Deep in the heart of Malawi’s growing capital Lilongwe, weekends are often known for Music, Markets and Leisurely Gatherings. But for Daud Kaisi, weekends mean something entirely different. Trading city comforts for the quiet rhythm of his farm, Mkanga Ulimi.
At an age when many might opt for a quieter and trending ‘soft life’, Daud chose to dive headfirst into Agriculture, not just for food, but for its promising business. For him, passion and purpose knows no expiration date.
“I am not a trained expert,” Daud admits with a warm smile in his chat with Charles Kabena, host of the ‘On the Plate’ Podcast, “but I want Mkanga to be a place where we learn, grow and show what is possible.”
His vision? A thriving hub for circular Agriculture that feeds communities, protects the environment and inspires a new generation of farmers in a country riddled by hunger and unemployment.
Walking the dream
Mkanga Ulimi, sitting on its 100 hectares of land, screams of diversity. Chickens and Pigs waddle alongside Goats. Fruits:heavy Banana trees are now stretching toward the sky, while hybrid Mango orchards promise a sweet harvests. But Daud’s ambition stretches even further: 30 hectares dedicated to fruits, 20 hectares to lush pasturelands, and the remainder to blossoming forests teeming with Indigenous and Exotic trees. Soon, Bees will buzz here, adding honey to the farm’s list of generous gifts.
Challenges? Plenty. Water shortages once threatened crops and livestocks, but with support from a forward-thinking financial institution, Daud installed solar-powered pumps and panels, transforming his dry stretches into wet and fertile fields. “Now, we are set to triple production,” he beams. “Water flows, animals thrive, and the future seems bright.”
The circle of sustainability
What makes Mkanga Ulimi truly special is its harmony. Goats munch on banana leaves pruned from the orchards,Manure from livestock nourishes the soil.Additionally,the sales follow a mindful cycle.Banana profits restock poultry while Goat earnings sustain the orchard. “Everything here depends on everything else,” Daud explains. “That is how nature works and how we thrive.”
His commitment to organic practices runs deep. Chemicals are scarce and within four years, he aims to eliminate them entirely. Solar energy powers water pumps, staff housing, and soon, Biogas will fuel kitchens. “We’re not just farming,” he says. “We are building a legacy that honors the land.”
Growing a community
For Daud, success is not just measured in harvests. He opens Mkanga’s gates to aspiring farmers offering hands-on training and online advice. “If we share knowledge, we all rise,” he says.By sharing his dreams he wishes to see more young professionals; engineers, marketers bring fresh ideas to agriculture. “Imagine the innovation! Together, we can turn subsistence farming into thriving businesses.”
Patience, grit, and green shoots
To newcomers, Daud offers gentle wisdom: “Agribusiness is not a sprint; it is a marathon. There will be droughts, setbacks and long days, but do not lose heart.” His own journey, marked by sacrifice and enduring optimism shows that it is possible to make Agribusiness a game changer.
As Malawi’s economy leans on Agriculture, Daud’s story is a rallying cry. Mkanga Ulimi is not just a farm, but it is proof that with vision, sustainability and community, even the boldest dreams can take root. And for those who dare to try? The future comes with possibilities.
