NASFAM's Warehouse and Lab!

Yesterday we went to have a look at NASFAM's warehouse and laboratory in Lilongwe - situated about 5kms from NASFAM's main office. Firstly Sam showed us the warehouse where the ground nuts are stored and explained the set-up there for storing produce such as rice and nuts and how everything is laid out to ensure traceability. Joseph and Pamela then gave us a guided tour of the laboratory where they test the ground nuts for Aflatoxin. Joseph talked us through the process which was very enlightening.



We then made the short trip to see the shelling and sorting machines - amazing pieces of equipment purchased in the last number of years which will not only speed up the shelling process but will aid in the fit against aflatoxin contamination. So a win win situation all round.

We've gone to the Lake for a few days to see some more of this beautiful country while we're here. The people are so amazing, really welcoming and friendly. We'll keep you updated on how our travels are progressing so keep an eye on our blog!

Interview with the Irish Amdassador Liam Mac Gabhann

This morning we went to the Irish Embassy in Lilongwe to speak to Liam Mac Gabhann, the first Irish Ambassador to Malawi. Irish Aid’s cooperation with Malawi began in 2002, after a spell of food shortages led Irish Aid to begin an emergency aid programme. However, the underdeveloped nature of the economy means that Irish Aid now have a constant bilateral agreement with Malawi. Malawi is one of the poorest nations in the world, and is particularly plagued by famine owing to food shortages, flooding and drought, as well as HIV/AIDS. To facilitate the needs of Irish Aid, Ireland established an embassy in Lilongwe, in 2007. In 2008 Ireland's support to Malawi totaled over €15 million. Much of this funding is directed towards the development of agriculture, food security and governance.

The Ambassador was lovely and spoke to us for 40 minutes regarding Irish Aid's involvement in Malawi. He explained that NASFAM are one of the partners they work closely with here on the ground and that they are working together to encourage crop diversification in the country and are also trying to develop the use of organic fertilizers. Irish Aid are also activley involved in nutrition and gender issues here. Thanks to the Ambassador and everyone at the Embassy!

Tomorrow we're getting a tour of NASFAM's laboratory and warehouse so check back with us once again this time tomorrow to find out how we got on. Think we have finally got over the jet-lag!

Meeting the farmers of Mchinji

What an interesting day! This morning we traveled to the Mchinji district of Malawi, which is about 100 km west of Lilongwe, to meet with staff and members of MASFA.Following a presentation about MASFA by Khumbo, we had the opportunity to interview the six farmers who had come to meet us. And what lovely people they were - they were very friendly and more than happy to share their stories with us. We found these interviews particularly useful for the documentary as we were hearing directly 'from the horse's mouth' about the benefits of being part of MASFA and NASFAM. Thanks to all of the farmers who gave so generously of their time to help us out.

After these interviews, one of the farmers invited us to go and see his maize crops that were stored at his house. You can see a photo of him beside his crop at the top of this blog entry. We had a go at trying to shell nuts with the ladies that were hard at work at the back of the house. Apparently, our technique wasn't very good and would eventually lead to blisters! So, to prevent any unnecessary suffering on our part, the ladies showed us the proper way to shell the nuts that would minimise pain.

We also met loads of the local children and they posed for some photos - so happy, so cute and so well-mannered. We would happily have spent the whole day chatting and having fun with them all! Alas, that wasn't possible but all the kids waved us goodbye and kept waving as we were driving away until they were just tiny little specks on the horizon. The future of the tourist industry in Malawi is safe if those kids are in charge - they sure know how to make you feel welcome!!

Back in Lilongwe, we interviewed Joshua (Head of NASFAM Commercial) and Betty (Head of NASFAM Development). So, all in all, it was a pretty action-packed day. We're both still feeling the effects of the long journey to Africa but we're hoping that one more good night's sleep should erase our jet lag. It gets dark very early here so that should help us nod off! Ciao for now - check back in with us tomorrow!

For more information about NASFAM, log on to http://www.nasfam.org/
For more information about MASFA, log on to http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/producers/nuts/masfa_malawi.aspx

We made it!

After a 27-hour journey, we've finally arrived in Lilongwe. The connection time between flights at Amsterdam was a bit too close for comfort. We had to sprint for ten minutes to get from one end of Schiphol airport to the other but we made the flight, albeit a bit red in the face!


Nelson from NASFAM collected us at the airport and took us to our hotel, the Kiboko Town Hotel, to get freshened up. It's a lovely hotel - nice and clean and very central. After a quick shower, it was time to head over to NASFAM to meet some of the team, including Richard and Tukipina. Richard gave us a presentation about NASFAM which gave us loads of information about the organisation.



We've just had dinner in Don Brioni's - the lovely restaurant just below our hotel. The jet lag is seriously kicking in now so we're going to have an early night - our first night under the mosquito nets!! We're heading out to the Mchinji district tomorrow to meet some of the farmers as well as some of the staff from MASFA. Check in tomorrow to hear how we get on.