Permaculture, with its remarkable ability to contribute to socioeconomic development at the household level, truly transforms lives. We at Kusamala Institute of Agriculture and Ecology have seen this firsthand, and continue to spread the benefits and practices of permaculture and agroecology in rural communities of Malawi. We strongly believe that communities should be given access to information about available options in their villages, so that they can pursue their own avenues of development.
Farmers are often told that without inorganic fertilizers they cannot produce enough food, leaving them to feel that they have no other option. Fertilizer is undeniably an important farming input, but farmers need to know that organic fertilizers, paired with permaculture best practices, have great potential to maintain and improve production while also lowering input costs and reducing environmental damage. Like managers of any business, farmers also need information that will allow them to make decisions about how to run their farms sustainably.
Permaculture is a viable alternative to conventional agricultural intensification. Using a set of tools and practices that combine indigenous biology and polyculture systems, it incorporates soil conservation and fertility management, agro-biodiversity and water conservation. In the end, it leads farmers to harvest not only crops, but cultivate vital ecosystems.
Kusamala is home to Malawi’s largest permaculture demonstration and training centre. Since its founding in 2009, it has brought these techniques to farmers in villages all over the country. From on-site demonstrations of essential permaculture components such as eco-sanitation and medicinal gardens, to outreach and extension efforts to bring knowledge to communities by radio, household visits and others, to involving youth in the entire process, Kusamala Centre empowers farmers of Malawi to pursue a future of prosperity for themselves and their families.
We believe that simple household initiatives can influence the community as a whole, and that these collective initiatives have the power to bring change at local, regional, and national levels. In this era, harnessing ecosystem-based approaches to food security and adaptation to climate change is crucial, and youth should be involved as key players to make the changes we need to become sustainable. As we say at Kusamala, nothing for the youth without the youth, nothing for the communities without the communities.
Blogpost based on input by Chisomo Kamchacha
Blogpost edited by Kari Wozniak
Photo: CCAFS
