Thank You for Empowering the Kayiyatsa Family!

Having a windmill is a life time dream for so many farmers in Chigonthi EPA and of course elsewhere in Malawi. A windmill simplifies the work of irrigation and helps the farmer to increase the land being irrigated. Michael Kayiyatsa is one of the farmers who have been blessed with a windmill from Africa Windmill Project. Mr. Kayiyatsa grows crops throughout the year. The windmill has assisted him to sufficiently and efficiently supply water to his crops.

Michael Kayiyatsa is a 37 years old man who lives in Guzikonde village. He is married to Sofina Samson and together they have 3 daughters; Bertha, Veronica and Ivy. Mr. Kayiyatsa joined Africa windmill project in 2017 and since then he participated in all the trainings that Africa Windmill Project offers (Irrigation techniques, crop management, and entrepreneurship) just to mention a few.

 “Africa Windmill Project has taught me to make irrigation basins which save water tremendously therefore I plant each and every crop in irrigation basins”- Michael Kayiyatsa. 

Mr. Kayiyatsa grows maize, tomatoes and cabbages. In 2019 Kayiyatsa received a windmill from Africa Windmill which has helped him irrigate a larger area with ease than before. The windmill has also helped him to grow crops throughout the year. 

“I am very happy because of the water that overflows from the tank, this windmill has simplified my work of irrigation” - Michael Kayiyatsa

We reviewed 2020 with Mr. Kayiyatsa and wanted to share the actual numbers with you. Michael and his family grew tomatoes and cabbages. He sold the first phase of tomatoes in April, May and June at MK 348,000 ($464), he used MK 92,000 ($123) for seed, fertilizer, pesticide and labor. He made a profit of MK 256,000 ($341). In the months of July, August and September he sold the second phase of tomatoes at MK 853,000 ($1,137) from the inputs that costed him MK 348,850 ($465) and made a profit of MK 504,150 ($672). He also grew cabbages which he sold in August at MK 878,370 ($1,171) from inputs costing MK 402,260 ($536) and made a profit of MK 558,110 ($744). In December, he also sold another phase of cabbages at MK 1,570,000 ($2,093) from inputs costing MK 495,000 ($660) and made a profit of MK 1,075,000 ($1,433) for the first time in his life. In summary, he used MK 1,338,110 ($1, 784) and got an income of MK 2,398,260 ($3, 198). 

From the profits last year Kayiyatsa has now built a modern iron sheet roofed house at MK 380,000 ($507). He has also bought a brand new motor bike at MK 470,000 ($627) which has made travelling easier. He also has bought a goat at MK 16,000, ($21), rented in advance an additional garden for irrigation farming at MK 50,000 ($67) and his household is food secure, they bought maize for food at MK 293,000 ($391).

“Without this organization we would be ignorant. I am thanking this organization for the trainings and pumps that it delivers. Please continue to do this even to other farmers”- These are words from Mr. Michael Kayiyatsa that we hear every time we visit him.

It is very encouraging to see that there is steady growth in their profits! In 2021 Michael is making more money but also testified about the high quality of products that he is producing.  His customers are very happy with the produce they have purchased from him and did not have to struggle to sell his produce.