Contributed by Innocent Nyirenda, a student at Domasi Institute of Management and Technology studying Advanced diploma in agribusiness management
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Kusamala Institute of Agriculture and Ecology for granting me the opportunity to complete my internship with such an inspiring and professional team. Working under the guidance of Ms. Esther Kalumba(Field Officer) has been a great privilege, as her mentorship strengthened my confidence, discipline, and practical understanding of environmental conservation and sustainable agriculture.
During my placement, I worked in Kanungu, Chilonga, and surrounding villages, where I gained hands-on experience in tree planting, nursery establishment, climate-smart agriculture, and youth engagement. I also had the chance to support women’s economic empowerment initiatives, including basket weaving, soap production, Chidede juice processing, and beekeeping. The cooperation and warmth from the communities, women’s groups, farmers, and youth made this experience meaningful and impactful.
This internship has been truly transformative, allowing me to apply classroom knowledge to real community challenges while developing teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. I leave Kusamala more knowledgeable, motivated, and passionate about contributing to sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, and community development in Malawi. My sincere appreciation goes to the entire Kusamala team for their support, encouragement, and commitment to empowering communities and protecting the environment.