Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Malawi Voice
Published on 2024-03-05 08:14:30
By Monica Tambala
The Greenbelt Authority (GBA) has taken a significant step towards promoting climate-smart commercial irrigation farming in Malawi by officially handing over the 700-hectare Lweya Irrigation Scheme in Nkhata Bay to SOS Construction Limited for rehabilitation and maintenance. This project, which is valued at K561 million, aims to develop modern irrigation farming practices with a focus on mechanization and precision technologies to support the country’s goal of achieving an upper-middle-class economy by 2063.
The rehabilitation of the Lweya Irrigation Scheme is part of GBA’s mandate to champion large-scale commercial irrigation farming and aligns with the government’s strategy to promote mega farms in Malawi. During the handover ceremony, Counsel Wester Peter Kosamu, the chairperson of GBA’s board, emphasized the importance of irrigation in achieving successful mega farming ventures, noting that rain-fed agriculture alone is not sufficient for large-scale operations.
Kosamu urged farmers in the Lweya scheme to seize the opportunity to enhance their agricultural productivity and improve food security, especially in the face of climate change challenges. He highlighted the need for irrigation schemes to mitigate the impact of erratic weather patterns and ensure year-round crop production for farmers in the region.
Rodgers Newa, the District Commissioner for Nkhata Bay, commended the initiative, stating that the rehabilitation of the Lweya Irrigation Scheme would contribute to increased agricultural productivity, wealth creation, and economic growth in the district. He acknowledged the efforts made to overcome community resistance and emphasized the importance of irrigation in enabling farmers to diversify their crops and increase their harvests.
A representative of Senior Chief Matanda expressed gratitude for the rehabilitation of the scheme, emphasizing the crucial role it plays in ensuring adequate water supply for all fields in the 700-hectare scheme, even during adverse weather conditions. He urged the community to support the rehabilitation efforts by safeguarding the infrastructure and preventing vandalism that could jeopardize the success of the scheme.
To formalize the partnership between GBA and the Lweya Water Users Association, a five-year agreement was signed at the conclusion of the handover ceremony. This agreement signifies a commitment to collaboration and cooperation between the two parties to ensure the sustainable management and maintenance of the irrigation scheme.
In conclusion, the rehabilitation of the Lweya Irrigation Scheme represents a significant investment in modernizing agricultural practices in Malawi and promoting sustainable farming techniques. By prioritizing climate-smart irrigation farming, GBA and its partners are contributing to the country’s economic development goals and supporting local farmers in adapting to climate change challenges.
Read the original article on Malawi Voice
