Angelina’s story

Angelina Ngoza (a farmer in Nchisi district, Malawi) is shielding her six children from hunger and beating dependence on big business – by going organic with Progressio’s help.

She and 40 of her neighbours are no longer using high-priced chemical fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides and racking up big debts. Progressio’s development worker has taught them how to make their own fertiliser using manure and other waste, grow legumes to turn into natural pesticides and turn weeds into compost, ending their reliance on herbicides.

“After only one year of being organic, I am already harvesting one extra bag of maize for my family and I know my harvests will get bigger,” says Angelina. “Organic farming doesn’t harm the soil, it is healthier and I can charge more for my vegetables in the market.”

Her neighbour Grace puts it another way: “We are now in control of our farming. We have more food to eat, more food to sell.”

Photo of Angelina © Marcus Perkins/Progressio