In Dzaleka refugee camp, Malawi, there is a really nice and interesting project, led by a women's organization called "Women for Action". The goal is to address food insecurity through aquaponics, an agricultural technique that combines aquaculture with growing plants in water.
An initiative that not only aims to provide food, but also to equip women with essential skills for their future.
The Rise of Women for Action
In the heart of Dzaleka refugee camp, a beacon of hope and innovation shines brightly. This light is embodied by Women for Action, a women-led organization that has taken the lead in addressing one of the field's most pressing challenges: food uncertainty. As? Through an aquaponics project that not only aims to feed, but also to train.
Cecile Pango, founder and manager of the organization, shared the vision of this project. The collaboration with the Refugee-led innovation fund of the UN has two objectives. First, provide food for at least 1000 people. Second, and perhaps most importantly, equip women with the tools they need to work in management and marketing positions.
Aquaponics: a sustainable solution
"Aquaponic growing allows us to grow vegetables out of the soil," she explains Cécile. This technique, which might seem futuristic to many, is actually a sustainable and efficient solution for agriculture.
With the first phase of the project, 100 women and 6 men received adequate training. The second phase, currently underway, concerns the construction of an aquaponic structure. And the third? The introduction of fish. "The fish will be grown in the water, and this water will feed the vegetables. This is why it's a sustainable project," he says Cécile with enthusiasm. That's right, we talked about it several times.
Collaboration and Support
As mentioned, the collaboration with the Refugee-led Innovation Fund was crucial to the success of the project. Erika Perez Iglesias, who leads the fund, underlines the importance of this type of collaboration. It is not just funding, but also project management support, technical expertise and networking.
As the sun sets over the Dzaleka refugee camp, the future looks bright. Thanks to initiatives such as that of Women for Action, women not only have the opportunity to feed their families, but also to build a better future for themselves and their community. The future starts with knowledge.
To say it in chewa (or chichewa), the language spoken in Malawi "Zikomo kwambiri". That's how they say "Good luck"!
