Seed Capital Support Transforms Eliza Namtali's Family Farming Enterprise

Eliza and her husband watering their vegetables.

"When we received the seed capital support, we finally had the opportunity to invest in our farming. Our vegetables are growing very well, and we are hopeful that the income will help us achieve our dreams," says Eliza Namtali.

Eliza Namtali from GVH Mwembere, Traditional Authority Mwembere in Zomba district, is one of the beneficiaries whose livelihood has significantly improved through seed capital support through the Social Protection for Gender Empowerment and Resilience (SP-GEAR) project, implemented by CRECCOM.

Before receiving the support, Eliza and her husband, Dyson Jeke, faced challenges in their farming due to limited access to farm inputs, particularly fertilizer and crop protection chemicals. These constraints affected their productivity and income, making it difficult for the family to improve their living conditions.

Through the seed capital support, the family purchased fertilizer and agricultural chemicals, enabling them to establish a thriving vegetable enterprise. They planted 3,500 heads of cabbage, which they expect to sell at between MK 1,000 and MK 1,100 per head (to make approximately MK 3.5 million, an equivalent of $2,030).

In addition, they have a tomato garden with 1,800 seedlings. The family is optimistic that the expected returns will significantly improve their household income.

Beyond the economic benefits, the family's participation in gender-transformative mentoring has strengthened their relationship. With guidance from the community gender champion, Eliza and her husband now make joint decisions on farming activities, resource allocation, and the use of income generated from their agricultural business.

This shared decision-making has enhanced cooperation within the household and strengthened their commitment to achieving their common goals.

The family's vision is to purchase a water pump to expand irrigation farming and construct a better house.

Eliza expresses her sincere appreciation for the seed capital support, noting that it has revitalized their farming business and given the family renewed hope for the future. She believes the investment has not only improved the growth of their crops but has also laid a strong foundation for long-term economic resilience and self-reliance.

Eliza and her husband in their tomato field.

CRECCOM's Social Protection for Gender Empowerment and Resilience (SP-GEAR) project is implemented across all traditional authorities in Zomba, Mzimba North and Mzimba South. Funded by the European Union (EU) and the Government of Ireland, with implementation support from UNICEF Malawi, the project seeks to transform vulnerable and labour-constrained Social Cash Transfer Programme beneficiary households into self-reliant entrepreneurs.

The project works with 640 Savings and Loan Groups (SLGs) and 960 Female-Led Enterprises (FLEs), providing seed capital, business development support, financial inclusion and gender-transformative training to strengthen household resilience and reduce long-term dependence on social assistance.