teaching climate-friendly farming methods. Among other things, smallholder farmers are trained in early sowing and sustainable soil management to help them adapt better to changing weather conditions. Furthermore, Kolping promotes organic farming as a cost-effective alternative to the sharply rising prices of artificial fertilisers. Kolping has achieved great success, amongst other things, by providing goats to members, who use the goat manure as organic fertiliser and are able to triple their harvests.
The nine-year project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) via KOLPING INTERNATIONAL, and by donors.
With around 2,100 members in 82 Kolping Families, Kolping Malawi is one of the fastest-growing national associations. It was granted National Association status in 2023.
