In the village of Pitala Gwayi under Traditional Authority Mzikubola in the Eswazini Extension Planning Area of Mzimba, the air once carried a sense of resignation among many young people. Farming was dismissed as old-fashioned, and many youths sought solace in alcohol or quick but unsustainable ways of earning money.

Today, 26-year-old John Gwayi stands proudly over bags of beans harvested from his field. His journey is not only a testament to his determination but also a reflection of how farming is beginning to reclaim its place as a dignified and profitable pursuit for Malawi’s youth.

“Before the Empowering Women and Youth in Agriculture in Malawi (EWAYA), most young people in this area lacked productive opportunities and often engaged in unconstructive activities. We didn’t take farming seriously. We had no inputs, and buyers paid us very little,” John says.

From Hopelessness to Hands-on Learning

Everything began to change when the EWAYA project, funded by the Government of Flanders and implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), reached his community. For John, it was an introduction to farming as a business rather than a subsistence struggle.

The project introduced improved bean varieties and taught climate-smart farming techniques. John recalls the turning point vividly:

“When the eWAYA project came to Kaperemehe, they trained us to view farming as a business. They taught us how to grow crops that fetch good prices on the market. They gave us beans—customers’ favourite variety, NUA 45—and when farmers harvest, they are assured of earning some money.”

Armed with new knowledge, John learned precise planting methods, including ridge spacing of 60–70 cm, double-row planting, and measured fertiliser application using a simple Fanta bottle top.

“We have tried it and seen that this method really works,” he says with a smile.

Harvesting Hope

The results were transformative. From just 5 kilograms of seed, John harvested 160 kilograms of beans despite erratic rains. Instead of selling his stock immediately, he used part of it to multiply in dambos, carefully planning for larger fields.

“I was given 5 kilograms to grow. Last rainy season, despite the poor rains, I harvested 160 kilograms. With the coming rains, I plan to plant on one hectare so that at harvest, I can earn at least 5 million Kwacha for my household,” he says, laughter breaking the seriousness of his plan.

The once reluctant youth is now thinking like an agripreneur. With beans fetching MWK 5,000 per kilogram in the market, he is strategic about timing sales and scaling production.

“Currently, the price is MWK 5,000, but we haven’t sold yet as we are multiplying them in the dambos. The plan is to find a market, and as we were advised during training, we are keeping them to sell around November or December when prices are higher,” he explains.

Inspiring a New Generation

For John, farming has shifted from being a last resort to becoming a pathway to prosperity.

“This project has shown us that agriculture can be profitable. I want to keep expanding and inspire other young people,” he says with conviction.

His story reflects more than just one man’s success. It illustrates a wider transformation taking place across Eswazini. Where once there was apathy, now there is energy. Where young men once loitered at trading centres, they are now working in fields, experimenting with improved seeds and measuring fertiliser with precision.

John’s confidence embodies the change: farming is no longer about survival but about building a business, investing in the future, and restoring dignity among the youth.

About EWAYA

The Empowering Women and Youth in Agriculture in Malawi (EWAYA) project is funded by the Government of Flanders and implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). It enhances women’s and youth’s participation in high-value agricultural value chains through skills training, access to quality inputs, market linkages, and climate-smart agriculture. In Eswatini, Mzimba, the focus is on common bean and honey production, enabling farmers to transition from subsistence farming to sustainable agribusiness.