Turning small plots into big wins: How Irrigation farming is empowering farmers in Chiradzulu

Drought and erratic rainfall, coupled with traditional farming methods, have left many households who rely on rain fed agriculture food insure and in extreme poverty.

However, farmers utilizing various community irrigation schemes in the district are rewriting their future by utilizing natural water resources as a transformative tool.

Take Charles Mpunga, from Kachere Village under Senior Chief Mchema, who joined the 25-hectare Natama Irrigation Scheme in 2019. Today, his 0.5-hectare plot yields onions worth over MK850, 000 a year.

“I used to rely on rain fed farming and barely harvested anything," Mpunga says. "Now, I’ve built an iron-roofed house, bought a motorcycle, and can support my four children’s education, all because of irrigation.

“We grow maize, onion, pepper, eggplants and tomatoes, and last year we realized about K17 million from the sales of our produce but we were only 45 households who planted,” says Mpunga, adding that this year they expect the figure to rise as now 73 farmers are utilizing the scheme.

Another beneficiary, Ganet Kachingwe, from Kheleng'eza village the 44-hectare Chilusa Irrigation Scheme under Traditional Authority Kadewere shares a similar story such that in six months, Kachingwe earns MK2.1 million from his 0.8 hectare Okra farm.

“The rains are no longer reliable, but irrigation lets us grow our crop and harvest three times a year even when the rainy season fails,” he says.

Chiradzulu’s proximity to Blantyre offers an added advantage: a steady demand for fresh produce.

Thanks to the growing numbers of farmers at the scheme, he says, buyers come directly to the site, cutting down on transport costs and helping farmers make the most of their harvests.

Mpunga and Kachingwe's stories align well with Malawi Vision 2063, which emphasizes on agricultural productivity, commercialization, and sustainable development as key drivers of economic growth and prosperity.

The push toward irrigation is already paying off across the district, says Senior Chief Ntchema.

“Our farmers are seeing real change,” he notes, explaining how irrigation has transformed once-struggling smallholders into thriving growers who can now feed their families and improve their homes.

However, he emphasizes that even more households could benefit by expanding the total land under irrigation.

Chiradzulu has untapped potential in land and water resources for irrigation development, with many areas still available for expansion.

Approximately 4,500 hectares are considered suitable for irrigation, yet only 695 hectares have been developed so far, representing a small fraction of what is possible.

This gap underscores significant opportunities for scaling up irrigation to enhance agricultural productivity, strengthen food security, and improve livelihoods for Chiradzulu’s farmers.

Supporting this shift is Chiradzulu District Council Irrigation Engineer Julia Nyembeze Qoto, who oversees 164 irrigation sites benefiting 4,895 farmers out of which 2,590 are men and 2,305 women.

“These projects bolster food security by supplying about five percent of the district’s food. Irrigation has helped many farmers bounce back from drought and flood shocks.

And with more investment, we could expand to 4,500 hectares, reaching even more farmers,” she explains

From solar-powered pumps to treadle systems and traditional watering cans, the district is promoting diverse irrigation technologies to accommodate farmers of all levels.

One ambitious project, the Nazombe Irrigation Scheme in Traditional Authority Ntchema, is expected to cover 200 hectares, while a further 700-hectare expansion at Masamba Irrigation Scheme in Traditional Authority Onga is planned, pending funding.

While farmers initially resisted the switch to irrigation, witnessing their neighbors' success has rapidly changed minds.

“When farmers see their peers thriving, they’re more eager to join in,” Qoto says, while commending Malawi Government and World Vision Malawi for being on the forefront in promoting irrigation farming in the district.

Currently, the district is addressing the aftermath of Cyclone Freddy, which damaged various irrigation schemes, leaving only 390.11 hectares usable.

Franco Kaliya, Chairperson of the Chiradzulu District Council Agriculture Service Committee, says the council is working with partners to repair these systems.

“Irrigation is the future here. It is the only way for many farming households to overcome drought and become self-reliant.” he says

Kaliya encourages farmers to embrace irrigation farming, as it offers not only food security but a steady income.

He says with irrigation farming reshaping lives across Chiradzulu, local farmers are turning their small plots into engines of growth, proving that even limited land can yield boundless opportunities.

This mirrors SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by promoting year-round agricultural productivity that provides stable incomes and reduces poverty.

“When farmers can support their families, send their kids to school, and invest in essentials like livestock or home improvements, they create a cycle of prosperity,” he explains.