A three-year agricultural project, spearheaded by OXFAM in collaboration with partners CADECOM and CICOD, Catholic Development Commission and Circle for Integrated Community Development respectively, has significantly transformed the lives of smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth, in Kasungu district.
The “Enhancing Access to Profitable and Inclusive Agriculture Markets for Small Holder Farmers in Kasungu District Project” has left behind a powerful legacy of increased yields, enhanced market access, and profound economic empowerment.
Evelyn Phonela, from the Chilinkhunda cooperative, says that the project has helped her become independent as they are now able to save and access markets more easily.
Evelyn Phonela making a presentation on how the project has helped her cooperative
Evelyn has highlighted how the program empowered women with gender awareness training, enabling them to “stand up strong just like men do.”
She has proudly recounted purchasing a motorbike, a direct benefit from her increased earnings, and lauded the introduction of village banking, which has improved financial literacy and access to loans.
Alfred Banda and Evelyn Phonela
Alfred Banda, ADC Chairperson and a young farmer from Santhe EPA, explained how the initiative empowered young people to collaborate with successful agriculturalists.
Alfred says that the provision of warehouses through the project, has allowed them (farmers) to store produce and seek better markets for value-added goods.
Alfred Banda explains how the youth have been helped in Agricultural business
He has noted how farming, previously seen as less stable, now provides vital income for school fees and other essentials for youth.
“The project has also equipped us with skills, and this will remain with us forever,” Alfred affirmed.
In her remarks, Director of Agriculture Environmental and Natural Resources in Kasungu district, Evelyn Chima, has emphasized the project’s enduring influence despite its conclusion.
“We don’t believe that it has come to an end, because the activities which they have been supporting the farmers are living,” Chima stated, referring to the lasting knowledge, improved techniques, and crucial infrastructure now in the hands of the farmers.
DAECC Exit Meeting in Progress in Kasungu on 25 July 2025
On the other hand, Madalitso Chilalire, the Acting Secretary for CADECOM, confirmed the project’s success in meeting its objectives, including the significant achievement of advocating for the Cooperatives Act, now approved by the cabinet.
He believes that this policy change will simplify cooperative registration and improve access to formal markets by empowering district councils.
The funding for this impactful initiative was generously provided by the Government of Flanders.
Communities affected by floods, particularly those at St. Barnabas – Dwangwa Parish, are now cultivating a more secure and sustainable future with a comprehensive support and training provided by the Catholic Development Commission of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe (CADECOM), in partnership with Missio Austria.
Launched in December 2024 at the request of Archbishop George Tambala, the project initially delivered emergency food aid before evolving into a powerful initiative focused on agroecological training, seed provision, and long-term food security.
In his remarks, the beneficiary farmer, Esau Banda says the change has been truly transformative.
“Previously, we lacked the knowledge needed to succeed in farming. Now, with the training we’ve received, we’re confident we’ll begin to harvest bumper yields,” Banda shared.
On the farm, Esau and Lucia connect over the project’s impact
He attributes this confidence to lessons on crop diversification by saying that “going forward, each harvest will produce more because we’re growing a mix of crops. For instance, alongside maize, we now grow soya, beans, and tomatoes. This approach not only increases our income but also strengthens our food security. These farming techniques are now a permanent part of our lives.”
Banda also underscored his commitment to sharing this newfound knowledge with others who weren’t part of the training, so they can also benefit from the innovations.
He then recalled receiving initial relief support which included 50 kilograms of maize, 5 kilograms of beans, and 2 liters of cooking oil which “helped us survive the crisis.”
One of beneficiary carrying Cooking Oil and other Relief items during the launch of the project
Relief items during the Launch of Integrated Response and Resilience Project at Dwangwa Parish
Additionally, Esau Banda confirmed that they are now able to grow cassava and sweet potatoes as part of their strategy to support their households, “something we learned through CADECOM’s training.”
Another farmer, Towera Mwasinga echoed stories of resilience and empowerment.
Towera explaining what she experienced before and after the coming in of the project
“Before this training, we didn’t know how to make organic manure. Now, we do—and we’re certain it will boost our harvests,” she stated, noting that expensive inorganic fertilizer was often out of reach.
Another participant, Josephy, highlighted the practical improvements gained when CADECOM took him to a training where he was taught about the importance of crop diversification, soil and water conservation and how these make his household resilient to climatic shocks.
“As a result, I began planting bananas, cassava, sweet potatoes, and started a vegetable garden. CADECOM even provided us with the planting materials,” he said.
Josephy highlighting the people on the improvements he gained through the project
In addition to that, Josephy has also praised the guidance for his banana plantation as “before their training, I had already planted bananas, but their guidance taught me how to properly care for and improve productivity. For example, I now ensure no more than four suckers grow from each banana plant so there’s enough space for better yields. I also maintain a small vegetable garden, which provides the household with fresh vegetables without having to spend money at the market.”
Josephy at his Banana plantation with Lucy Bayer from Missio and other visitors
Another farmer, Kumwenda reinforced the benefits of adopting sustainable practices at which they were also encouraged to grow local crop varieties as they are more resilient to drought and other farming challenges.
He also detailed their newfound ability to create homemade pesticides: “We were taught how to prepare homemade pesticides using local materials instead of buying from stores. The recipe includes water, soap, hot chili, and a tree known as Katupe. You can also add aloe vera or any other bitter trees. The ingridients are chopped and ground then, mixid with water, the mixture is then left to dissolve for thirty minutes before it is applied to crops. This knowledge has helped us save money.”
Kumwenda sharing process of making pesticides using locally available resources
The community’s journey was not without significant challenges. As a beneficiary recalled of the flood experience: “When the floods hit, we were forced to evacuate our homes and seek shelter at a nearby school, then relocated to a camp, where we stayed for about six weeks… Later, we established temporary shelters and brought our families back.” Despite returning, fear lingered: “Even after returning, we were constantly afraid of what might happen next, especially whenever we saw dark clouds. We are deeply grateful to CADECOM for their support and pray for blessings upon them. We hope they continue extending this kind of help to others as well.”
CADECOM Acting Secretary Madalitso Chilalire, speaking during a site visit with Missio Austria, reiterated that the project’s heart lies in agroecology.
“So, we are trying to work on the mindset of the people that they can have other food likesweet potato, cassava, fruits, like bananas that they can also use as carbohydratesas food to their households so that they should not only rely on maize which is nowadays becomingdifficult to grow.So that is what we are doing in Madisi (Dowa) and in Nkhotakota and so far so good, the farmersare adopting.”
Chilalire (R) sharing ideas with Lucia during the project visit in Nkhotakota district, Malawi
He added that CADECOM is now considering adding savings and loan initiatives to help farmers reinvest earnings and strengthen financial independence, believing that “the success we’ve seen so far can grow even further with the right support.”
Chilalire and the team checking in with a beneficiary to see how CADECOM’s training is being put into practice at home
Lucia Bayer, representing Missio Austria, lauded the project’s comprehensive model as it is not just food relief but a long-term resilience.
Bayer has since emphasized the encouraging results that show farmers are well-prepared to build a better future.
“With proper training, seeds, and the possibility of savings programs, these communities are laying the foundation for a better future,” she said.
On the farm with Lucia Bayer of Missio Austria, gathering insights into the agricultural progress
She concluded by stating, “I would assume this is just the starting point and it can grow, because when they learn how to go about the money, how to save and invest, and they will have the possibility to take a loan within the village bank, I believe that is the way for them to go, because then they will experience even a greater empowerment.”
Lucia Bayer (L), a beneficiary farmer (C), and the Archdiocesan Director of Social Services, Brian Odhiambo (R) pose for a photo
The project, active in both Madisi Parish (Dowa) and St. Barnabas Parish (Nkhotakota), has become a beacon of sustainable recovery, led by the very people it was meant to support.
A significant three-day national training on the Basic Formation Cycle, also known as the Evangelical Solidarity Program (ESP) has successfully concluded today, 15th June 2025 at Bethany Retreat Centre in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe.
The intensive “trainer of trainers” (ToT) workshop, which ran from June 13th to 15th, was led by the International President Couple of the International Confederation of Catholic Family Movements (ICCFM), Sergio and Dora, accompanied by Gerardo and Eloina.
The training marked a pastoral visit by the international team, fulfilling a tradition of engaging with national CFM teams globally, with Malawi and Uganda being their chosen destinations this time. The workshop saw the participation of 54 delegates from across Malawi’s Archdioceses and Dioceses, including Blantyre (9), Lilongwe (19), Chikwawa (3), Zomba (6), Mangochi (5), Dedza (8), and Mzuzu (4).
The workshop commenced on Friday evening with a Holy Eucharist Mass celebrated by Right Reverend Vincent Mwakhwawa, who underscored the critical role of the family as the foundation of the nation.
Bishop Mwakhwawa expressed the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (MCCB) desire to see families become evangelizers within their associations and movements.
His Lordship urged participants and chaplains to seize this unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of the movement and formulate plans for implementing the newly acquired knowledge.
Bishop Mwakhwawa shares a moment with visitors and families, embodying the spirit of community at CFM’s national training at Msamba Parish
Bishop Mwakhwawa also advised CFM leadership to always collaborate with the National Pastoral Coordinator, Fr. Joseph Sikwese, and the National Chaplain on Family Apostolate, Msgr. Henry Chinkanda, for guidance on their initiatives.
He specifically requested the International President Couple’s assistance in implementing youth accompaniment programs in Malawi, drawing inspiration from Mexico’s model.
In their remarks, the ICCFM President Couple, Sergio and Dora, highlighted the auspicious timing of the workshop during the Jubilee Year, themed “Pilgrims of Hope.”
They emphasized that such trainings are crucial for the Church, as they address capacity gaps among couples and within the broader Church community.
They echoed Bishop Mwakhwawa’s sentiment regarding the importance of the Basic Formation Cycle in equipping families to deepen their faith both individually and as couples.
Participants engaged in highly interactive sessions, exploring the methodology of the Basic Formation Cycle, which employs the “See-Judge-Act-Reflection” approach advocated by the Church. The training incorporated presentations, dynamics, group discussions, and plenary sessions.
Delegates also received an overview of CFM’s structure and governance, which aligns with MCCB and Canon Law, with proposed adjustments subject to MCCB approval.
Key takeaways from the training include the commitment to implement the Basic Formation Cycle (ESP) upon receiving blessings from respective Bishops, seeking advice from MCCB on the proposed governance structure, and enforcing trainings and the adoption of natural planning methods in various dioceses and parishes.
The successful conclusion of this training is expected to significantly bolster the capacity of Catholic families in Malawi to fulfill their role as evangelizers and strengthen the movement’s presence across the nation.
The Alliance for Children Everywhere (ACE) Country Director Chisangalalo Ntonia has highlighted that Malawi is making slow progress in addressing children’s mental health issues, partly due to prevailing cultural practices.
Ntonia emphasized the urgent need for increased advocacy and concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including the government, to tackle this growing concern.
ACE Country Director, Chisangalalo Ntonia
He made these remarks today, 12th June 2025 in Lilongwe during a Mental Health Workshop organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
“I can say we are making progress, but we are not yet there as a country,” Ntonia stated.
He has however highlighted the significant work still required to effectively address mental health challenges in children.
He says they plan to train teachers and other professionals on trauma and mental health to better equip them to support children facing such difficulties.
Meanwhile, Dr. Michael Udedi, Assistant Director of Curative Medical Rehabilitation Services in the Ministry of Health, revealed that a significant number of Malawians are grappling with mental health and psychosocial issues.
Dr Micheal Udedi
He pointed to an “aggravated situation of suicide,” evidenced by suicidal behaviors recorded between 2021 and 2025.
According to Dr. Udedi, Malawi registered 597 suicide cases between January and December 2024, mirroring the 597 cases recorded in 2023.
A local non-governmental organization, Paradiso has launched an initiative to distribute Buffalo Bicycles to volunteers who travel long distances collecting tuberculosis (TB) samples.
The effort aimed to ease their transportation burden and boost the fight against TB in Malawi.
Paradiso’s Programs Manager, Limbani Mbetewa, stated in an interview that the organization plans to distribute 3,000 bicycles across various districts, including Zomba, Dedza, Dowa, and Lilongwe.
“Looking at the catchment area that these volunteers go around to disseminate information, we thought it wise that we should ease the challenge of mobility by giving them the bicycles,” said Mbetewa.
Limbani Mbetewa, Paradiso’s Programs Manager
He added that the distribution will be carried out in phases, with an initial rollout of 250 bicycles currently underway.
Paradiso believes these bicycles will significantly support volunteers in their vital work, ultimately contributing to better TB control in the country.
In a move aimed at improving financial accessibility for Malawians, Centenary Bank has launched the CenteValue and CenteFees in partnership with Airtel Money.
Speaking at the launch event on Wednesday, 11 June 2025 in Lilongwe, Centenary Bank Managing Director, Godfrey Byekwaso announced that the agreement will allow parents to pay school fees via Airtel Money for schools that hold Centenary Bank accounts and Airtel Money agents will be able to request value whenever needed.
Byekwaso highlighted that the initiative has the potential to reduce long queues at banks and save time for parents, who can now make payments from their homes.
“The product is helpful as it will save time and some inconveniences to our customers,” He said.”
In her remarks, Airtel Money Managing Director, Thokozani Kamkondo Sande, expressed optimism about the collaboration, emphasizing that Airtel Money is Malawi’s largest mobile financial service and remains committed to transforming lives economically.
She noted that education is key to national development, which is why Airtel Money saw value in partnering with Centenary Bank.
“Education is the key to any development in the country hence the partnership agreement,” She said.
Commenting on the development, Sister Valentine Gudyanga, a Bursar at St. John’s Catholic Secondary School, one of the institutions that hold accounts with Centenary Bank welcomed the initiative, noting that it will simplify transactions as payments will be processed instantly.
“This is simple, and it will ease our work as an institution,” she said.
