Mwanza Prison appeals for irrigation equipment

Mwanza Prison officer-in-charge Mary Mbonekera has appealed to well-wishers to support the prison with irrigation farming equipment to boost food production.

She said the prison faces several challenges in its agricultural activities due to shortage of equipment, particularly irrigation pipes and solar-powered water pumps.

“We have large pieces of land we can use to produce crops thrice a year, but the challenge is that our equipment is not enough to enable us to cultivate the available land,” said Mbonekera.

Mbonekera posing in a rape

field. | Doreen Chiwalo

She said the prison will appreciate support in form of solar panels and long irrigation pipes, to facilitate irrigation of larger areas and produce enough food for the inmates.

Mbonekera said increased agricultural production will not only help address food shortages at the prison, but also allow the institution to sell the surplus produce to generate income to support other activities.

In an interview, agriculture policy expert Tamani Nkhono Mvula described the initiative as a good idea that can help reduce food shortages in prisons across the country.

He urged the prison authorities to follow appropriate channels in seeking assistance, including writing proposals to the district council and well-wishers for support.

“The problem of food shortages in our prisons can be reduced if prison farms have the necessary equipment to carry out farming without relying on rainfall,” said Mvula.

Mwanza Prison, which accommodates more than 200 inmates, is involved in various agricultural activities, including the production of maize.

The prison also rears livestock and poultry, including quails, chickens, pigeons and goats

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