Mai Aisha Trust has implemented 17 irrigation schemes since 2007, empowering rural farmers with sustainable food production and income generation through year-round farming.
Mai Aisha Trust complements government efforts to ensure food security at the household level by engaging rural farmers in small-scale irrigation farming. In partnership with the Irrigation Services Division (ISD) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, the Trust provides financial support to small-scale irrigation schemes.
The Challenge
Dependence on a single annual rainy season for agricultural production has resulted in perpetual food deficits across the districts and the country as a whole. This challenge has been exacerbated by erratic rainfall patterns, dry spells, droughts, and floods—events that have increased in frequency due to climate change effects. Additionally, food demand in these districts has been rising steadily due to population growth.
Our Solution
Irrigation represents a major long-term solution to these challenges. Food and cash crop production under irrigation improves productivity, thereby sustaining more households with increased levels of food and cash crops.
Our Impact
Since 2007, Mai Aisha Trust has successfully implemented seventeen (17) irrigation schemes across Blantyre, Chiradzulu, and Mangochi districts with financial support from generous partners and well-wishers. Farmers cultivate crops including maize, beans, vegetables, and fruits.
Benefits:
Through irrigation farming, communities have transformed from food-insecure households to self-sufficient, economically empowered families.
