Local farmers in the area of Traditional Authority Mwadzama in Nkhotakota district have lauded Njira imodzi project under Umunthu Plus, describing it as a crucial step towards transforming their livelihoods.
Eerier in February this year, Umunthu Plus through the project distributed various seeds and livestock including poultry and goats to farmers under a pass-on initiative, where they are expected to share with fellow farmers once animals multiply.
During a project review in an engagement meeting with stakeholders at Mkaika in the area, one of the beneficiaries Aidas Sitambuli from Bamba village expressed gratitude and optimism towards the project, stressing she is looking forward to reaping the benefits including increased financial gains and animal production from resources received.
She said, “Am thanking Umunthu Plus for the goats and I expect they will help me in paying school fees for my children in a near future.”
Another Katoleza Phiri from Zidyana Village 3 brags he has already started earning positive fruits through collection of manure from the animals provided and urged Umunthu Plus to increase the number of beneficiaries in the area.
“This project has potential to improve people’s lives in our area. Umunthu Plus should consider also extending it to other areas.” Phiri said.
An Agricultural Extension Development Coordinator for Zidyana EPA in the district, John Mangani highlighted that the project has enhanced in increased livestock production especially in poultry and goats in the area, adding it’s a plus to community nutrition.
He said, “The livestock injection on its own without multiplication is already an increase, so as EPA we have registered an increase in livestock production in the community.”
However, Mangani laments mobility challenges as a key challenge to monitor and provide veterinary services to farmer’s livestock, calling for introduction of para vets to be working under instruction of the agriculture office to enhance coordination between the office and farmers.
“though we have seen an increased production, we have to introduce para vets who can be directed by veterinary officers on some duties to bridge the gap on the delivery of services for enhanced production.” Mangani added.
In his remarks, “Njira imodzi project field Officer at Umunthu Plus Mathias Nkhoma expressed satisfaction with the level of efficiency in implementing interventions set in the project which aims at uplifting people’s livelihoods in the district.
“We are glad farmers are adhering to the instructions being given. This is really in line with our vision to see people having improved livelihoods in this district.” Nkhoma said.
Umunthu Plus is implementing Njira Imodzi project through funding from EGMONT with a target to outreach to about 946 farmers in some areas of Nkhotakota.
