Violet Dissi has worked as Supervisor at our maize Mill in Jali, for over 9 years now. We sat down with her and asked how the maize mill is helping in the prevention and relief of poverty in Malawi; our chief objective.

“The maize mill is built close to a number of villages so that people do not have to travel long distances to access milling services, giving them more time to work in their villages. We try to be fair to our customers because not all of them can afford to pay the standard prices. We try not to send back customers just because they are short of MK5.00 (£0.005) like other maize mill business owners do.” 

“I have to also think of myself when we talk about ending poverty. As a result of this job, I am able to provide for my family. I can farm and buy agriculture inputs knowing full well that with my salary, I will be able to buy a bag of fertilizer and seeds. I thank Mbedza for giving me the permanent contract.” 

Our meeting concluded with Violet’s aspiration to work hard to help achieve the goals of this project. Though the maize mill faces hardships caused by Cyclone Ana such as electricity shortages, Violet stated “we will always strive to assist our clients with respect and dignity”.