Heavy Rains Destroy Crops in Ntchisi Villages

By Luke Magombo

Blantyre, Malawi

Heavy rains have destroyed crops belonging to smallholder farmers in several villages under Traditional Authorities Chilooko and Malenga in Ntchisi District.

                       Heavy rainfall

The affected villages include Kazonga, Mthirasembe, Malomo, Buzi, M’bobo, Kansegwa and Ng’ombe. Farmers say the persistent downpours have washed away fields of maize, groundnuts, beans and other food crops, leaving many households uncertain about their food security in the coming months.

Mrs Jean Chikaphonya a farmer from Mthirasembe, explained that the rains started as normal seasonal showers but later intensified, causing flooding and waterlogging in low lying areas. In some fields, crops were completely submerged, while in others the strong runoff swept away topsoil along with young plants.

“We had high hopes for this season,” said Mrs Chikaphonya. “But the heavy rains have destroyed almost everything. We don’t know how we will recover.”

Agricultural extension officers in the area have since visited some of the affected fields to assess the extent of the damage. Early indications suggest that many families may need support in the form of seeds and other farm inputs if they are to replant in time for the remaining part of the season.

Local leaders have also expressed concern over the impact of erratic weather patterns, noting that such extreme conditions are becoming more frequent. They have appealed to well wishers and relevant authorities to consider assisting the affected households to prevent possible food shortages.
Tobacco field has destroyed

Ntchisi is among several districts that have experienced episodes of heavy rainfall this season, raising fresh concerns about the vulnerability of smallholder farmers to climate related shocks.

As communities begin to count their losses, farmers say they remain hopeful that timely intervention and favourable weather conditions in the weeks ahead may help them salvage part of the growing season.

Comments

nelsonmtemera1@gmail.com said…
Even here at mwanza snow destroy plants but there it's too much. Sorry 4 that.
February 22, 2026 at 11:54 AM
Bwana Kazembe said…
Sometimes nature doesn't do what we want
February 22, 2026 at 9:01 PM
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