IFAW
Chikolongo
Malawi, 2022
Together with writer Nick Schönfeld, I travelled to the Chikolongo community in Malawi to document a project for IFAW that is reshaping life along the edge of Liwonde National Park. The Chikolongo Livelihood Project (CLP) introduced solar-powered water pumps and taps, repaired an electrified boundary fence, and developed irrigation systems that increased maize and rice yields. The CLP has also made available 24 plots for local families to farm vegetables and funds a local football team which plays on a field next to the project’s front gate.
After checking on the number of bees in a recently populated hive, Rodrick Juan climbs back into the baobab tree while Justin Mapira holds on to the rope they will use to hoist it back into place, Chikolongo, Malawi.
Rodrick Juan (left) & Justin Mapira (right), both CLP employees, take care of the project’s apiary, bees and honey, Chikolongo, Malawi.
Justin Mapira & Rodrick Juan walk towards their apiary, Chikolongo, Malawi.
Esnath Twaya carries home a pail of water collected at a community tap installed as part of the Chikolongo Livelihoods Project.
Annie Twaya, a part-time worker, helps mill maize, Chikolongo, Malawi.
Part-time worker Linley Chitseko, poses in a CLP rice paddy, Chikolongo, Malawi.
Farmer Twawenji William, daughter of Chief William, Chikolongo, Malawi.
Mvuu Camp, Liwonde National Park, Malawi.
Time Twelve, poses next to the boundary fence (on the LNP side) that separates Liwonde National Park from the CLP, Chikolongo. Time works for the national park, and his job is to maintain the fence line. In his right hand he holds a voltage meter. Every day, Time, patrols roughly 8km of LNP’s electrified fence, checking for holes or damage.
Farmer Merry Julius, wife of Chief Mwamadi, Chikolongo, Malawi.
Farmer Agata Belo, Chikolongo, Malawi.
Farmer Beca Kasiyamo, Chikolongo, Malawi.
Farmer Margarita Gunda, Chikolongo, Malawi.
Farmer Nancy Salire, Chikolongo, Malawi.
Joyce Francisco, Chikolongo, Malawi.
Farmer Catherine Paul, Chikolongo, Malawi.
Farmer Susan Mangulenje, Chikolongo, Malawi.
Farmer Nelly Mpunga, Chikolongo, Malawi.
Farmer Eliza Duncan, Chikolongo, Malawi.
Justin Mapira, CLP employee, takes care of the project’s apiary, bees and honey, Chikolongo, Malawi.
Farmer Chistina Biriwita, Chikolongo, Malawi.
Team member Kevin Mulinde, 15, poses for a picture on the overgrown football field, Chikolongo, Malawi.
Chikolongo team captain, Felix Banda (30), stands on the overgrown football field, Chikolongo, Malawi.
Chikolongo team member, Harzad Masanjala (17), Chikolongo, Malawi.
Chikolongo team member, Henry Joseph (16), Chikolongo, Malawi.
Chikolongo team member, Bernard Kimu (20), Chikolongo, Malawi.
Chikolongo team member, Tchaka Moleni (18), Chikolongo, Malawi.