By Burnett Munthali
In the heart of Kasungu, Malawi, a quiet agricultural revolution is taking root—powered by sunflower seeds and the strength of collective enterprise. Vice President Dr. Jane Ansah recently visited BOMFA Cooperative, a thriving farmers’ association whose success is reshaping perceptions of smallholder agriculture and rural industry.
Comprising 703 farmers, the cooperative produces an impressive 800 litres of cooking oil daily, a clear demonstration of how collaboration, value addition, and local processing can unlock economic opportunity. Dr. Ansah’s visit both acknowledged the cooperative’s achievements and provided an opportunity to engage directly with members on the challenges facing their operations.
Founded in 2005, BOMFA Cooperative has grown into a model of resilience and innovation within Malawi’s agricultural sector, illustrating how organized smallholder farmers can drive economic transformation, create jobs, and strengthen local value chains.
The cooperative’s work aligns closely with the government’s Agricultural Sector Cooperatives Policy, which seeks to increase smallholder incomes, improve access to markets, and expand financial inclusion. This alignment is expected to further amplify BOMFA’s impact, contributing meaningfully to national development and rural livelihoods.
Dr. Ansah was accompanied by Deputy Minister of Industrialization, Trade, Business and Tourism Edgar Tembo, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Trade Dr. Bright Molande, and Presidential Advisor on National Unity David Kambalame. Their presence underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening cooperatives and supporting private-sector-led growth.
The high-level visit is expected to draw increased attention to BOMFA Cooperative’s efforts, potentially unlocking policy support and investment to scale up production and expand markets. For cooperative members, the visit marked both a moment of pride and renewed optimism for the future.
As Malawi pursues its broader development and poverty-reduction goals, the success of BOMFA Cooperative offers a compelling example of agriculture’s power to drive inclusive growth. With sustained government backing and strategic partnerships, such initiatives can transform rural communities and help build a more resilient national economy.
