Farmer Filed School hailed for transforming farmers lives in Blantyre

Some farmers in Blantyre have appreciated Farmer Field School (FFS) for transforming their livelihoods through modern farming methods, hygiene and nutrition knowledge.

Member of Tikondane FFS in Goliati Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Kunthembwe, Mecrina Kaputa said they used to grow crops without being directed.

“We have learned a lot of things which have improved our lives and apart from farming they have taught us good nutrition practices and household hygiene. For instance, everyone was advised to have a toilet, bathroom and rubbish pit.”

According to chairperson for Tikondane FFS Richard Petro, the introduction of FFS in the area has improved many farmers’ lives and they are doing well in farming.

“We were not doing well in farming because we lacked proper guidance, we were wasting resources to buy farm inputs like fertilizer when manure could equally help. Extension workers have taught us proper farming and fertilizer application and making of water harvesting structures such as swales,” Petro said.

Blantyre District Agriculture Extension Methodology Officer, Sylvester Kaufa said FFS has brought farmers ideas together and solve problems that are affecting them.

“Through these interventions, farmers are producing a lot in terms of crop production and crop quality. Farmers from FFSs are expected to transfer their knowledge to the whole community to ensure food security,” Kaufa said.

FFS is being sponsored by the World Bank funded Malawi Watershed Services Improvement Project (MWASIP).