• National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF), Malawi


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In the wake of harsh climate conditions that left many farmers across Malawi with poor harvests, the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) has stepped up its support for smallholder farmers through its Micro-Irrigation Loan program while urging them to adopt value addition practices to maximize their returns.

Speaking during the distribution of solar-powered irrigation equipment in Chiweza Village, under Traditional Authority Mโ€™bangโ€™ombe in Lilongwe District, NEEF Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Humphrey Mdyetseni emphasized that the initiative is not just about access to water but about transforming agriculture into a profitable, year-round business.

โ€œThis program is designed to fight hunger and boost the economy. But for farmers to truly benefit, they must begin to think beyond the harvest. Once the loan is repaid, the next step is to add value to their produce,โ€ said Mdyetseni.
He further explained that value addition such as processing crops after harvest, proper storage, and attractive branding can significantly increase profits through access to better markets and prices.

The equipment distributed through the Micro-Irrigation Loan includes solar pumps capable of delivering up to 52,000 liters of water per hour, along with long pipes, seeds, fertilizers, and crop protection chemicals. This support is meant to help farmers grow food throughout the year, regardless of rainfall patterns.

Traditional Authority Mโ€™bangโ€™ombe hailed the initiative as a game-changer for local communities. โ€œMany of our farmers cannot afford enough fertilizer or struggle to irrigate their crops. These solar pumps will not only ease their burden but also expand the areas they can cultivate,โ€ he said.

As Malawi continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, NEEFโ€™s Micro Irrigation Loan program is geared up to building a resilient, self-sustaining agricultural sector.
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