One of the country’s child-centered Christian organisations, Stephanos Foundation, has officially launched its programmes in the central region.

The foundation urges farmers to embrace mindset change and start practising Integrated farming.

The child-focused organisation believes conservation agriculture coupled with livestock production leads to sustainable farming that needs to be replicated by most ‘Faithful farmers’ as they are known in the organisation.

Executive Director for the foundation in Malawi, Clifford Kuyokwa, said practising integrated farming can ably help to conserve the environment.

“The country has been experiencing climate change effects which have also disturbed farming. Stephanos Foundation has taken an initiative to teach local farmers in Nathenje how they can practice conservation agriculture which seeks to restore the environment and saves time.

“The farmers are being taught how to practise diversification by growing maize, vegetables, fruit trees as well as engaging in livestock production among other sustainable interventions,” said Kuyokwa.

One of the faithful farmers, Gladson Njobvu of Kalulu Village in Nathenje says the skills he has acquired will change his life.

“ I have learnt to make manure from this project. I have also learnt to have a garden to grow vegetables which I am selling and eating at home,” said Njobvu.

Executive Director for Stephanos Foundation, Clifford Kuyokwa said there is a need for mindset change for local farmers to start getting higher returns from their fields.

“Malawians should know that farming is not about using fertiliser only. These local farmers have to learn how to make manure as well as conservation type of agriculture, If they also grow more than one crop it can help them to get better yields,” said Kuyokwa.

The foundation has reached out to over 400 households in the district. Through the Talandila Harvest Centre. The foundation seeks to pilot several agricultural technologies that will build resilience for farm households with an overarching goal of enhancing the wellness of children.

 

Source:https://mbc.mw/stephanos-foundation-scales-out-to-central-region-of-malawi