Jica rescues Dowa irrigation farmers

Irrigation farmers under Nachisaka Extension Planning Area (EPA) in Traditional Authority (T/A) Msakambewa in Dowa district are optimistic of tripling their production after securing technical support from Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica).

Through Enhancing Capacity for Medium Scale Irrigation Scheme Development, Operation and Maintenance Project (MIDP 2 Project), Jica has also provided cement to Champhole Model Irrigation Scheme for irrigation canal construction.

The scheme’s chairperson, Paul Jamson, said in an interview on Tuesday they expect to increase production on their 10-hectare land.

He said: “The scheme was established in 2001 in response to the biting hunger. But 15 years down the line, we are still struggling to feed our families.”

Chilima Mzukwa, a member of the scheme who grows tomatoes at commercial level, said the modern technology Jica has given them comes at the right time when government emphasises on the need for crop diversification.

MIDP 2 Project chief adviser Kenji Yasuda said the project wants to address food insecurity through building and enhancing the capacity of the irrigation farmers. n