One of the greatest joys of visiting our projects in Malawi’s Nkhotakota District is seeing what happens when dedicated local people invest in their own communities.
John Phiri and Liness Jambulaya serve as farm facilitators for Compact Resource Foundation, faithfully teaching restorative agriculture and agroforestry throughout the Nsenjere Watershed. They are supported by Dominic Kalande, the government agriculture specialist at Nsenjere Trading Centre, whose technical expertise strengthens every training session. In Kawiri, Chief Emanuel Thumba has championed the work, encouraging families to embrace new practices.
Together, this team has helped establish thriving community clubs in Aaron Village, where members are producing compost, creating mulched fields, and building marker ridges and swales to capture precious rainwater. Reflecting on the results, John said, “It is hard work, but now that I’ve seen it through the rainy season I really understand the value of this.”
Isaac Village is newer, yet the response has been remarkable. Under the leadership of nearly 80-year-old Chief Joseph, the entire village has joined the training. Daniel inspires others through his enthusiasm, while George has become a confident local teacher.
Every village has also established tree nurseries using seeds first shared from Kawiri. Rich compost has made these nurseries flourish, and this year young fruit trees are already growing in family fields. One father in Kawiri smiled, saying, “Now my children always expect fruit after their meal.” His words capture the project’s impact: restoring land while building healthier, more hopeful futures.
