05/05/2026
Day two of the PMU monitoring visit to Malawi under the ‘Rooted in Diversity’ (RiD) project brought the teams from Participatory Ecological Land Use Management - PELUM Uganda, ELDS, CICOD, DARS, and Oxfam in Malawi deeper into the field, where meaningful engagement with farming communities continues to shape the RiD project’s impact.
In Nambuma Extension Planning Area of Dowa District, the delegation held productive discussions with three Farmer Field Schools i.e Chitenje, Mvunguti (alongside its business group), and Timvane. These interactions offered valuable insights into how the project is unfolding on the ground, with farmers actively implementing lessons and adapting practices to their local contexts.
A key highlight from the visit was the diversity blocks established by each Farmer Field School. These plots host a range of local crop varieties, enabling farmers not only to multiply seeds but also to experiment, learn, and identify which crops perform best under specific local conditions. This approach is strengthening knowledge around neglected and underutilized species while promoting resilience through crop diversity.
Farmers are cultivating a mix of traditional and staple crops, including sorghum, millet, pigeon peas, Bambara nuts, and maize. Notably, the integration of local chicken farming is adding another layer of livelihood support, enhancing both nutrition and income streams.
In addition, all Farmer Field Schools have successfully established Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs). These groups are proving instrumental in boosting household incomes, offering members access to savings and small loans that support both farming activities and broader livelihood needs.
Overall, the day underscored the importance of community-led learning, diversification, and financial inclusion in driving sustainable agricultural development. We acknowledge the financial support from the Norad - Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation