By Vincent Nhlema
Mashaka Tepatepa, born in 1981, from Chataghalara village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Mwankhunikira, Rumphi District, is one of the farmers who for years depended on tobacco for his family livelihood until six years ago when he decided to diversify into legumes. He embarked on growing common beans, which have proved to be a game-changer for his family.
Tepatepa is a member of the North Viphya Farmers’ Association, operating under the National Smallholder Farmers’ Association of Malawi (NASFAM), who are working in partnership with governments of Norway and Ireland to improve livelihoods of smallholder farmers through farming business.