• National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF), Malawi


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Before joining the Ngerenge Scheme 1 Farmers Group, Ellen Kwelu spent her days tending a small rice plot, growing just enough to feed her family.
Kwelu who hails from Traditional Authority (T/A) Kilupula has been farming for a long time but could not harvest much yield as she desired. Although she owned a large piece of land, she failed to make full use of it due to lack of essential farming inputs such as fertilizer, quality seeds, and irrigation equipment.

However, her story changed significantly when she ventured into commercial farming after applying for NEEFs Micro-Irrigation and Farm Implement Loan (MIFIL) through the farmers group.

The scheme which has 56 members with a record of 18 women and 11 youth later accessed farm inputs worth MWK 30,150,000. "For a long time, I lacked basic inputs to cultivate rice. But with the micro-irrigation loan, I can now grow rice all year on land that used to lay idle. I am thankful to NEEF for providing me with fertilizer and a water pump," explained Kwelu.

Oswel Sibale is also another young beneficiary from the Tupokiwe Farmers Group in Chitipa District. The 53-member group which has 16 women and 9 youth accessed MWK 30,500,000 worth of farm inputs.

After receiving his share of the loan, Sibale cultivated maize on 5 acres of land. With the proceeds from his maize farm, he plans on securing enough food for his family, purchase a motorcycle for business, and finally put a roof over his home. “I have always wanted to do farming as a business, but I lacked inputs. But with this loan, I am encouraged to do my best and grow in this business,” said Sibale.

NEEFs MIFIL has not only met long standing farm input needs for various farmers but also promoted a model of inclusive access to finance by ensuring that women and youth are well-represented in the composition of farmer groups.
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