In northern Malawi, farmers have innovated a unique solution to counter the challenge of over-ripe bananas due to extreme heat conditions by venturing into banana wine production.
Emily Nkhana, a small-scale farmer in the Karonga district, highlights the transition from discarding overripe bananas to utilizing them in wine production as a means of economic resilience. The initiative is spearheaded by the Twitule Cooperative Group, where farmers, particularly women, have embraced wine production as a strategy to improve their livelihoods amidst the adversities posed by climate change.
The backdrop of this innovation is the farmers' displacement from the shores of Lake Malawi due to rising water levels, which led them to relocate to areas with higher temperatures. This environmental shift prompted the farmers to seek alternative uses for their banana crops, which ripen quickly under the intense heat. The wine production process involves fermenting overripe bananas with sugar, yeast, raisins, water, and lemons, resulting in a wine with a 13% alcohol content. This venture not only offers a sustainable use for the bananas but also contributes to the local economy by providing an additional income source for the farmers.
Local markets in Malawi have witnessed a growing interest in banana wine, with its unique taste profile capturing the attention of consumers. The wine is described as having a slightly sweet, fruity taste with a smooth and light texture, akin to a dessert wine. The Twitule Cooperative's production ranges between 20-50 liters a month, with aspirations to expand operations through the acquisition of machinery. Furthermore, the cooperative is exploring export opportunities, pending approval from the Malawi Bureau of Standards.
The success of banana wine in Malawi exemplifies how agricultural communities can adapt to climate challenges through innovative practices. This initiative not only mitigates the waste of overripe bananas but also enhances the economic well-being of the farmers involved in the Twitule Cooperative.
Source: BBC