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Kuwala Christian Girls School
Kuwala students working in the Farm's garden using a hoe break up the soil for planting.
| Written by: Kuwala Publications Team
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Stories from the Farm

Growing a Sustainable Future: Kuwala’s Journey to Food Self-Sufficiency.

Kuwala is actively undertaking measures to enhance agricultural output and achieve food self-sufficiency. It is also developing water retention and management systems to mitigate the effects of increasing drought periods. The school is committed to adopting innovative agronomic practices for soil enrichment and crop diversification, concurrently transforming its landscapes.

Our Malawian Farm team regularly consults with our Canadian Board members, who bring extensive expertise in contemporary farming methodologies. The implementation of Starlink technology facilitates weekly Zoom meetings, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange on advanced farming techniques. Immediate initiatives involve establishing planting schedules, utilizing composting methods, and integrating chicken manure into our practices. We also focus on crop rotation and companion planting strategies to optimize productivity and develop a sophisticated drip irrigation system.

Discussions with the team during these meetings include new techniques not typically followed in Malawi. Some crops grow well with other crops; some do not. For example, planting garlic between a crop can significantly reduce pests. Learning new methods to reduce the need for costly chemical fertilizers that slowly deplete the land of nutrients will only help increase healthier soil. Rachel, the Farm Manager at Kuwala, has been in ongoing discussions with our Canadian team regarding implementing agricultural practices that will take time to yield results. Still, we are already optimistic about the introduction of Irish potato cultivation. Today, we procured a significant quantity of rice to ensure a stable starch supply for our campus meal plan. However, with our potato production underway, we anticipate a reduction in our rice procurement needs.

Kuwala student bent over planting a potato plant in brick red African soil.
Student plant potatoes to reduce the reliance on rice, which is imported. Kuwala_2025

Why are we focusing on food production, sustainability, and food security, you might ask?

01 | Production

Kuwala is responsible for feeding over 300 staff and students three times daily, making the shift towards self-sufficiency in food production critical. On any given day, we engage more than 60 residents in casual day-work, enabling them to earn enough to support their families. This day-work system empowers these individuals, fortifies community development, and enhances our relationship with the surrounding population, fostering a long-term symbiotic partnership. So what is good for Kuwala is good for the community.

02 | Sustainability

Kuwala is taking proactive steps to diversify its agricultural output by introducing and scaling a variety of crops. The farm is now growing an array of vegetables, such as carrots, onions, garlic, corn, squash, canola, mustard, potatoes, peppers, beans, tomatoes, cassava, and peas. Alongside these, Moringa trees have been thoughtfully planted near the irrigation site to boost the farm’s agroecological benefits. This diversification strategy includes implementing crop rotation, pairing companion plants together, and incorporating composting practices. These efforts aim not only to reduce the risk of crop failure but also to enhance soil health. The biogas system also contributes to soil enrichment by utilizing the nutrient-rich digestate—the byproduct remaining after anaerobic digestion. Once the digestion process is complete and the material has stabilized, the digestate can be safely applied as an organic fertilizer to improve soil structure and fertility.

Worker is leanin over a wheelbarrow in the foreground with a very rich red soil of Malawi taking up most of the scene. In the background is the new water tower under construction and is almost complete.
A farm worker applies nutrient-rich biogas digestate to newly cultivated land, enhancing soil fertility and boosting organic matter for sustainable crop growth. Kuwala_2025

By focusing on these sustainable methods, we are decreasing our reliance on fertilizers that can compromise the organic composition of the soil. This holistic approach is all about nurturing the land while ensuring that our farming practices are resilient and sustainable for the future.

03 | Food Security

Inflationary pressures in the region exhibit volatility, with prices for staple commodities like eggs and rice fluctuating dramatically, potentially doubling or tripling quickly. Similarly, cost estimates for construction materials, such as cement, are subject to daily changes, consistently trending upward without ever indicating a price decrease.

Recent climate trends indicate that historically reliable rainfall patterns are becoming delayed, thus highlighting the critical need for our second water tower near the Farm, a dedicated water well and an integrated drip irrigation system specifically designed for agricultural use. The existing drip irrigation setup will span over 10 acres, significantly augmenting land productivity throughout the year. In the context of soaring inflation, it is imperative to identify strategies that minimize our reliance on externally sourced goods. Integrating a home-grown potato crop into our supply chain can effectively lower the rice required for purchase.

Worker with a red T-shrit and black jeans bending over planting in a pre-defined row using string.
Day worker planting crops on the Campus farm. Kuwala_2025

Securing funding to support the Farm is essential for ensuring long-term food security, not just for our Campus, but also for the surrounding community. Promoting effective farming practices on the Farm can inspire day workers who see these methods in action. They can return these valuable ideas to their communities, leading to widespread benefits.


What is happening to the country’s food security?

Malawi is entering its lean season, facing compounded challenges from ongoing climate issues that have severely affected food security in the country and its neighbouring regions. The situation has escalated to crisis levels, characterized by alarming rates of malnutrition, starvation, and acute food insecurity. The labour market is constrained, and there is a notable influx of refugees fleeing from conflict and war-affected areas, seeking refuge in Malawi. This increasing refugee population adds further strain to a nation already grappling with profound poverty and a humanitarian crisis. The immediate survival of these refugees depends heavily on humanitarian assistance to meet their basic needs.

The World Food Program has drawn attention to a severe malnutrition crisis currently affecting Malawi, a situation that poses a grave threat to the well-being of its children. Reports indicate that more than 40% of children in the country are suffering from stunting, a condition that significantly hinders their physical and cognitive development. This staggering rate of stunting marks Malawi as having the highest prevalence in the entire African region, underscoring a deep-rooted public health challenge.

The ongoing pressures of famine have intensified food insecurity and significantly impacted the livelihoods of local communities. As agricultural production falters, many families struggle to access basic nutritional needs, leading to dire consequences for both children and vulnerable populations, including an influx of refugees seeking safety and sustenance from other countries with less stable governments. These factors pose substantial risks to the immediate survival of affected individuals and Malawi’s long-term socio-economic stability. The USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance reported that southern Malawi’s staple food production during the 2023/2024 harvest season was approximately 50 percent below the five-year average, reducing preparedness for the country’s December-to-March lean season.


What’s growing on the Farm

Rape vegetables are being planted at the base of papaw trees. Kuwala_2025

The farm has been planting papaw (Carica papaya), a rich source of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, has formed part of the staple diet in parts of Africa. The farm started growing papaw (papaya) trees because of the numerous benefits, including improved nutrition, economic opportunities, and environmental sustainability. Papaw trees produce nutrient-rich fruits that are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, promoting better health and reducing malnutrition. They grow quickly and require minimal inputs, making them an affordable crop for smallholder farmers. The fruits can be sold fresh or processed into value-added products, creating income-generating opportunities for the Campus. Additionally, pawpaw trees contribute to agroforestry practices, improving soil fertility, preventing erosion, and supporting biodiversity, making them a valuable addition to sustainable farming systems in Malawi. We are also companion planting rape vegetables at the base of the trees to reduce soil erosion and improve water retention.

In the heart of the farm, the orchard is bursting with life. The banana plants stand tall and vibrant, hinting at a fruitful future, while the first significant lemon on one of the trees gleams like a small trophy, a testament to the thriving growth all around. This rich environment is a living classroom, echoing Benjamin Franklin’s wisdom: “Tell me and I may forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” Each observation in the orchard is an opportunity for the team to engage deeply with their work, learning through hands-on experience.

Tomato crop in the greenhouse. Kuwala_2025
White open truck with tomatoes in buckets in the back of the truck parked under the shade of trees on the Kuwala campus.
Any excess tomatoes are sold at the market. Kuwala_2025
Tomatoes were turned into a puree for use throughout the year. Kuwala_2025

Just a stone’s throw away, the greenhouse complements this vibrant scene with a stunning bumper crop of tomatoes. This success has energized the farm team as they dive into research, discovering innovative culinary applications for these versatile fruits. They’re also experimenting with preservation techniques for tomato paste, ensuring their hard work feeds the present and enriches future meals. Together, the orchard and greenhouse paint a picture of a farm that thrives on growth, collaboration, and the joy of discovery. Any excess is sold locally, with the proceeds helping fund the Farm’s activities.

Help us build a better future

We are always looking for partners to help us change the lives of girls through education helping them change the lives of their families and their communities. Join us by supporting our capital campaign as we build our school or as a scholarship sponsor for one of our future students.взять авто с пробегом в кредит