‘Pursue your dreams with determination’
At 42 years, Dr. Babra Ntapara has risen from humble beginnings to earn a PhD and now transforms rural livelihoods in Malawi. Dr Ntapara is a livelihoods and rural development specialist currently working as the National Programme Coordinator for the TRADE Programme, a Government of Malawi and IFAD-funded initiative that supports agricultural transformation, among others. She shares her journey with Esther Misheck Nyanja.
Tell us about yourself and the journey that led you to earning a PhD.
I am the last born in a family of two girls. I am a livelihoods and rural development specialist currently working as the National Programme Coordinator for the TRADE Programme, a Government of Malawi and IFAD-funded initiative that supports agricultural transformation through commercialisation and entrepreneurship among rural farmers in eleven districts across Malawi.
Dr Ntapara: I still aspire to become a professor (Photo Credit: Esther Nyanja)
I began my primary education at Namulenga Primary School before moving to St. Pius Girls’ Primary School. I was later selected to Zingwangwa Secondary School, where I completed my secondary education. After that, I attended the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), where I studied for a Bachelor of Science in Forestry.
My academic journey later took me to the United Kingdom, where I pursued a Master’s degree in Climate Change and Development at the University of Reading. After completing the programme with distinction, I returned to the same university in 2017 to pursue a PhD in International and Rural Development, specialising in livelihoods. I completed my doctoral studies in 2021 and graduated in 2022. Beyond my professional and academic life, I am also a proud mother to my daughter, Emertha.
What was your childhood like, and how did it shape your dreams for the future?
Growing up in a Christian family had a strong influence on who I am today. From the age of six, I was actively involved in church activities such as the choir, the Legion of Mary and reading groups. These experiences instilled in me values such as discipline, hard work and faith. I also enjoyed spending time with friends, listening to music and participating in youth groups such as Young Christian Students (YCS) and Youth Alert. These activities helped to build my confidence and shape my character from an early age.
At what point did you decide that you wanted to pursue a PhD?
The idea of pursuing a PhD began at LUANAR, where I was inspired by lecturers who had already earned doctorates and by women advancing in academia. That is when I imagined myself one day being called “Dr.”
My aspiration grew stronger when I began working and gained more exposure to development work. One experience that influenced me greatly was when I worked as a Programme Manager in Nsanje with Churches Action in Relief and Development (CARD). I managed development and disaster response projects, which exposed me to the realities of climate change and flooding in Malawi.
Dr Natapara: I wanted to become a medical doctor but later realized, I have a strong phobia of blood (Photo Credit: Esther Nyanja)
This experience sparked my interest in understanding how climate change affects livelihoods and how communities can become more resilient. It inspired me to pursue my Master’s degree in Climate Change and Development and later a PhD in International and Rural Development.
Was this the career you intended to pursue while growing up?
Interestingly, . I was also inspired by my aunt, Mrs. Chikoti (MHSRIP), who worked with the Department of Forestry. Through her, I became fascinated by how development work can positively transform communities.
Was there a turning point when you realised you could achieve your dreams?
Yes. In Form Three at Zingwangwa Secondary School, a career talk by professional women sharing their challenges and successes became my “aha moment.” I realised that if they could achieve their dreams, so could I.
What were some of the biggest difficulties you faced in pursuing your dreams?
Mmmh! I went through a difficult situation when I was pursuing my master’s degree. Imagine a situation where you left your family to pursue your studies abroad and while you are there things fall apart. It was very difficult to concentrate on my studies and balance what I was going through. However, I learnt that when life gives you lemons, make lemonade out of it, hence I chose to concentrate on studies and deal with the situation once I am back in Malawi. I am happy to indicate that despite all this, I indeed triumphed and I passed my master’s degree with a distinction.
Ntapara: I was not born with a silver spoon, but my parents did their best to support my education (Photo Credit: Esther Nyanja)
Did finances or societal expectations make your journey harder?
I was not born with a silver spoon, but my parents did their best to support my education. I studied on scholarships throughout my academic journey: NORAD for my undergraduate studies, Marshal Papworth for my Master’s, and the Commonwealth scholarship for my PhD.
Societal expectations sometimes discouraged girls from pursuing science subjects, but teachers, parents and priests encouraged me to stay focused on my goals.
Dr Ntapara: I learned that giving up should never be an option (Photo Credit: Esther Nyanja)
What lessons did you learn from your journey?
I learned that giving up should never be an option. Challenges are part of life but should motivate us to keep moving forward. I also learned the importance of surrounding yourself with people who believe in you.
How did you feel when you finally achieved your PhD, and what are your plans for the future?
Achieving my PhD was one of the most fulfilling moments of my life. The journey does not end there; I still aspire to become a professor.
Peer pressure can destroy futures (Photo Credit: Esther Nyanja)
How do you hope to contribute to Malawi through your work?
My goal is to support programmes that improve livelihoods. I am involved in initiatives promoting agricultural commercialization, entrepreneurship, and climate-resilient farming. I also run a career inspiration programme for primary school learners and hope to expand it nationwide.
Final message to young people?
Peer pressure can destroy futures. Instead of following negative influences, focus on working hard and making your parents and community proud. Pursue your dreams with determination—you are the greatest weapon for your own success.
