LocationsGrowing Hope in Salima as Farmers Prepare for Harvest under the UCHI Project
July 16, 2026
Lead farmers in Salima pose for a group photo following a post-harvest training session — united in their commitment to improving food security and livelihoods in their communities.
Across farming communities in Salima District, rice and soybean fields are showing strong promise as smallholder farmers prepare for the upcoming harvest season under the Ulimi ndi Chilengedwe m’Malawi (UCHI) Strengthening Agricultural Commercialisation Project.
Funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Government of Malawi, the five-year project is supporting farmers to transition from subsistence production towards more resilient and commercially oriented agriculture.
At the heart of this transformation are farmer organisations such as Thembwe and Funde Cooperatives. Through training, improved farming practices, and strengthened support systems, farmers are building confidence ahead of harvest.
At Funde Cooperative, where 401 farmers are participating in the project, rice fields reflect the impact of improved agronomic practices promoted through the UCHI Business-to-Farmer (B2F) model. The approach integrates production support, capacity strengthening, financial access, and market readiness to help farmers move toward commercial agriculture.
Lead farmers in Salima engage attentively during a post-harvest training session, exchanging ideas and experiences to sharpen their skills and strengthen community agricultural knowledge.
Preparing for Harvest
As the harvest season approaches, farmers have been undergoing post-harvest management training to improve harvesting, drying, handling, storage, and transportation practices. These efforts are critical to reducing losses and maintaining crop quality.
The trainings have also provided space for farmers to reflect on challenges experienced during the season, including heavy rains, flooding, and pest infestations. Despite these setbacks, strong extension support and peer learning systems are helping farmers adapt and improve.
At Funde , 20 lead farmers are mentoring others across the cooperative, strengthening knowledge sharing and adoption of improved practices.
James Makhuva, Chairperson of Funde Cooperative, shares his reflections on the post-harvest training, emphasising how the knowledge and skills gained are critical to transforming farming outcomes and securing better livelihoods for cooperative members.
“One of the major changes we have adopted is planting one rice grain per planting station instead of overcrowding the field. Farmers were doubtful at first, but now they can clearly see the difference in crop performance. We are expecting bumper yields this season,” said James Makhuva, Chairperson of Funde Cooperative.
He added: “Some farmers are progressing faster than others, so we encourage farmers to learn from lead farmers and those who are doing better. With continued training and support, everyone will improve.”
Promoting Women’s Leadership
The UCHI Project is also strengthening the participation of women in agriculture, including leadership roles within farming systems.
Ellen Kalembo, a lead farmer at Funde Cooperative, highlights the shift: “Women are now participating not only as farmers but also as lead farmers guiding others in the community. We are working hard because we want to achieve good harvests that will help us support our families, educate our children, and improve our livelihoods.”
This inclusive approach is strengthening household resilience while promoting equitable participation in agricultural production and decision-making.
Rice farmers in Chipoka, Salima, work their fields with renewed confidence, anticipating bumper yields this season as improved farming practices begin to bear fruit.
Integrated Support for Resilient Livelihoods
Beyond agricultural production, the project integrates nutrition education in collaboration with UNICEF, helping farming households better understand balanced diets and child nutrition.
Partnerships with financial institutions are also improving access to financial services, supporting farmers to invest in their production and prepare for markets.
Tchaka Kamanga, UNDP’s UCHI Project for Salima and Nkhotakota, notes the progress:
“What we are seeing in Salima is encouraging. Farmers are adopting improved farming practices, strengthening cooperative systems, and preparing themselves for commercial agriculture. Even where challenges have occurred, farmers are showing resilience and willingness to continue learning and improving.”
Looking Ahead
As harvest season approaches, the fields of Salima represent more than agricultural progress, they reflect growing resilience, knowledge, and opportunity among farming communities working toward sustainable livelihoods.