By Manasse Nyirenda

Rumphi, October 29, Mana: Farmers under National Association of Smallholder Farmer of Malawi (NASFAM) from Mjuma in Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe in Rumphi have urged their peers to join the association in order to access adequate farm inputs and profit from farming.

In an interview on Monday, one of the farmers Ester Luhanga, 57, who made K15 million from tobacco sales said she joined NASFAM in early 2000s and has since witnessed transformation in her household from struggling every day to find food to having a choice on what to eat.

"NASFAM has connected me to lending institutions which give us access to farm inputs such as fertilizers.

"Last year was one of best farming seasons. I managed to buy a car at K10.4, a motorcycle, have built a new house and also some farm inputs for the next growing season. I am food secure and very happy with my husband and children," said Kalua.

The member of Tiyane Farmers’ Club says the organization has been her lifeline as she now does everything for the family since her husband lost his sight.

She further said she now plans to buy a three tonner lorry which she will use for business in addition to the salon car she has bought to aid her mobility.

Another beneficiary, Mary Banda of Unenesko Club says since she joined NASFAM over four years ago her life has been transformed as she is now able to take care of her children after she lost her husband.

Banda, 62, who made at least K10 million from tobacco sales in 2024 has also managed to buy a motorcycle, built a new house and furnished it.

She says she now plans to start building houses for rent in order to diversify her sources of income.

Apart from tobacco, the farmers also grow maize, soya beans and groundnuts among others.

Association Business Manager for Rumphi NASFAM Office, Lettons Mkandawire says many farmers in the district have benefited from being NASAFAM members.

He urged more farmers to join NASFAM’s farmers’ clubs in order to start benefiting.