About 150 farmers at Kayelekera Irrigation Scheme have recorded an increase in crop production thanks to an installation of a 300-metre canal under MASAF 1V Programme.

The beneficiaries of the sprawling 18-hectare scheme in Traditional Authority Kyungu in Karonga are enjoying improved food security and income from crop sales. The availability of water canal has prompted the farmers to grow crops under both rain fed and irrigated farming boosting production. The farmers grow rice, maize, tomato, beans, egg plants and leaf vegetables on individual plots on the irrigation scheme.

Crops are grown throughout the year, ensuring constant supply of food to the families and market.

But it was not always like this. The irrigation scheme initially began in 2005 with 25 people on a 1.5-hectare land size. However, the irrigation scheme grew to 18 hectares in 2016 when Malawi Social Action Fund (MASAF) IV Programme supported communities to rehabilitate and expand a water canal facility at the scheme. The improvements led to increased water intake prompting more farmers to join the scheme. MASAF 1V provided pipes and cement for the reinforcement of the canal.

MASAF IV provided cash to community members who took part in the construction of the 300-metre long water canal through Public Works Programme (PWP).

Kayelekera Irrigation Scheme farmers plan to extend farming land by some six hectares to 24 hectares that will include a fish pond.

The members feel that expanding the scheme will help accommodate more farmers who are willing to join but are constrained by inadequate land.

Agriculture Extension Development Officer for Mpata Extension Planning Area (EPA), Peace Kapira, says he monitors the farmers’ activities at the irrigation scheme three times a week.

“We also train the farmers in manure making and encourage them to use manure in vegetable growing,” Kapira says.

Kayelekera Irrigation Scheme continues to be an important source of income and food in Traditional Authority Kyungu, Karonga for farmers themselves and other consumers who cannot produce food of their own.

built houses, have bought livestock like goats and pigs.