In the scorching heat of northern Malawi, small-scale farmers are finding innovative ways to adapt to the challenges of climate change. Emily Nkhana, a farmer from Karonga district, has discovered a profitable use for over-ripe bananas – making banana wine. This entrepreneurial venture has not only transformed her life but also those of her colleagues, who are part of the Twitule Cooperative Group.
Extreme heat and rising water levels have forced farmers to move to higher grounds, where temperatures soar to 42C, causing bananas to ripen too quickly and go to waste. The changing climate has also led to increased rainfall, resulting in flooding that has washed away banana plantations along the shores of Lake Malawi. However, through determination and innovation, Ms Nkhana and her fellow farmers have turned a potential disaster into an opportunity.
The wine-making process is simple, involving fermentation for several weeks, resulting in a 13% alcohol content wine with a sweet, fruity taste and subtle aroma. The wine has gained popularity locally, selling for $3 (£2.30) per bottle, and the cooperative hopes to expand production and export the wine. The rise of banana wine in Malawi has been met with enthusiasm from both producers and consumers, with vendors eager to showcase their latest creations at local markets.
For Ms Nkhana and her colleagues, making wine has transformed their lives, enabling them to build houses, buy livestock, and afford decent meals. The cooperative produces between 20-50 liters of wine a month and is hoping to buy machines to help them expand. They have even bigger plans, with Comsip, the cooperative that has trained them in wine production, asking the Malawi Bureau of Standards to approve their product for export.
As they wait for approval, Ms Nkhana remains optimistic about the future of banana wine in Malawi. “People are curious,” she says, smiling as she stirs the wine mixture, preparing it for fermentation. “They want to know what it tastes like. And when they try it, they’re surprised by how good it is.”
The success of banana wine in Malawi is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of farmers in the face of climate change. As the world grapples with the challenges of a changing climate, innovative solutions like banana wine offer a glimmer of hope for sustainable livelihoods and economic growth.
