Malawian youth making millions of kwacha through agribusiness
By Maureen Kawerama, Malawi
Youth in Monkey-bay, Mangochi District in eastern Malawi, have turned to agribusiness as a way of creating employment and generating income to support themselves and their families under the banner of Monkey-Bay Youth Empowerment Cooperative (MOYEMCO).
The youth of MOYEMCO are engaged in bird’s eye chilli farming and processing in pursuit of economic independence amid limited formal job opportunities in the country. MOYEMCO Coordinator Gift Ajibu notes that cooperative was formed in August 2021 after members grew frustrated with years of unsuccessful job searching. “So, we presented the idea to our ward councillor Mauka Mwalala who helped us with a piece of land where we began cultivating cash crops,” he said. Chilli was chosen as it offers higher profits.
Today, the cooperative has 60 members (26 men and 34 women) and has grown from small-scale production into a structured enterprise.
Members generated more than MK2 million in 2022 with 800 kilograms of chilli. This was reinvested into buying 3.5 hectares of land and installing an irrigation system to boost year-round production.
“ I encourage theseyouth to remain committed and continue expanding the programme for the benefit of more young people.” – Mauka Mwalala, Monkey-Bay Ward Councillor
This year the group expects to receive a MK267 million grant from the Agriculture Commercialisation programme, which will be used to purchase hand tractors, upgrade the irrigation scheme, buy fencing wire and procure seedlings and other inputs. It will also be used to construct a solar tent dryer and a storage shelter, among other facilities aimed at boosting productivity.
MOYEMCO Chair, Francis Amos Banda, said members also benefited from training sessions on chilli production organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Mangochi with support from the Government of Iceland.
“The knowledge and skills acquired have improved our farming practices, resulting in increased yields and higher profits. Whenever we encounter challenges, we consult agricultural experts who continue to provide us with technical guidance and support, “Banda said.
One member, Ellen Divala said she uses proceeds from chilli sales to pay school fees for her siblings and support her household, noting that the cooperative has improved her livelihood and reduced financial struggles.
Another member Assan Soko, said he has used profits from the enterprise to purchase land where he plans to build a house in future, describing the initiative as life-changing.
Monkey-Bay Ward councillor, Mauka Mwalala commended the youth for embracing agribusiness, saying it is helping them stay engaged in productivity activities and away from indulging in risky behaviour.
MOYEMCO brings together members from eight youth clubs under the Monkey Bay and Kapichi Youth network, forming a collective effort aimed at strengthening youth participation in agribusiness and local economic development.
The initiative is being viewed as a model of youth empowerment in rural Malawi, demonstrating how agriculture can provide sustainable livelihoods.
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