The family of Patrick William Gondwe from Thabilo in Karonga District is using the knowledge and support they received through the Lusubilo Community Care IOVCY Project to build a more secure future.
Before joining the project, the family struggled to meet some of their basic needs and had limited knowledge of budgeting, business management and record keeping. Through the project with financial support from the Coppell Family and technical assistance from Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the training has since helped them make better decisions about their income and investments.
The Gondwe family is now using water from the irrigation scheme to practice irrigation farming, enabling them to cultivate rice and tomatoes and generate income beyond the rainy season. They have also learned how to make Mbeya manure, which has helped reduce their reliance on purchased fertilizer and lower their farming costs.
“We now keep records, and we are able to know whether our farming business is making a profit or not,” Patrick said.
Mr and Mrs Gondwe in their rice and tomato field
Apart from farming, the family has also diversified its income through a barbershop. Income from the barbershop helps them meet the school needs of their three children. They said improved budgeting has also helped the family maintain enough food at home.
Beyond the businesses, the project has encouraged the family to work together when making financial decisions. They now discuss their income and household needs as a family, including involving their children in budgeting.
Last year the family earned about MWK2 million from selling their produce. Rather than spending the money without a plan, they sat down as a family and agreed on how to use it. They bought goats and chickens, purchased food, rented land for further farming and saved the remaining money through their SILC group.
Looking ahead, the Gondwe family hopes to purchase a motorcycle as another income-generating investment. For Patrick and his family, the changes are evidence that combining financial support with practical knowledge can help families build sustainable livelihoods.
Patrick’s wife said, “Our life has changed because we are now able to work together as a family. We discuss our plans, make decisions together and support each other in developing our family. The lessons have taught us that when we work as a team, we can achieve more and build a better future for our children.”