In Mashatila Village, under Traditional Authority Chikho in Ntchisi District, Judith Chunga is showing what it means to turn small ideas into big changes. A mother of seven and a dedicated wife, Judith has turned her household into a model for health, hygiene, environmental care, and income generation—thanks to the support from DAPP Malawi through the TRADE program.
One of the biggest changes Judith made was starting a vegetable garden right at home. She now grows mustard greens, tomatoes, and onions. These vegetables help feed her family with fresh and healthy meals. Before starting her garden, she had to buy vegetables from the market or go without during certain months. Now, she no longer needs to buy them—and even sells the surplus to earn extra money. “We eat fresh vegetables every day and sell the rest at the market. It’s helping us save money and feed our children better,” Judith explains.

Judith Chunga in her vegetable garden

Judith Chunga making Manure

Judith’s home is also part of the Model Village approach promoted by the project. Her compound now includes improved pit latrines, drop hole covers, handwashing stations (tip-taps), waste pits, washing lines, and a firewood-saving stove. These simple improvements have made life cleaner and healthier for the whole family.
The firewood-saving stove, in particular, is making a huge difference. In the past, Judith and her children had to collect firewood almost every day. Now, they only go two or three times a week. The stove uses less firewood and produces less smoke, making cooking easier and safer. “There’s less smoke, so I don’t cough as much when I’m cooking. And we save time and trees because we don’t need so much firewood,” she says.
This change is also helping reduce deforestation in the area. By using less wood, fewer trees are cut down, which protects the environment and saves energy for the family.
Judith’s success doesn’t stop at her backyard. Her home also has a drip irrigation garden—set up as part of the third demonstration site under the TRADE project. This garden allows her to grow vegetables even during the dry season. The system slowly waters the plants drop by drop, using water efficiently. It ensures that her family continues to enjoy fresh vegetables all year round, while also earning extra income from sales.
Through these changes, Judith Chunga has become a role model in her village. Her home is not only a place of comfort but also a centre of learning and inspiration for others. The TRADE project, which focuses on helping farmers improve their farming and household practices, is giving families like hers the tools to change their lives.