Stories from the Farm
Growing Hope: How Kuwala’s Innovative Farming is Tackling Climate Challenges in Malawi.
Amid natural disasters and food insecurity, Kuwala is leading the way with sustainable farming practices, irrigation, and new crops—offering hope and meals to a community in need.
Three to four years of countrywide disaster after disaster in Malawi, including unusual storms and cyclones followed by prolonged dry spells, have left the country and its people desperate for food and farmland depleted and underproductive. According to a 2022 report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), approximately 5.4 million people in Malawi’s rural and secondary urban centers are experiencing moderate or severe chronic food insecurity, primarily due to poverty and recurrent environmental and climate shocks. In practical terms, one in every four people in Malawi is currently experiencing hunger.
The devaluation of the Malawian kwacha has exacerbated fuel shortages, leading to wait times of up to 36 hours to secure fuel rations. This scarcity significantly hampers the delivery of food aid to areas in need. The onset of the rainy season further complicates logistics, as impassable roads intensify these challenges. These are just some of the current economic issues that Malawians face.
Kuwala has been forward-thinking and planning to become more self-sufficient, innovative and prepared for the unpredictable future of growing climate issues. With the ever-expanding farm, greenhouse operations and the introduction of new crops, Kuwala has been providing some daily work for the surrounding villagers. For many, this maybe the only opportunity to obtain a meal for the day. Villagers are curious about and learning new composting techniques and irrigation farming practices. Our farming team has noticed evidence in the village that this practice is starting to take hold. We are confident this is the right track and yes these new practices will take time, the change is encouraging. In Malawi, because of the devaluation of their currency fertilizer prices have significant increased over recent years, posing challenges to the sustainability of agricultural practices in the country.
In 2023, the cost of fertilizer skyrocketed, reaching up to $60 for a 50 kg bag—and there’s real worry it could climb even higher to $70 in the 2023-2024 farming season*. For farmers, this isn’t just a statistic—it’s a harsh reality. In just a short time, the price of fertilizer has doubled, making it harder than ever for smallholders to afford the inputs they need to grow food and sustain their livelihoods.
*Source: All funds in USD. Agriculture Malawi
While the rising cost of fertilizer is challenging, it’s also inspiring farmers to explore new, sustainable ways to keep their soil healthy. Practices like using organic alternatives and embracing circular agriculture are helping reduce reliance on expensive chemical fertilizers. At Kuwala, the focus is clear: improving soil conditions, enhancing drainage, and adopting smarter irrigation methods to create a more resilient and sustainable farm.
Irrigation is the key to sustaining crop growth and allowing for a more impactful winter crop. Villages typically rely on summer crops that are 90% rainfed. Crop production diminishes if the rains do not come or if they are too heavy. Kuwala has introduced irrigation to an area of the farm and is continually increasing compost production to feed nutrients to the soil. Crops in rows complemented with companion planting are critical to rejuvenate the soil. The effluent from the biogas also adds nutrients and encourages robust growth.
Rachel, our Farm Manager, is introducing a variety of new crops to complement the traditional crops of maize, onions, green peppers and Chinese vegetables. Irish potatoes, squash, and zucchini are starting to grow. There is potential for carrots, moringa trees, strawberries, and herbs in the future. The greenhouse also has a new crop of tomatoes that will produce abundant fruit.
Kuwala is introducing cassava cultivation to diversify staple food sources. Traditionally, nsima—a staple meal—is prepared using maize flour; however, maize’s susceptibility to drought poses challenges. In contrast, cassava is more drought-tolerant, making it a viable alternative. This initiative aligns with broader trends in Malawi, where cassava production has nearly tripled over the past decade*, reflecting its growing importance in the nation’s food security strategy.
*Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Website