What seemed like a dream to the people of the poverty-stricken district of Nasanje in Malawi, Africa, has become a reality. The 75-acre agricultural project was officially launched on October 14 th 2006 much to the delight of the Government of Malawi and the Chiefs of Nsanje. The land for this project was offered through the chiefs from the Traditional Authority Tengani in Nsanje after meeting with Reverend Austin de Bourg, President of Assist International and Trustees during their last visit to the area.
On this 75-acre land both corn and rice, the two staple foods of the nation of Africa are being cultivated. The lush fields that have sprung up from what was once desolate land are answered prayers to the people of Chumbu Village, Nsanje and the surrounding areas. The first harvest of crops anticipated in May & June of 2007, are expected to feed thousands of people who are literally starving in this district, many of whom are children orphaned as a result of the HIV/Aids pandemic sweeping the nation of Africa. These children may not make it to adulthood except for projects such as this one.
This project is a blessing in more ways than one. It not only provides the much needed food to the hungry but it also provides jobs for many young men and widowed women in the area who are the sole providers for their extended families.
There is no other agricultural project of such magnitude in the entire district of Nsanje. It is a breakthrough in the region, providing hope to the hopeless as it not only alleviates the hunger and poverty which these people have faced for so many years but offers a long-termed solution to the hunger crisis.
It is part of the mission of Assist International ( Canada) to help poor countries such as Malawi implement agricultural systems that are self-sustaining. According to Reverend de Bourg, President & Founder of Assist International, “day to day hand-outs will keep the poor dependent and will only offer momentary relief”. Reverend de Bourg is a firm believer of the old adage “Give a man a fish: you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime”.
Being the first of its kind, this project has become a major attraction in the area as many, including government officials, as well as representatives of non-governmental agencies and agricultural extension workers flock to witness the marvelous transformation from barrenness to abundant fruitfulness at the 75-acre site. In the words of the Group Village Headsman Mkango during a site visit “I know my people have life at last….This is indeed the work of God!”
This is just the beginning, as stated by Chief Chumbu, another one of the chiefs of the area, “…just imagine if all the land (of Nsanje and the surrounding areas) was cultivated, we would have a bumper yield and many more lives will be saved.” Assist International recently acquired another 200 acres of land for agricultural development. There is need for continuance and expansion; any financial support would go a long way in sustaining this need. |
