Malawi is facing one of its most significant agricultural challenges in decades. The climate crisis has worsened over the past few years, leading to prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, and increased pest infestations. These factors have devastated food production, leaving many families struggling to grow enough food to survive. For farmers who rely on subsistence agriculture, such as those in Nkhata Bay North, this is particularly concerning.
One such farmer is Elick Mkandawire, a 71-year-old retired teacher from Vyalema Mabuli Village. Since transitioning to farming, he has grown maize, cassava, and sweet potatoes to feed his family. However, climate change has wreaked havoc on his crops. Droughts, inconsistent rainfall, and rising input costs have caused his yields to plummet. In the 2024 season, Elick harvested only 12 bags of maize from his one-acre field, less than half of what he used to produce in previous years. The situation has been dire for him and many other farmers in Malawi who depend on consistent crop production for their family’s livelihoods.
Malawi is currently grappling with a severe drought crisis, exacerbated by the El Niño weather effect, which has disrupted rainfall patterns across the region. This year’s drought has affected 23 out of the country’s 28 districts, prompting President Lazarus Chakwera to declare a state of disaster in March 2024. Over 2 million farming households have been impacted, with significant losses in staple crops like maize. The situation has left approximately 4.2 million people facing acute food insecurity, while an additional 6.7 million are experiencing stressed conditions. Malawi’s reliance on rain-fed agriculture makes it particularly vulnerable to these shifts in climate, with rising temperatures and erratic weather further complicating efforts to grow food sustainably.
In addition to the direct effects of drought, the scarcity of water has contributed to pest outbreaks that further devastate crops. For Elick and his community, the cost of chemical pesticides is simply too high, and even those who can afford them find that pests have become more resilient due to changing environmental conditions.
Faced with these immense challenges, Elick saw an opportunity when he heard about Temwa’s Farmer Field Schools (FFS). These schools provide farmers with practical training in sustainable agricultural techniques. Elick joined the FFS program in 2024 to learn how to make organic manure, conserve soil, and implement natural pest management strategies. Temwa’s approach focuses on community-led, hands-on learning, which is crucial in empowering farmers to adapt to the changing climate without relying on expensive chemical inputs.
Elick expressed hope that with the skills he’s learning, he can restore his farm to its former productivity levels. He’s particularly excited about the potential for organic manure to replace the costly chemical fertilizers that have become inaccessible to many farmers. By reducing dependence on external inputs and enhancing soil health, Elick believes he can increase his yield and secure his family’s food supply for the future.
Elick’s experience mirrors the broader impact of Temwa’s Farmer Field Schools across Nkhata Bay North. The initiative began in 2023, with the aim of helping farmers mitigate the effects of climate change and improve food security through sustainable farming practices.
In 2024, the program expanded to include 177 new farmers, with ongoing peer-to-peer training reinforcing its impact. The results have been promising, with many farmers reporting improved yields and a reduced dependency on chemical fertilizers. Farmers like Elick, who once relied solely on maize, are now diversifying their crops with more resilient varieties such as cassava and sweet potatoes.
For Elick, the Farmer Field School represents more than just a chance to improve his farm; it’s a way to ensure a sustainable future for his community. He is hopeful that by adopting these new techniques, he can help safeguard his family’s food security and inspire others to do the same. His message to fellow farmers is clear: “We’ve learned so much already, from crop husbandry to natural pest management. If you haven’t joined a Farmer Field School yet, now is the time.”
The drought crisis in Malawi is a formidable challenge, but through initiatives like Temwa’s Farmer Field Schools, farmers are finding ways to adapt and thrive. By focusing on sustainability, innovation, and community-driven solutions, the program is transforming not just fields but lives.
Read more about Farmer Feild School in our latest report here.