Empowering communities through sustainable agriculture
In the verdant landscape of Chitsime Community, SCOPE Malawi, in partnership with African Vision Malawi, embarked on a journey of transformation in 2019. Their mission was crystal clear: to empower both households and schools through comprehensive training in agroecology and permaculture. What unfolded was not just a narrative of agricultural innovation. Karen Nekesa, Communications and Advocacy Coordinator for ReScope, guides us through this narrative of resilience, cooperation, and positive change.
At the heart of their initiative lay a commitment to nurturing sustainable farming practices that not only enhance food security but also safeguard the environment. Across the community, households eagerly embraced indigenous seeds, honed the art of manure-making, diversified their crop cultivation, and meticulously tended to agroforestry trees and fruit orchards. Innovative rainwater harvesting techniques transformed once barren patches into thriving vegetable gardens, ensuring a bountiful harvest year-round.
However, within the confines of the school grounds, a different narrative unfolded. Close scrutiny revealed two distinct challenges: a perceptible gap between the involvement of community and school youth in agroecology activities, and the persistent menace of livestock encroachment. Recognizing the need for tailored solutions, Schools and Colleges Permaculture Programme (SCOPE), in Malawi and its partners sprang into action.
Convening meetings that brought together influential community leaders, school authorities, and members of local seed multiplication groups proved instrumental in fostering dialogue and consensus. Additionally, providing fencing materials for the school’s gardening area symbolized a tangible commitment to safeguarding agricultural assets and nurturing future growth.
Stakeholders’ comprehensive action plan
During these collaborative sessions, stakeholders devised a comprehensive action plan aimed at addressing the identified challenges head-on. Central to this strategy was the formulation of bylaws designed to hold accountable the owners of goats and other livestock found trespassing and damaging school crops. This proactive measure not only instilled a sense of responsibility but also served as a deterrent against future transgressions.
In the ensuing months, the impact of these initiatives reverberated throughout the community. Enforced bylaws, reinforced by the unwavering commitment of community leaders, led to a marked reduction in reports of roaming livestock wreaking havoc on school crops. In their place, images of lush, thriving crops emerged, serving as a testament to the transformative power of collective action and strategic intervention.
Beyond the tangible agricultural outcomes lies a deeper narrative of community resilience and empowerment. SCOPE Malawi and African Vision Malawi have not merely sown seeds in the soil; they have nurtured a legacy of sustainable agriculture and shared prosperity, enriching the lives and livelihoods of generations to come. Through their unwavering dedication and collaborative spirit, they have illuminated a path towards a future where communities thrive in harmony with nature, embodying the true essence of sustainable development.
The Regional Schools and Colleges Permaculture Programme (ReSCOPE) is a network established in 2006 in Lusaka, Zambia. It emerged from the pioneering work of SCOPE Zimbabwe, which began in 1994.
SCOPE was accepted into the African Biodiversity Network during the commemoration of the network’s two decades of supporting African communities on the continent. For further details about SCOPE, please visit the following link: https://www.seedingschools.org.