By Catherine Tembo/Malawi/Lilongwe
Every morning, before sunrise, Harwald Kaphesi and his wife from Kasalika village, Traditional Authority Mponela in Dowa District begin their journey to the rice field. As birds chirp softly in the background, their day starts with determination uprooting weeds and tending to their crops.
What once seemed impossible in Dowa a district known for its dry land has now become a success story.
Many believed rice farming could not thrive in such conditions.
However, Kaphesi has defied the odds by adopting new farming techniques, including the use of organic manure, which has significantly improved his rice yield.
Catholic Development Commission of Malawi (CADECOM) under the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, with support from DanChurchAid is implementing a project called The Improved Livelihood and Resilience (ILIAR).
The project is targeting farmers in Traditional Authority Kalumo in Ntchisi and T/A Mponela in Dowa Districts aims to empower smallholder farmers and community members with sustainable agricultural knowledge and practices.
Kaphesi says the training he received from CADECOM has transformed his approach to farming, particularly in rice production, where he learned the importance of using organic manure.
“I started rice farming in 2025. Since it was just the beginning, I only cultivated a small piece of land and managed to produce about 50 kilogram bags,” he explained.
He added that he has already noticed a significant difference between rice farming and tobacco, a crop he has grown for many
years.
“I am thinking of completely shifting to rice farming because tobacco requires a lot more resources and effort compared to rice,” said Kaphesi.
Due to changing weather patterns, including delayed rainfall across the country, Kaphesi adopted water-harvesting techniques, which helped sustain his crops after planting in January.
With these improved methods, he is optimistic about increasing his yield this year from his half-acre field.
Similarly, banana farmer Frackson Saka from Village Head Kasalika, Traditional Authority Mponela, has ventured into permaculture farming, where he has planted 300 banana plants to improve his livelihood.
“I started this type of farming in 2024 after receiving training. As of now, my household does not lack anything. I also grow Irish potatoes, maintain fruit forests, vegetables, and keep goats. This has ensured food security in my home,” he said.
Frackson dreams of becoming one of the biggest farmers and businessmen in Malawi, drawing inspiration from successful entrepreneur Napoleon Dzombe.
Assistant Agriculture Extension Development Officer (AAEDO) Ephraim Mlamba said the project is yielding positive results, particularly in promoting organic farming in the areas of Dowa and Ntchisi District where the project is being implemented.
“We are seeing significant changes. Farmers are now able to reduce the costs associated with accessing farm inputs, which remains a major challenge for many in rural Malawi,” he said.
As the dawn reached the field, Kaphesi and his wife slowly made their way back home, carrying with them a renewed spirit of hope and determination, strengthened by the new farming techniques they had embraced, techniques that promised not only better harvests, but a brighter and more sustainable future for their family.
Harwald Kaphesi and his wife at his farm, uprooting weeds
Frackson Saka standing in his banana farm.
Qoute
” I want to be successful man, just like an entrepreneur Napoleon Dzombe”
