Transforming Lives Through Irrigation: A New Dawn for Chisoso Village
Access to nutritious meals and a steady income is crucial for every family’s well-being. However, in rural Malawi, many households struggle to meet these basic needs. Financial hardships and unpredictable weather patterns have left numerous families relying on just one meal a day, contributing to stunted growth and poor health in children.
In Traditional Authority Kalumikiza’s area in Ntchisi District, specifically Chisoso Village, the narrative is changing. World Vision has brought hope by constructing an irrigation scheme that is set to transform the lives of 150 households.
The scheme promises year-round farming opportunities, enabling families to harvest crops multiple times a year.
Rabecca Sitefano, a farmer and caregiver to her child and siblings, is optimistic about the development.
“Life has been tough, especially with climate change disrupting our planting seasons. By December, we used to be busy in our fields, but this year, the rains are yet to come. Irrigation is our only way to survive,” she shared.
Rabecca is growing tomatoes and other crops that will not only feed her family but also generate income.
“This irrigation scheme will help us become financially stable while ensuring our children grow up healthy,” she added.
A Community Re-imagined Patrick Kashande, a father of three, also expressed gratitude.
He said providing for his children’s education and ensuring they are well fed has been a challenge.
“But with this scheme, I see hope for a better future. My kids will now attend school regularly, and they’ll have enough nutritious food to eat,” he said.
Kashande emphasized the need for additional training in modern farming techniques to maximize the scheme’s potential.
“We ask World Vision to teach us advanced agricultural methods so we can fully benefit from this initiative,” he appealed.
Commenting on the same, Chairperson of the Chisoso Irrigation Scheme, Charles Josamu, assured the community’s dedication to safeguarding the facility.
“This development is envied by neighbouring villages. We will ensure it serves its purpose for the benefit of our families and children,” he said.
Josamu highlighted how the scheme addresses the adverse effects of climate change, which has disrupted traditional growing seasons and led to recurrent food shortages.
Group Village Headman Chisoso expressed heartfelt gratitude to World Vision on behalf of the community.
“This initiative means no child will drop out of school due to hunger. Every family will have enough to eat and even earn an income from selling surplus crops,” he said.
The irrigation scheme is more than just infrastructure. It is a beacon of hope for Chisoso Village. It promises improved livelihoods, healthier children, and an empowered community ready to tackle the challenges of climate change head-on.