In 2020, Mai Aisha Trust (MAT) developed nineteen irrigation schemes in Blantyre and Mangochi districts with donor support from UK-based charity organization Drop of Compassion (DOC). This included 15 irrigation schemes in Blantyre and 4 in Mangochi, benefiting more than 2,000 farmers.
Before these developments, small-scale farmers used buckets to irrigate their crops, which proved difficult and inefficient. Farmers have expressed satisfaction with MAT’s intervention in partnership with Drop of Compassion. Given climate change challenges, irrigation farming has proven to be a reliable long-term solution for sustainable food production.
Most common crops grown by farmers include:
- Maize
- Cassava
- Ground Nuts
- Vegetables
- Beans
- Sweet potatoes
Problems faced before irrigation schemes:
- Farmers used buckets to irrigate their crops
- They used earth canals to direct water, which promoted soil erosion
Improvements after scheme development:
- Soil erosion has been minimized
- Irrigating crops is easier with concrete canals
- Communities are more food secure with enhanced economic opportunities
- Communities can cultivate larger land areas and achieve higher yields
