In a proactive move aimed at strengthening household income and revitalizing agricultural sustainability, we have inaugurated an ambitious Syntropic Farming Trial Project in the picturesque Group Village Chimwala, nestled within the Traditional Authority Chikumbu in Mulanje.
The unveiling of this groundbreaking initiative witnessed Mphatso Kanyumbu, the Project Assistant in Mulanje, emphasizing the pivotal role of syntropic agroforestry in transforming the agricultural landscape. Kanyumbu outlined the project's core objectives, highlighting the cultivation of a diverse array of crops and trees in a symbiotic and mutually beneficial manner.
This innovative approach aims to fortify biodiversity while enhancing soil fertility, ultimately fostering a more resilient and productive agricultural ecosystem for smallholder farmers.
Markus Lemke, our Agro-ecology Advisor, emphasized the significance of this project, especially considering Mulanje's vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change. Lemke expressed confidence that empowering 771 farmers from Group Village Headman Chimwala in Traditional Authority Chikumbu, and Group Village Headman Kukada in Traditional Authority Mkanda in Mulanje to selectively choose trees and plants that mutually support each other will prove to be an effective strategy in addressing challenges caused by climate change.
He envisions that this initiative will lead to the rejuvenation of soil fertility, offering farmers numerous benefits across various aspects.
In enthusiastic support of this forward-thinking endeavor, Lesta Chikumba, a smallholder farmer, lauded the project's potential to rejuvenate soil fertility and generate income for participating households within the community. Chikumba's sentiment resonates with the broader aspirations of the project, aligning with its overarching goal to empower farmers and rejuvenate agricultural practices sustainably.
Notably, the initiative is a collaborative effort between CARD and the esteemed support of Bread for the World. The joint endeavor signifies a dedicated commitment to fostering agricultural innovation and sustainability, indicating a promising future for smallholder farmers in Mulanje.
