Transforming Lives through Winter Farming in Mzimba District

In 2020, Community Hope Initiative (CHI) was established with a mission to uplift communities through innovative and impactful projects. Over the past four years, CHI has implemented three core programs: the Self Help Groups (SHG) Approach, Youth Vocational Trainings, and Winter Farming. These initiatives have significantly improved the livelihoods of beneficiaries and their communities.

One such success story is that of Mr. Kasambara Gumbo, a lead farmer in the Kavula area under Enukweni Traditional Authority Mtwalo, Mzimba district. Through CHI’s winter farming project, Mr. Gumbo has transformed his farming practices and now manages 3 acres of green maize. This year, he is set to harvest more than 50 bags of maize, a staple that will provide essential food security for his family and the community.

However, Mr. Gumbo’s success goes beyond maize. CHI has consistently encouraged farmers to diversify their crops for nutritional and economic benefits. Taking this advice to heart, Mr. Gumbo has planted beans, cabbages, and other green vegetables alongside his maize. Most notably, he has cultivated 20,000 tomato plants, which are thriving. He expects a minimum return of 30 million kwacha from the sale of his tomatoes, a figure that could surpass previous years’ earnings due to the remarkable growth and quality of the produce.

In his own words, Mr. Gumbo expressed deep gratitude to Community Hope Initiative for the life-changing projects it has introduced to his community. “These projects have brought a huge impact on our lives,” he said. He highlighted the significance of all three initiatives—SHGs, vocational training, and winter farming—saying that they have empowered individuals and strengthened community resilience. With a heartfelt plea, he urged CHI to continue its mission, as it is leaving an indelible mark on the lives of many.

Mr. Gumbo’s story is just one of many that demonstrate the tangible and lasting benefits of CHI’s interventions. As the organization looks to the future, the successes of farmers like Mr. Gumbo underscore the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and the potential for continued growth and transformation in the communities CHI serves.