By Pempho Nkhoma

Blantyre, October 8, Mana: Youth led organization called Big 2 Project is providing trainings in sustainable agriculture practices to young farmers in the country with an aim of making them self-reliant and increase crop production.

The training involves organic farming practices and commercialization of irrigation farming to cope with challenges posed by climate change.

Founder and Manager of Big 2 Project, Blessings Mlelemba, told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday that they introduced the trainings in May 2024 as one way of dealing with economic pressure that youths are facing.

“There is potential in young people and if given the opportunity, it is possible to improve lives of thousands. Malawian youths are capable of doing great and sustain the livelihood of their country through agriculture,” he said.

Mlelemba said that the training is helping youths in their lives, citing that many who were not involved in agriculture have started doing serious farming.

“Achievements are great and beyond our expectations. We receive people on a daily basis and we move into different areas to offer advice on farming pursuits and the impact is impressive,” he added.

However, Mlelemba said that it may take time to achieve their dream saying lack of financial support is slowing the rolling out of the project.

“Resources for trainings are on personal savings from my farming projects, consultations and little registration subscription that people contribute when they want to register with us which is Mk5, 000 for full trainings,” he explained.

One of the participants of the training, Lusungu Chimbiri, expressed her gratitude to the project for their dedication and expertise.

"I joined the training because I've always been passionate about farming. As a first time farmer, I wanted to enhance my knowledge and skills in agricultural techniques and improve crop yields. This training offered me the perfect opportunity to network with fellow farmers,” she said.

Chimbiri added that she had already started seeing the benefits in her farm as things are going as they had been trained.

"The training has been beneficial as I've gained knowledge in things like pest management, disease prevention, and organic farming as well as business planning,” she said.

Another farmer from 6 Miles in Zomba, Nelvin Mussah also hailed the project saying the knowledge that he had acquired will be helpful in increasing production and in coping with climate change.

“From the training I have learnt how to make manure and identify crops that are profitable. Additionally, I have learnt the proper farming methods to use,” Mussah said.

Big 2 Project had demonstration gardens in Lunzu (Blantyre) and Mchinji where the trainings targeted youths from all over the country.