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Ambassador’s Self-Help Fund Revitalizes Local Economies

In November 2007, the U.S. Ambassador to Malawi Alan Eastham handed over the Ndala Irrigation project.  The Embassy had granted the Ndala community $7,800 through the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund to construct irrigation canals.  The exercise comprised damming water on Namchidwa River on the foot of Mt. Mulanje. 

With irrigation facilities and appropriate production practices, the Ndala people were expected to double agricultural production and productivity by growing two maize crops per year and possibly three cycles of small leguminous species such as beans and pulses, thereby achieving food security and better living conditions.  The villagers, with the help of agricultural staff, were expected to ration irrigation water to meet everybody’s needs.  Two years after the grant, the Self-Help Administrator Tony Ayuninjam returned to Mulanje to evaluate the benefits of the project.

One Ndala farmer told the Embassy official that for the first time, she had successfully cultivated tomatoes and other vegetables because of available irrigation water, saying “I earned MK27,000 from the sales of tomatoes, thanks to irrigation facilities.  This is a sign of good faith in this grant from the people of the United States of American.”.  Although the irrigation project was initially intended to benefit Ndala Village farmers, abundant water had inspired farmers in four neighboring villages (Sumeli, Komet, Mujiwa and Monda) to join and tap water.  Over 140 irrigation farmers have thus far organized themselves into clubs.  Margaret belongs to the Namchidwa Club that comprises 29 members.

The farmers said with unprecedented farm revenue, they are now planning big. First, they will begin a crop diversification program that will include maize, sunflower, peppers, and other vegetables.  They will then improve their livelihoods by renovating homes and eating better.  Lastly, with supplemental funds, farmers will build a warehouse and office in Ndala Village which will be used to store their produce instead of ferrying the produce to distant markets.  This will help to bring customers to their village warehouse to buy the produce. 

Ndala Village and Traditional Authority Laston Njema are a perfect example of an active, self-reliant community.  This community exceeded U.S. Embassy expectations by all accounts.  The multiplier effect that they have generated from this $7,800 grant is immeasurable.