As Malawi faces increasing challenges from climate change, sustainable agriculture has become vital for communities like those in Nkhata Bay North. Temwa’s Farmer Field Schools (FFS) project, launched in 2023, aims to equip farmers with the skills they need to overcome these challenges. One of the project’s participants is Joseph Kanyika, whose story highlights the life-changing impact of this initiative.

In Nkhata Bay North, 90% of families rely on subsistence farming, and 58% live below the national poverty line. Unpredictable rainfall, droughts, and pests have worsened food insecurity and poverty. Farmers like Joseph Kanyika, who lives with his wife and two children, have been hit hard. Before joining the program, Joseph relied heavily on expensive chemical fertilisers and pesticides, which strained his finances and limited his ability to grow enough food.
FFS addresses these challenges by teaching farmers sustainable agricultural techniques. The schools offer training in areas like soil conservation, organic fertilizers, and climate-smart farming. Since joining the program, Joseph has adopted the use of biochar and Mbeya manure, significantly improving his crop yields. This shift not only reduced his reliance on costly inputs but also made his farm more resilient to climate change.
Before participating in the FFS, Joseph struggled to produce enough food for his family. High fertiliser costs limited his ability to increase production, and his farming was primarily small-scale. However, with Temwa’s training, Joseph has seen a dramatic transformation. He now has plenty of food to feed his family and even surplus crops to sell, providing a more stable income.
Looking to the future, Joseph hopes to expand his farm and increase both cash crop and food crop production. He is especially eager to invest in a water pump, which would allow him to extend his winter cropping activities, further improving his family’s livelihood.
The impact of Temwa’s project extends beyond individual farmers. In communities like Joseph’s village of Denthema, the adoption of sustainable farming practices has led to a noticeable increase in food production. This success story reflects the broader achievements reported by Temwa, including improved crop diversity, food security, and the spread of organic farming techniques.
Temwa’s FFS are transforming lives and landscapes in Malawi. However, ongoing support is crucial. As Joseph Kanyika and his fellow farmers continue to adopt sustainable practices, the need for resources like farming materials and water pumps becomes more urgent. By investing in projects like these, we can help farmers build a future that is not only food-secure but also climate-resilient.
Joseph Kanyika lives in Denthema with his wife and two children. He has always been a small-scale farmer, supplementing his income with piecework.
For a long time, Joseph has been hoping to expand his farming and increase his harvests. He had been relying on expensive chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Through a community meeting organised by Temwa, he got involved with his local Farmer Field School. He has since been using Mbeya and Bio-char fertilisers on his crops.
“Through Temwa training from the farmer field school on manure production and natural pesticides, I have been able to adopt the practices which have resulted in high crop production. I have plenty to eat and sell.”
Read more about Farmer Feild School in our latest report here