longitudinal impact assessment study of sugar producers in malawi

is better than thereafter when it is too hot for effective use of irrigation water.
The yields are also better during winter. She recently harvested 8 bags of
maize which she says is enough to take the family to the next harvest since
they plant maize twice in the year.
32
The photograph shows the house
that she has managed to have
constructed with Fairtrade Premium
funds. The grass thatched house
which she used to live in was
demolished.
Case Study 2:
Case Study 2 & Family Age Education Crops Grown
Farmer 2 (Chinangwa 38 None Cane 2.5 ha and maize 0.3 ha.
village)
Also grows sorghum on less than
an acre. Also owns 2 cattle and 4
goats
(spouse) 39 None
daughter 13 Std 3 Does not go to the garden
son 9 Std 2 Does not go to the garden
The family uses 3 direct hired labourers who assist with carrying out some of the
field operations for all the crops. They are paid a monthly wage of MK2,500.
Farmer 2 and his family used to grow cotton, sorghum, maize and millet before the
Phase II cane scheme development. They joined cane growing in 1998 at the start of
Phase II activities. He said that most farmers were initially not willing to surrender
their land because Illovo pushed for cane growing only. But after discussions, it was
agreed that some land should be set aside for maize growing.
He says that although the family status started improving after joining the cane
growing, really significant changes started with Fairtrade certification in 2004.
Main changes that have taken place in the household since the Fairtrade Premium
started flowing were reported as follows:
Constructed a nice house with iron sheets (photograph)
Has started a small kiosk where he sells assorted grocery items.
Bought 2 cattle
Bought a sofa set, refrigerator, TV and home theatre
Built three houses in the village (2 for other people to rent)
Farmer 2 also reported that besides the Fairtrade Premium progressively increasing
since 1998, the monthly advances that they receive from Illovo have also
substantially increased. The progression according him has been as follows:
Year Monthly advance from Illovo