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From struggles to abundance: A Father's journey through Agroecology.

Davison Chauluka, a father of four from Group Village Namasalima in the Traditional Authority of Kuntumanji, Zomba District, once faced the daunting challenge of providing enough food for his family. "Life was tough. Buying food daily was difficult and it was hard to ensure there was enough for my family," he shared, recalling the days when food scarcity was a constant worry.

After the Agroecology training in September 2024, Davison`s life has transformed. He learnt how to use sustainable farming practices that not only ensured a consistent supply of food for his family but also empowered him to improve his surroundings.

"I started practicing Agroecology around my compound and now life is no longer the same. We get food directly from the farm vegetables, fruits and even maize," Davison said with a smile. "I use the environment wisely for this production and I am seeing great results."

One of the key lessons Davison learnt through the Agroecology training was the importance of year-round farming. The ability to practice continuous farming, utilizing various crops and integrating fruit trees, has allowed him to secure a steady food supply for his family, reducing the pressure of having to buy food.

"Getting fertilizer used to be a huge challenge for me. It was expensive and I could not even afford one bag. But I learnt how to make mbeya fertilizer, which has been a game-changer. It`s easy to make and its now helping me grow healthier crops," Davison explained.

Grateful for the transformation in his life, Davison expressed his heartfelt thanks to CARD and its partners for the training that has brought lasting change to his family`s wellbeing. "God bless you CARD and all the partners you are working with," he said.

Through the teachings of Agroecology, Davison has not only improved his family's food security but also gained the skills to manage his resources more sustainably, ensuring a better future for his children.

In an inspiring example of resilience and growth, Davison`s story stands as a testament to the power of education and sustainable farming practices in transforming lives.

We are implementing the project in partnership with Trocaire and supported by Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA) and the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF), focusing on strengthening community resilience and restoring biodiversity in the Lake Chilwa catchment area. Targeting key rivers in Zomba, Machinga and Phalombe, the initiative combines environmental restoration with economic empowerment.