A Story of Resilience: How Mr. Holyce Nkholowa Overcame Drought with Solar Power

In the heart of Zomba District, where dry spells and heat waves have become the norm, lies Muweme Farms-a symbol of hope and innovation. This farm, owned by a visionary youth, Mr. Holyce Nkholowa, has transformed from a struggling operation into a thriving example of resilience and success.
For years, Mr. Nkholowa faced immense challenges in his farming journey. The scorching heat and unreliable rains left his fields parched, and his reliance on a gasoline-powered water pump drained his finances. Fuel prices soared, and frequent breakdowns rendered the pump inefficient. Eventually, the cost became unbearable, forcing him to abandon farming entirely.
“I felt hopeless,” Mr. Nkholowa recalls. “The farm I had worked so hard to build was failing, and I didn’t know how to move forward.”
A Turning Point: Solar-Driven Innovation
Everything changed when he discovered Pump Yanga, a solar-driven water pump introduced by Synthesis Agriculture. With its ability to harness the abundant sunlight, the pump offered a cost-effective and sustainable solution to his irrigation challenges.
“Switching to solar irrigation was a game-changer,” he says. “Now, instead of the sun burning my crops, I use it to nourish them.”
The impact was immediate. With consistent and reliable irrigation, Mr. Nkholowa’s fields flourished. He began harvesting bumper yields of vegetables and maize, earning enough to reinvest in his farm and support his family.
A Message for Youth and Women
Today, Mr. Nkholowa is a vocal advocate for sustainable farming technologies, particularly among youth and women. He believes that access to tools like solar water pumps can empower small-scale farmers to thrive, even in the face of climate challenges.
“As we approach the 2025 elections, we must ask aspiring leaders the hard questions,” he says. “What are your plans for irrigation? How will you support farmers with solar-driven irrigation technology? These are the policies that will shape the future of agriculture in Malawi.”
A Brighter Future
Thanks to the solar water pump, Muweme Farms now stands as a beacon of hope for farmers across Zomba. Mr. Nkholowa’s story is a testament to the power of innovation and determination in overcoming adversity.
“To my fellow youth and women, don’t give up,” he urges. “Use the tools and opportunities available to you. Together, we can transform farming in Malawi.”
As Mr. Nkholowa continues to inspire others, his journey serves as a reminder that even in the face of drought and heat, the power of the sun can be harnessed not just to survive-but to thrive.