Project News

On 1st of March, the Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Madam Kae Yanagisawa, visited a SHEP pilot site in Ntchisi District. Dr, Changaya, the Controller of Agricultural Extension & Technical Services (CAETS), also participated in this visit from Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development. Although it was unfortunately raining from the morning, we invited 11 farmers to the District Agriculture Development Office to present their group activities. After that, the rain stopped at the time of the field visit, and we were able to show farmer's field and harvested crops to the visitors.

During the interaction, the Ambassador of Japan asked farmers, "Besides the results that you could repair the roof, purchase a motorcycle, and pay school tuition fees, what kind of change has been made inside of yourself?". One of the female farmers raised her hand and replied that "Before starting the SHEP activities, we just sold harvested crops. But, we now have linkages to dealers and know how to grasp market information. We consider farming as business and changed our mind to "Grow to Sell" rather than "Grow and Sell".".

At the end of the field visit, the Ambassador of Japan commented that "I'm glad to hear the success stories of farmers with their real voices. It was wonderful that all the ex-participant who participated in the SHEP training course in Japan carried out the pilot activities without sufficient resources.".

In this visit, we are very happy to see that the farmers confidently explained their experiences and showed the harvested crops with a happy face.

Explanation of farmer group activities at the Ntchisi District Agriculture Development Office

A female farmer explaining changes in consciousness and behaver though SHEP activities

Farmers’ couple explaining the onion field

A female farmer explaining potatoes harvested from her field

A male farmer explaining onions harvested from his field

CAETS of MoAIWD participated in the visit to Ntchisi District

Photo with farmer members of Mwaiwathu group

The Ambassador of Japan with ex-participants of SHEP training course in Japan