Annah Nawa, a proud recipient of the 2013 Marshal Papworth Scholarship and dedicated member of the RASC, has shared her remarkable journey of growth and impact since receiving this life-changing opportunity. Inspired by a conversation at the 2012 RASC Conference in Zambia, Annah embarked on her studies in the UK with a clear vision to gain skills and knowledge that would benefit her community.
In her heartfelt account, Annah reflects on the values she upheld, the distinctions she earned, and the connections she formed. Her commitment to agricultural development and community transformation shines through her story, from training farmers in sustainable practices to supporting food and nutrition security.
Read Annah’s inspiring full report below to learn more about the profound impact of her scholarship:
“My name is Annah Nawa – a happy and proud recipient of the 2013 Marshal Papworth Scholarship. My interest to study in the UK was raised in 2012 at the RASC Conference in Zambia where I met Sandra Lauridsen, an officer from the Trust, who explained about the role and goal of the training.
The idea of wanting to add more knowledge and skills from overseas saw me in England on 27th April 2013. It was so exciting to meet other students from Malawi, Tanzania, and Ghana. Hats off to the sponsors.
Every journey has its own expectations, my initial expectations was to work extra hard and achieve the goal and dream of my sponsor even beyond life. I promised myself to uphold the values of honesty and academic integrity. To be a friend to all, meet my assignment deadline, participate in class and practical work and to actively engaged with my lecturers, fellow students and College staff.
The program lived up to my expectations. I graduated with distinctions and I received honours for being a hard working student and a team leader.
As 2013 students we created a WhatsApp group where we have both active and silent members – we are in touch. Am a follower of the Trust on Facebook therefore I am in contact.
Upon returning back home with sharpened skills knowledge and zeal, I embarked on training farmers in improved crop and livestock husbandly , importance of soil improvement practices such as zero tillage practices applying of own farm organic manure use of drip irrigation and teaching them in the importance of taking farming as a business .Looked at the importance of Food and Nutrition security , and how to generate income from non agriculture activities in order to alleviate poverty in times of draught or floods.
From the the acquired skills and knowledge gained from the scholarship am now a key officer in training students on internship at our District office, I train farmers in all general Agriculture matters, I organise and participate in all shows, am a motivation speaker a seasoned agronomist ,nutritionist and a farmer
Am proud of seeing my farmers adopting smart agriculture practices , planting of fruit trees and nitrogen fixation trees on their farms. Improved post harvesting food handling and storage has contributed to food and nutrition security at household levels from 45% to 90%. Farmers are encouraged to engage themselves in non agricultural activities for income generating purposes which has resulted in improved livelihood in most homes from 25% to 70%.
Through participatory extension approach I have managed to work with, and for ;
My community with about 28,000 small scale farmers seed companies where an a seed ambassador, I sit on show committees at all level. I organise show exhibits and help in food value addition (preservation demonstrations).
Challenges:
Climate change…encourage farmers to plant trees and use draught resistant seeds and cuttings .
Use of drippers for irrigation
Use of organic manure
Poor market; farmers face a big challenge with middle men at the market who peg the prices for them without consideration of production costs and transportation to the market.
I have tried to ask farmers to start valuing addition to their products for future use and reduction in food wastage.
My scholarship have helped me rub shoulders with high profile people:
Princess Anne HRH – RASC President
Hakainde Hichilema – Zambian President
To our future sponsors, do not hesitate to plant a seed today (give funds). The scholarships go a long way in shaping learners to be effective change agents and the recipients of this timely message in agriculture to break through the poverty circle.”
