Land crisis and ‘green revolution’ practices trap millions of Malawi’s farmers
GOLIATI, Malawi — All that’s left to eat in Tapiwa Ligomeka’s one-room home is stored in a small plastic basin in one corner. Two days earlier, her husband came home with 2 kilos of maize meal, about 5 pounds — all he could afford to buy after a day hustling for casual work carrying traders’ […]
Goliati, Malawi - In the home of Tapiwa Ligomeka, a mere handful of food remains in a small plastic container. Her husband returned just two days ago with 2 kilos of maize meal, barely enough to sustain their household. On this Sunday afternoon, Ligomeka is returning to her thatched-roof dwelling in Goliati village, her baby strapped to her back.
Outside, the farmer is tending to his tomato crop. With only a small plot of land, Ligomeka and her husband harvested 178 kg (392 pounds) of maize in March, but cannot afford fertilizer. The couple's land measures less than half an acre, and they struggle to feed themselves and their child with the meager harvest. This story, originally published by Mongabay, highlights the land crisis and the so-called "green revolution" practices that trap millions of Malawi's farmers in poverty.
Written by urgent.news from Mongabay's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
