By Rebecca Chimjeka Matemba:

In the heart of the Mitundu Lilongwe urban district, a quiet revolution is taking place—one woven strand at a time. Here, amidst the vast maize fields, Mai Lucy Banda is transforming what many see as agricultural waste into stunning, durable and environment-friendly products. Through her resourcefulness and dedication, she has turned maize husks into a source of livelihood, crafting carpets and baskets that are not only cherished locally but are beginning to gain recognition beyond her village.

For Mai Lucy, weaving is more than just a craft—it is a means of survival, empowerment and transformation.

“I started this business to support my family,” she says, her hands skillfully braiding maize husks into intricate patterns. “It began as a small idea, but now it has grown into something I never imagined. Through this, I’ve managed to build a home for my family and send my children to school,” Banda said

Mai Lucy’s journey into weaving was not entirely her own idea. She inherited the skill from her late husband, who introduced her to the craft. When he passed away, she faced a difficult decision—to either abandon the trade or embrace it fully.

Despite the hardships, she chose to continue, not just because it was her only source of income but because she had developed a passion for it.

“This is all I know,” she explains. “After my husband died, I had to take over. There was no other choice. I had to provide for my children, and weaving maize husks into carpets and baskets became my lifeline.”

Her resilience and determination have turned her small weaving business into a thriving enterprise.

Today, she produces carpets as long as six metres and intricately designed baskets, each carrying the story of her journey and the spirit of sustainability.

While the idea of using maize husks might seem cost-effective, Mai Lucy still faces financial challenges.

She buys each bag of maize husks at 3,000 Malawian Kwacha, storing them for future use. The process of drying, treating and weaving the husks is labour-intensive, requiring patience and skill.

“People think maize husks are just waste, but for me, they are gold,” she says with a smile. “It takes time to prepare them, and the weaving process is not easy. But when I see the final product, I know all the effort is worth it.”

Her products have gained popularity in local markets, where people appreciate their durability and beauty.

However, Mai Lucy dreams of expanding her business beyond Malawi’s borders, where eco-friendly products like hers fetch high prices.

The success of her business has not only sustained her family but also enabled her to pay for her daughter’s school fees.

“There were times I worried about how I would afford my daughter’s educa