This September, Central Co-op was delighted to host Howard Msukwa, a rice farmer from Northern Malawi, in Lichfield, Staffordshire and Burton, Derbyshire. Howard’s visit highlighted the importance of sustainable farming and fair trade practices, as well as the impact of climate change on farmers, and how people from across the globe can make an impact to communities in Malawi.
Howard was invited to the UK by Central Co-op supplier, True Origin, a not-for-profit social enterprise who partner with smallholder farmers and small food businesses to source ethical, fair trade food products. The renowned Kilombero rice that Howard and other smallholder farmers grow is sold in Central Co-op stores as part of its Our Malawi Partnership – a range of products linked to Malawi in support of producers and farmers, where a proportion from the sales strengthens trading capacity in Malawi.
During his time in the Midlands, Howard visited Central Co-op’s Support Centre and Boley Park store in Lichfield, where he spoke with Chief Executive, Debbie Robinson, and colleagues in store. He shared his insights on the challenges faced by farmers in Malawi and the crucial role fair trade plays in improving the livelihoods of farming communities.
Howard’s visit to Streethay Primary School in Lichfield was a highlight of the trip. He thanked students and teachers for their participation in the 90kg Rice Challenge, an initiative that encourages students to buy 90kg of fairly traded Kilombero rice – the amount needed to give families the option to send a young person to secondary school in Malawi. Streethay students not only met the challenge but exceeded it, purchasing an impressive 207 bags of rice. Howard learned about the creative ways students used the rice, from cooking meals to creating art and even donating some to local food banks, and Howard gave a special message of thanks to all involved.
Howard said: “It’s very encouraging to see the 90kg rice challenge connecting children here in the UK to children in Malawi. In our community, education is viewed as an investment and an instrumental tool for our future, but because of poverty – heightened by climate change – it is being put down in priority. I would like to thank all the children, parents and teachers at Streethay who took part in the 90kg rice challenge for supporting their fellow children in Malawi who may not be able to go to school without your help.”
Howard’s visit continued in Burton, where he attended a slow cooker cooking session at Trent & Dove’s 181 Community Café in Winshill. The session featured a mild curry dish using Kilombero rice, with local participants learning practical cooking skills while hearing firsthand from Howard about the rice they were preparing. Each participant received all the ingredients necessary to make the meal at home, with Trent & Dove generously donating the slow cookers to those who didn’t already have them.
Brandon Hanson-Stringer, Warm Spaces Project Coordinator at Trent & Dove, said: “It was brilliant to have Howard join us for the session. He shared his story about farming in Malawi, and it was so powerful to connect the rice we use with the people who produce it. Everyone in the session was inspired, and some participants gained real confidence in their cooking skills.”
Howard added: “Seeing Kilombero rice on the shelves at Central Co-op shops and hearing how it’s helping families both here and in Malawi is amazing. It really does make a difference to my community when people choose fair trade products like ours and it’s great to see Kilombero rice connecting communities here in the UK too.”
Central Co-op is proud to support Fairtrade Fortnight (9th to 22nd of September 2024) and remains committed to empowering farmers like Howard and ensuring ethical and sustainable sourcing practices. Three more slow cooker sessions are scheduled in Burton in October, November and December, where community members will continue to learn new recipes while supporting fair trade initiatives.
Together, we can create a fairer, more sustainable future. To learn how your school can get involved in the 90kg Rice Challenge, email member.community@centralcoop.co.uk. To find out more about Trent & Dove, visit https://www.trentanddove.org/. And for more on True Origin and Our Malawi Partnership, see malawi.centralengland.coop/. “Be the Change” today and become a Central Co-op Member at Members.coop
