Empowering Smallholder Farmers: Mchinji District Council Agriculture Fair
The Mchinji District Council Agriculture Fair is being held under the theme: “Empowering Smallholder Farmers through Access to Markets and Resources.” The event brings together farmers, agribusiness players, and development partners to showcase opportunities in agriculture and rural development.
Green Livelihoods (GL) is participating in the fair as part of its GROSS-INCOME Project, implemented in Mchinji District under the TRADE Program, funded by IFAD through the Ministry of Local Government. The project focuses on strengthening smallholder farmers’ access to markets, resources, and value chains.
One of the success stories featured at the fair is the Masakamika Youth Association, based in Masumba Village, Mkanda EPA, in Mchinji District. The group is actively engaged in the sunflower value chain, which is being promoted under the TRADE Program.
Promoting Value Addition in Sunflower
To maximize profitability, the GROSS-INCOME Project is encouraging farmers to move beyond supplying raw produce and instead invest in value addition. In May 2025, Masakamika Youth Association began processing sunflower into cooking oil, creating new income opportunities and promoting local agribusiness growth.
During the last farming season, the youth association cultivated 45.5 hectares of sunflower, producing a total yield of 6.5 metric tonnes. By processing sunflower into oil, the group is reducing post-harvest losses, improving earnings, and supplying high-quality products to local markets.
Youth Empowerment Through Agribusiness
Masakamika Youth Association is made up of 108 members (48 young men and 60 young women), who are now empowered to play a key role in the local economy. Their efforts reflect how youth-led initiatives can transform rural livelihoods, create jobs, and contribute to Malawi’s agricultural growth.
The participation of groups like Masakamika at the Mchinji Agriculture Fair highlights the importance of investing in youth, value chains, and sustainable livelihoods to build a resilient agricultural sector.
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