Over 30,000 small-scale farmers in Zomba will reap benefits from a K1.3 billion community-based livestock markets initiative by CARE Malawi through the USAID-funded Titukulane project.

Speaking during the launch of the initiative, Daniel Abbott, chief of party at Titukulane project said through the initiative, farmers will be provided with cash transfers to buy either goats or chickens at an organized market set up in their community.

Abbott said 15,000 participants will benefit directly and another 15,000 will be reached through pass-on scheme.

“A total of 150,000 local chickens and 9,200 local goats are expected to be purchased by participants,” Abbott said.

“The expectation is that this component will really add value to the households and make them secure as they move into the future.”

Misheck Chawala, Zomba District Council chief agriculture officer hailed the initiative saying it will increase the population of livestock in the district.

Chawala encouraged other small-scale farmers to venture into livestock production to ensure accelerated economic growth.

Chrissy Duncan of Traditional Authority Chikowi, who received a cash transfer of K230,400 and bought five goats, said her family’s livelihood will be transformed in different aspects.