Tipindule Farmers Club, a local farmers' group in the Nachisaka EPA in Dowa, is gaining popularity within its community for producing high-quality, delicious peanut butter. Established on September 27, 2022, the club started as a Farmer Field School (FFS) with just 10 members.

Tipindule Farmers Club Sees a future in Peanut Butter Making

The FFS program, part of the TRANSFORM Project, employs a collaborative learning approach that allows farmers to experiment, solve challenges, and make informed decisions for sustainable and profitable agriculture.
 
As an FFS, the group conducted several experiments such as how to combat soybean rust as well as how to produce efficient organic manure. Their success in implementing these experiments laid the foundation for their transformation into a farmers’ business club.
 
Since its establishment, Tipindule Farmers Club has grown in both size and scope. On February 20, 2024, the club received a peanut butter-making machine from the TRANSFORM project, an input that has significantly boosted its income-generating potential. Today, the club boasts 35 members including 16 women, 12 men, and seven youth. Despite a setback in production due to a shortage of groundnuts caused by the giant rosette disease in 2024, the club has successfully produced 120 bottles of peanut butter and accumulated over MWK270,000 in savings. Additionally, funds continue to circulate among members.
 
Looking forward, Tipindule Farmers Club is focusing on developing a strategic plan to address climate-related challenges and ensure a reliable supply of raw materials. With the knowledge and expertise gained from the TAPP under the TRANSFORM project, the club is poised to enhance food security, boost income generation, and create a sustainable future for its members and the wider community.
 
The TRANSFORM project is being implemented by TAPP, with funding from the Royal Norwegian Embassy through Norwegian Church Aid Malawi (NCA-DCA).