From Trainee to Community Trainer: How Hopeson Banda is Transforming Lives Through Sustainable Agriculture

Hopeson Banda inspects his maize and tomato field in Gwaza Village, where he is applying sustainable agriculture practices acquired through the GJ4AY Project.

At just 24 years old, Hopeson Banda of Gwaza Village in Traditional Authority Ganya, Ntcheu District, is proving that with the right skills and determination, young people can transform their lives and become agents of change in their communities.

Not long ago, Hopeson, like many young people in rural communities, faced an uncertain future. Limited employment opportunities and inadequate access to productive skills made it difficult for him to generate a reliable income.

However, his life took a positive turn when he enrolled in sustainable agriculture training at SOS Technical College under the Green Jobs for Adolescents and Youth (GJ4AY) Project.

The training equipped him with practical skills in sustainable farming, organic manure production, climate-smart agriculture, and agribusiness management. Armed with this knowledge, Hopeson returned home determined to put what he had learned into practice.

Today, his hard work is paying off.

Hopeson has diversified his farming activities and established multiple income-generating enterprises. He cultivated one acre of tobacco, developed vegetable gardens, and invested in livestock production. Through vegetable sales alone, he earned K220,000, while tomato sales generated an additional K560,000.

Hopeson Banda tends to his tobacco crop, one of the income-generating enterprises he has established using skills gained through sustainable agriculture training.

His growing farm now includes 30 guinea fowls, 5 ducks, 12 rabbits, 18 chickens, 16 pigeons, and one goat. He also manages a half-acre sweet potato field, further strengthening his household's food security and income base.

"The training opened my eyes to opportunities that I never knew existed," says Hopeson. "I learned that farming is not just about growing crops. It is a business that requires planning, innovation, and proper management. The skills I gained helped me see agriculture differently."

Hopeson Banda feeds rabbits at his homestead, part of a diversified livelihood portfolio that is improving his household income and food security.

One of the most valuable lessons Hopeson acquired was the production and use of organic manure. Instead of relying solely on expensive chemical fertilizers, he learned how to utilize locally available materials to improve soil fertility and crop productivity.

As his farm began to flourish, community members took notice.

Many people started visiting his garden to learn about the techniques he was using. What began as curiosity soon evolved into a learning opportunity for others. Today, Hopeson's farm serves as a demonstration site where fellow farmers and young people come to learn about organic manure production and sustainable farming practices.

His expertise has become so sought after that some community members now pay him to conduct training sessions and demonstrate manure-making techniques.

"This project changed my life completely," Hopeson explains with a smile. "I can now feed myself, support my family, and even teach others. People come to learn from me because they can see the results. That gives me confidence and motivates me to work even harder."

Beyond improving his own livelihood, Hopeson is helping to spread knowledge throughout his community. By sharing the skills he acquired, he is contributing to increased agricultural productivity, environmental conservation, and income generation among fellow community members.

Local leaders have also praised his efforts, describing him as a role model for other young people.

His success demonstrates the power of investing in youth skills development and creating opportunities that enable young people to build sustainable livelihoods. Through dedication, innovation, and a willingness to learn, Hopeson has transformed himself from a trainee into a successful farmer, entrepreneur, and community trainer.

As more young people witness his achievements, Hopeson hopes they too will embrace agriculture as a viable pathway to economic independence.

"I want other young people to understand that agriculture can change their lives," he says. "If they are willing to learn and work hard, they can create opportunities for themselves just as I have done."

CRECCOM, in collaboration with Save the Children Malawi, TEVETA, ADRA Malawi, Emerge Livelihoods, Mzuzu University, and the Government of Malawi, is implementing the Green Jobs for Adolescents and Youth (GJ4AY) Project in Ntcheu District.

The project empowers vulnerable young people aged 15–24 with practical green skills, life skills, and livelihood opportunities that support their transition to sustainable economic independence.

Through training pathways in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and eco-tourism, the project equips young people with the knowledge and skills needed to secure decent work while contributing to environmental sustainability and climate resilience.