Stephanos sets aside K3.3m for Chikwawa irrigation scheme

Stephanos Foundation has allocated $65 000 (about K33 million) towards boosting agricultural production in the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Maseya in Chikwawa District.
Stephanos Foundation executive director Jos Joosse revealed this recently during a field visit to Kadzumba Irrigation Scheme, where the organisation has already spent $35 000 (around K18 million) towards the promotion of irrigation.

Said Joosse: “We want to promote irrigation farming to avert effects of climate change and help farmers to realise bumper harvests.
“People in the district have a passion for farming, but lack financial and technical capacity to develop a substantial irrigation system they can rely upon to sustain their livelihoods.”
He said the foundation will distribute treadle pumps, drill wells and install solar powered irrigation pumps to boost irrigation at the scheme.
Chikwawa District crops officer, Lewis Lipenga, said the farm inputs and irrigation materials the foundation distributed to disaster-hit communities enabled beneficiary farmers to replant after the devastating floods.
He commended the organisation for facilitating farmers’ training in good planting methodologies.
Group village head (GVH) Kadzumba expressed hope that the initiative will improve lives of his subjects.