Zomba Millennium Project farmers visit Kafulu Warehouse

By Frank Kadzakumanja

 On 21^st November, 2012 farmers from Mwandama Village in Zomba city located in southern part of  Malawi visited Kafulu warehouse in Dowa to learn more about how the warehouse receipt System (WRS) is benefiting farmers. Millennium project supports Mwandama village and its objective is to provide the operational platform and resource mobilization to empower communities to lift themselves out of extreme poverty. With Warehouse receipts, depositors have secure access to credit and reliable storage facilities for their grain. This gives them the option to sell when they can get the best price and this is what prompted farmers from Mwandama village to go to Kafulu and understand how the Warehouse Receipt system has been a success there.

 The session started by visiting the warehouse where there was a brief session about warehouse procedures and management. Thereafter, there was classroom discussion where Kafulu farmers explained to their colleagues from Zomba their stories and experiences. Farmers from Mwandama also took the time to ask questions on how the Warehouse receipt System is run and how Kafulu farmers association works.

 Speaking at the meeting, Coordinator for Business and Enterprise Development for Millennium Villages project, Mr Elvis Bauleni said he was very pleased to note that farmers in Kafulu had welcomed the idea of Warehouse Receipt System. He further explained that it would be of great benefit if farmers from Mwandama emulate the same." It is my hope that next season we will work together with ACE in implementing the warehouse Receipt System in our Zomba warehouse" He said.

ACE Official  addressing the participants

Participants listening to a speach by Kafulu Farmers Association chairman Mr A.E. Ndata

 Also speaking at the same meeting, the Chairman for Kafulu farmers association, Mr A. Ndata thanked the farmers for their visit and encouraged them to continue seeking more clarification on WRS as evidenced by their questions so that they understand the system fully before they start implementing it for better results.

 In view of the success of the system in Malawi, Agriculture Commodity Exchange (ACE) plans to extend Warehouse Receipt System (WRS) to other areas so that more farmers are reached and assisted.