Pass on the Gift and Milk Cooling Center Celebrated in Malawi

Mchinji District is an impoverished rural district in the Eastern Province of Malawi. With a total population of 45,658 and over 70% of its residents living under the poverty line, the district is among the poorest districts in the country. Poor agricultural productivity, lack of skills in improved farming techniques, erratic rainfall and high prevalence of HIV/AIDS are among the forces that pushed Mchinji communities into abject poverty.

"Poverty robbed us of hope and human dignity. We lost our dream of becoming someone," said Abraham Chimangeni of Bua farmers group in the Mchinji District.

But On April 27, 2011, there was excitement among the farmers in this group as a milk collection and cooling center was launched in their community to facilitate marketing of the raw milk produced by smallholder dairy farmers that are being supported by Heifer Malawi. The climax of this excitement was witnessed in Mchinji as 17 new families who came to the function with their family members and neighbors celebrated owning a dairy heifer each. Members from other dairy groups within the district, traditional leaders, government officials, representatives of non-governmental and donor organizations all witnessed this memorable accession.

"We have no doubt that very soon poverty will be a thing of the past," said Mr. Gaciano Simango, the group's chair person. 13 of the 45 dairy heifers have already calved down and families have started to enjoy milk, the most needed nutrition for youth and adults, alike.

Abraham Chimangeni is among the first batch of project participants who received dairy heifers. He named his cow "Maloto" which means "dream" in the local language. His family and the cow have already bonded so well. It is with a big smile on his face and hope in his eyes that he expresses his joy. "It was too good to be true! I can now hope to educate my children and build a decent house for my family. My dream is revived," said Mr. Chimangeni.

Mr. Gondwe, chief livestock development and animal health officer for Kasungu Agricultural Development Division, praised the farmers for their efforts in taking care of their animals and constructing the milk collection and cooling house. A representative from USAID mission in Malawi, Mr. Martin Banda expressed satisfaction with progress of the project stating that farmers can now easily access reliable market for their raw milk. Since farmers started bulking their milk on April 1, 2011, over 11,000 liters of milk have been collected by the main dairy processor in Malawi, Lilongwe dairy.

The project started operating in early 2010 and is being supported with funds from USAID and Heifer International. SSLPP Malawi, a long-term Heifer partner in Malawi, is the implementing partner along with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. The project started with 90 original beneficiaries and is expected to reach 130 families by the end of 2012. At present, participating families are yielding an average of 250 liters of milk per month, earning them around $130 U.S. The project also has assisted to improve nutrition especially among children who are now able to take the milk on a daily basis. Sustainable agriculture technologies such as use of manure and push-pull technologies have made significant contribution toward improving food production among project participants.

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