By Catherine Chikopa

Thyolo, October 25, Mana:  Nutrition and Gender Coordinator for Foundation for Irrigation and Sustainable Development (FISD), Emey Tchongwe says Transforming Agriculture through Diversification and Entrepreneurship (TRADE) interventions in Thyolo were meant to address nutrition challenges and will use participatory methods to identify eligible households into the programme.

Tchongwe told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Thursday that TRADE programme targets farming households in four Extension Planning Areas (EPAs) in Thyolo namely; Thyolo Central, Matapwata, Khonjeni, and Dwale.

“To ensure transparency and accountability in the selection of TRADE beneficiaries, we will use participatory methods such as wealth ranking to identify eligible households,” Tchongwe added.

She said that after beneficiaries are identified in the four EPAs, the programme will initially distribute small livestock, including chickens and rabbits, to 14 households, adding that each household will receive 10 chickens (nine hens and one cock) which the household will pass on over time.

Main goal of TRADE programme is to transform agriculture in Malawi by promoting diversification, entrepreneurship, and sustainable farming practices, ultimately improving livelihood of small holder farmers for rural economic development.

Tchongwe noted that by supporting households with chickens, the programme can help families access an important source of protein through both meat and eggs. Additionally, farmers will be able to sell excess chickens and eggs, improving their household income and benefiting both nutritionally and economically.

TRADE Programme’s Gender, Social Inclusion, and Nutrition Officer, Ekari Jimusole said the program focuses on the commercialization of the dairy sector while addressing nutrition needs.

“Our goal is to build the capacity of vulnerable farmers to ensure food and nutrition security, while giving them opportunity to participate in dairy value chains,” Jimusole said.

He added that FISD will implement several activities to improve nutrition outcomes in the district, including promoting backyard gardens, integrated homestead farming, and cooking demonstrations.

“These are expected to enhance nutrition and overall livelihoods of both farmers and children in the communities. We are confident that FISD’s work will significantly improve nutrition outcomes among farmers in Thyolo,” he said.

The program, which started in September 2024, will run for two years and will end in September 2026.