Impact Story: Folotia’s Transformation Through Irrigation Farming

30 June 2026

Picture of Folotia captured while maintaining the irrigation tunnel in his in his irrigation farm in GVH Sitima in Salima District.
Picture of Folotia captured while maintaining the irrigation tunnel in his in his irrigation farm in GVH Sitima in Salima District.

Folotia, a 32 year old man from a low-income family in the Salima district, Malawi, lives with his wife and two sons. The family lived with near constant food insecurity, due to their dependence on rain-fed farming. Due to the impact of climate change including frequent droughts, they experienced crop failures, low yields, limited income and periods of hunger and malnutrition, with the family relying on food aid, small purchases and help from relatives. Without access to certified seeds, irrigation knowledge, or reliable water sources, they often survived on one meal a day and struggled to meet basic needs such as education, healthcare, and adequate housing.

With the introduction of the WASH, Food Security and Resilience Project, Folotia hoped to learn irrigation farming, and to grow and harvest enough food to sustain his family throughout the year. Through training, access to improved seeds, and practical irrigation support, Folotia gained the skills and confidence to shift from rain‑fed farming to irrigation.

This change enabled him to produce food consistently throughout the year and generate income by selling surplus vegetables, allowing Folotia and his family to consistently meet basic needs.  Folotia says, “With irrigation I am able to harvest three times a year and produce enough food for my family. This is a new chapter of my life.”


Folotia’s journey demonstrates how the project:

  • Builds pathways out of food insecurity through training and access to certified seeds, allowing for reliable year-round food production
  • Improves quality of life by increasing household income from surplus produce, allowing for basic needs to be consistently met
  • Increased self-sufficiency and decreased financial strain by eliminating reliance on small food purchases, borrowing or aid

With support from the WASH, Food Security and Resilience Project, Folotia is planning to expand his irrigation plot, diversify his crops and eventually purchase a solar pump for improved irrigation. His story demonstrates how targeted development initiatives can break the cycle of poverty and empower individuals with greater stability, dignity, and improved quality of life.

Picture of Flolotia captured while watering his crops using a watering cane in his irrigation farm in GVH sitima in Salima District

(This project is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) and Swedish Government (Sida) though the Swedish Mission Council. It is implemented by The Salvation Army Malawi Territory.)

Australian Aid and TSA Sweden logos

Back to top

A world, restored by the love of Christ, living in dignity and filled with hope.

Gifts over $2 to the International Development work of The Salvation Army in Australia are tax deductible. Details.

  • The Salvation Army Australia
  • Church Agencies Network
  • ACFID Member

  • Salvation Army International Development (SAID) is a member of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) and a signatory to the ACFID Code of Conduct, which defines minimum standards of governance, management and accountability for non-government development organisations. SAID is committed to abiding by the ACFID Fundraising Charter.

The Salvation Army acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to elders both past and present.

Give Feedback