Giz Kulima Meira project benefits Chakuwala Farmer Organisation
Chakuwala Farmers Organisation in Traditional Authority Khombedza, Salima districts is one of the Famers Organisation (FO) under the GIZ Kulima Meira project. Formed in 2014 by members from Group Village Head (GVH) Chimphanga. The main purpose of the club was to collectively access markets for their produce. They have 301 women and 132 men totaling to 433 members.
Through the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism (MoITT), the project worked with various implementing partners including DAPP Malawi. DAPP Malawi as a business development service provider for GIZ Kulima MIERA project trained 10 Farmer Organizations of which seven are in Salima and three in Dedza districts.
The project’s target was smallholder farmer organizations and micro, small or medium sized enterprises (MSMEs) and equips them with knowledge and skills on collective marketing, farmer organization techniques, business training and negotiation skills in the market in order to grow their businesses so that they provide goods and services at a profit.
Blessings Kainja, a trainer coach for DAPP Malawi under the project explains the changes that the project has bought to the farmer organisation (FO).
“Looking back to where Chakuwala FO was at the beginning of training block 1 in October 2018 and comparing it now, I am so proud of the achievements the FO has registered within a short period of time. Members now appreciate the importance of service provision at a fee which brings not only more incomes to them through collective marketing/bulk input purchase but also leave cash within the FO in form of commission.
It is also encouraging to see the members implementing most of the work outlined on their Action Plan. These things motivate me as a trainer-coach who has vigorously coached the members and I am hopeful that if the FO continues on this path, the probability of becoming one of the most promising FO’s in the central region is high”
The GIZ Kulima MIERA project commenced in August 2018 and phases out July 2019.
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