Growing Hope: Kuwala Leads with Innovation as Malawi Faces Severe Food Insecurity.
Malawi is currently facing severe food insecurity, with the situation reaching critical levels. In response, Kuwala is adapting its operational model to enhance sustainability and self-sufficiency.
The initiative includes using solar energy to reduce reliance on the national power grid, implementing biogas solutions for cooking when traditional fuels are unavailable, increasing irrigation capacity by drilling a second well, and enhancing agricultural practices to ensure a stable food supply for the school.
According to a Reuters report on November 6, Malawi harvested 2.9 million metric tons of maize this year, falling short of the national requirement of 3.7 million tons, as cited by the U.S. Famine Early Warning Systems Network and Malawi’s Ministry of Agriculture. An alarming forecast suggests that up to 4 million Malawians may experience hunger before the next harvest in March 2026, as detailed in a government food security report released in October. Furthermore, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, a collaborative effort involving U.N. agencies and humanitarian organizations, reports that average maize prices in Malawi’s southern regions have surged by at least 50% over the past year. https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/malawi-activates-grain-export-restrictions-4-million-people-face-hunger-2025-11-06/
In light of the severe food shortages caused by drought and rising commodity prices, Malawi has declared a state of disaster, with more than 20% of its population affected, as noted by Mezha in Ukraine News. https://mezha.net/eng/bukvy/malawi-declares-state-of-disaster-amid-severe-food-shortages/
In positive developments, Kuwala has welcomed Tamandani back to the school as the new Data Clerk for the Farm. Working alongside Patrick, the Farm Manager, she will be responsible for collecting data and tracking crop and livestock progress. Tamandani recently completed her National Secondary School examinations in July and was selected for the National Under-18 Volleyball Team during her school holidays. She is enthusiastic about her role at Kuwala.
The wheat harvest has commenced, marking a significant opportunity to trial a new crop and source seeds for future planting. Additionally, this initiative has the potential to establish flour milling and the production of bread, buns, and other baked goods at Kuwala.
The expansion of crop cultivation and irrigation efforts has enabled the drilling of a third high-yield borehole, significantly enhancing the farm’s water system capacity. Positioned at a depth of 50 meters, the expected yield is 2 litres of water per second. It will be powered by a solar pump, thereby eliminating the need for an additional water tower. Its location will also provide necessary water for the cultivation of foliage for goats and future livestock.
Notably, incorporating compost and chicken manure into agricultural practices has resulted in a 50% reduction in chemical fertilizer use this season. The Malawi Farm team is witnessing remarkable results and is actively sourcing more compost and chicken manure to support further crop expansion. Additionally, goats and chickens are being introduced to the farm to graze and enhance soil fertility through natural fertilization.
As the rainy season begins, Kuwala is proactively planting seedling trees to establish shelter belts around the campus and farm. Fast-growing species such as elephant grass and Moringa trees will serve as food for the goats and provide essential harvests for the school. The Farm team is also focused on sourcing native trees to rejuvenate the landscape and restore it to its original organic state. These native varieties will be integrated into the ecosystem to recreate Malawi’s natural biodiversity.
Finally, the installation of walkways has been greatly appreciated by students and staff alike, providing safe passage during heavy rains, which can turn the landscape into a torrential sea of water.