ENHANCING AGRICULTURAL RESILIENCE AND LIVELIHOODS: THE IMPACT OF UNDP-FUNDED PROJECT ALONG NKOMBEZI RIVER

by: Chikumbutso Gasper Willard - 23|05|2023

Introduction:
With generous funding from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), FACE had the privilege of implementing a transformative project along Nkombezi River in T/A Lundu, Chikwawa District. This initiative aimed to address the challenges faced by vulnerable farmers in the district and improve their livelihoods through targeted interventions. By employing strategic measures such as the distribution of water pumps, procurement of early maturing crops, and the rehabilitation of Nkombezi River, the project sought to bolster agricultural productivity and enhance food security.

Project Components and Achievements:
The project's first notable achievement was the procurement and distribution of five water pumps to five vulnerable farmers' clubs. These clubs, instrumental in fostering community collaboration, were equipped to engage in winter cropping activities. Additionally, the project facilitated the acquisition and distribution of early maturing crops, ensuring farmers had access to resilient seed varieties. Furthermore, the initiative focused on rehabilitating Nkombezi River by planting 10,000 seedlings, thereby improving the ecological balance and safeguarding the river's long-term sustainability.

Success and Impact:
Through the implementation of this project, tangible successes were realized. One remarkable outcome was the establishment of savings accounts by each farmers' club, facilitated by the profits generated from the sales of winter crops. This financial empowerment allowed farmers to mitigate risks and secure their livelihoods. A significant positive impact was observed in terms of reducing the duration of lean hunger months from four to two months. This outcome exemplifies the project's efficacy in enhancing food security and resilience among the local farming communities.

Challenges and Lessons Learned:
Despite the project's notable achievements, it faced a substantial challenge due to its location in a flood-prone area along the river. Paradoxically, the very floods that the project aimed to control resulted in the destruction of the successes it had achieved. These unforeseen natural events underscore the importance of implementing comprehensive disaster risk management strategies alongside agricultural interventions. By incorporating measures to mitigate the impact of floods, future projects can better ensure the sustainability of their objectives.

Conclusion:
The UNDP-funded project along Nkombezi River, implemented by FACE, successfully addressed the vulnerabilities faced by farmers in T/A Lundu, Chikwawa District. Through the distribution of water pumps, early maturing crops, and the rehabilitation of Nkombezi River, the project significantly improved agricultural productivity and contributed to reducing the lean hunger months experienced by local farmers. Despite the challenge posed by floods, this initiative serves as a valuable lesson in the integration of disaster risk management and agricultural development. Moving forward, it is crucial to continue investing in sustainable solutions that empower vulnerable communities and enhance their resilience in the face of adversity.