“I was nobody, and now I am somebody.”
These are the words of Mr Mbale, a local farmer from the Gazulu region on the outskirts of Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve. He shared this heartwarming sentiment while showcasing his farm to Peace Parks Foundation’s Chief Development Officer, Lilian Spijkerman, and a delegation from the German Development Bank (KfW).
Together with the NGO Total LandCare, Peace Parks Foundation is transforming and uplifting communities through sustainable land management practises. Funded by the German Development Bank (KfW) and implemented by Peace Parks in collaboration with communities and Malawi’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife, Peace Parks is helping communities thrive.
Maxwell Mzanyama, Programme Coordinator from Total LandCare, explains that Mr Mbale was given holistic support. Not only was he provided with access to good-quality seedlings and livestock but also knowledge on farming practises, accessing markets, and doing trade. This is vital to not only generating income but also ensuring the long-term self-sustainability of small-scale farms like Mr Mbale’s.
We are thrilled to see how the collaboration between Peace Parks and Total LandCare is transforming communities around Vwaza and promoting sustainable livelihoods through conservation agriculture. The generous support of the EU and the German Ministry of Economic Co-operation and Development makes programmes like this possible. With continued support, more communities will flourish and positive impacts will continue to grow.
