A farmer in Ndalambo Ward, Ikana Village, Momba District, Songwe Region, has suffered a devastating loss after his six-hectare maize farm was destroyed by fire set by unknown individuals hunting rats for food.
Saimon Mwakyembe, an entrepreneurial farmer, discovered the destruction on September 2, 2025, while visiting his farm in Nakawale Village with hired laborers.
“I feel completely helpless. I took a loan to buy seeds, expecting to repay it after harvest, but now everything is gone,” Mwakyembe said. “When I arrived, the entire farm had burned. Nothing could be saved.”
Mwakyembe’s farm, which normally produces between 160 and 180 bags of maize annually, represented his main source of income.
The fire not only destroyed the crop but also jeopardized repayment of the loan he had taken to purchase seeds.
The laborers, mostly women from Rukwa and Songwe, had come to earn money to support their families. Jenifa Ambile said, “We were counting on the earnings to feed our children and support our livelihoods. Now, we don’t know what to do.”
Faustina Dule added that the income from harvesting was meant to support local women’s groups engaged in small-scale businesses.
“This farm was a key source of support for our groups. Its destruction leaves us confused and worried about our future,” she said.
Ikana Village Chairman Jumas Kapizi condemned the incident, saying, “Investors like Mwakyembe create jobs and support local livelihoods. Burning farms to hunt rats is unacceptable. We plan to hold a public meeting to warn residents against such acts.”
Amos Kamanga, Chairman of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) in Ikana Ward, called the act cruel and destructive.
“We urge residents to stop burning farms. Such actions harm investors who provide employment and sustain the community,” he said.
The incident highlights the challenges farmers face in protecting their crops from human interference, even as they strive to support their families and local economies.
