Across Southern Africa, where climate shocks like drought and heat waves increasingly threaten food systems, the Seed and Knowledge Initiative (SKI) is sowing seeds of resilience through agroecology. From the dry hills of Chimanimani in Zimbabwe to the parched fields of Chaola Village in Zambia, farmers supported by SKI and its partners are rewriting their stories. “Despite the drought, I harvested 15 bags of 50kg local maize while many in my village harvested nothing,” shared Margaret Nyirongo of Zambia, whose embrace of organic practices and local seed varieties shielded her farm from climate devastation. In Malawi, James Munthali transformed his barren land into a flourishing farm, saying, “For the first time, I not only had enough food to feed my household but also produced a surplus.” These are evidence to the transformative power of agroecology, proving that with the right knowledge, favorable policy, and local resources, communities can build food sovereignty even in the harshest of conditions. Enjoy reading the following inspiring stories of impact, adaptation, and hope.
By: Joseph Thawi, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer – Seed and Knowledge Initiative (SKI)
and Rose Mudzingwa, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer – Tsuro Trust
In Chimanimani, Zimbabwe, where farming communities have long relied on rain-fed agriculture, the harsh reality of El Niño’s extreme weather in the 2023/24 season threatened livelihoods. The prolonged drought meant that many farmers could not produce the usual surplus harvests. However, despite these challenges, through the support of the Seed and Knowledge Initiative (SKI) and one of its partners, TSURO Trust, farmers practicing agro-ecology (AE) were still able to generate income – demonstrating the resilience of agro-ecological farming even in times of crisis.
A recent community mapping review (November 2024) initiated by SKI revealed that 100% of farming households in Chimanimani earned income from AE-related activities, a significant increase from the 64.74% recorded at baseline. Even though they faced reduced harvests, their ability to sell AE produce and offer AE services provided a crucial economic lifeline.
One of the most notable successes was the rise in seed sales at key events such as the Chimanimani district seed market days and food and seed festivals. At the latest Chimanimani district seed market day (2023/24), 30 farmers collectively earned USD $1,956.50, a remarkable 197.7% increase from the USD $657.00 recorded in 2022/23. This growth highlights the increasing demand for locally adapted, climate-resilient seeds which are better suited to withstand erratic weather conditions. While some farmers struggled with yields, others with seed reserves were able to supply their peers, ensuring that communities retained access to quality, farmer-saved seed.
Beyond seed sales, farmers turned to diversified agro-ecological enterprises to sustain their incomes. Many sold products such as bokashi, liquid manure, compost, fodder, animal manure, and vetiver grass – essential inputs that help restore soil fertility and improve farm productivity. These products became even more valuable in the face of drought, as farmers sought ways to replenish degraded soils and improve water retention on their land.
Additionally, the demand for agro-ecological services increased, providing employment opportunities for many. Farmers offered labor-intensive services such as digging swales, constructing check dams, and contouring fields – critical techniques for improving water conservation and soil health. These services became particularly important for elderly and female-headed households, who needed extra support in implementing resilience-building strategies. While individual earnings from these services started as low as $1 per swale dug, the cumulative economic impact across the community was significant.
In 2024, despite the devastating effects of El Niño, Chimanimani’s agro-ecological farmers proved that sustainable farming is not just about growing food – it is about economic resilience, adaptation, and community-driven solutions. By diversifying income sources and strengthening local seed and food systems, these farmers have shown that even in times of crisis, agroecology provides a pathway to sustainability, self-sufficiency, and financial stability.
By: Joseph Thawi, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer – Seed and Knowledge Initiative (SKI)
and Lizzie Shumba, Extension Officer – SFHC
For years, 57-year-old James Munthali, a farmer in Chidikalala community, northern Malawi, struggled with poor soil fertility that led to chronic food shortages. The high cost of synthetic fertilizers meant that he could not replenish his depleted soils, and his harvests remained low season after season. With limited options, he faced uncertainty about how to provide for his family.
Everything changed in 2019 when James joined the Seed and Knowledge Initiative (SKI) project, implemented in his community by SFHC (Soils, Food and Healthy Communities). Through training and hands-on demonstrations, he learned about agro-ecological practices such as bokashi manure, legume residue incorporation, and intercropping; techniques that restore soil health naturally without reliance on costly chemical inputs.
Eager to improve his farm, James began applying these methods to his land. Over time, he noticed significant improvements; his soil became richer, his crops grew healthier, and his harvests increased. What was once barren and unproductive land turned into a thriving farm that could sustain his family.
During the 2023/24 farming season, James harvested an impressive 100 bags (50 kg each) of maize – a dramatic turnaround from his previous years of struggle. For the first time, he not only had enough food to feed his household but also produced a surplus. This allowed him to sell extra crops and invest in three goats, further strengthening his family’s livelihood.
Beyond the financial benefits, James’ journey with agro-ecology has brought positive changes to his home life. He and his wife now work together on the farm, building a sustainable future for their family. The stability they have gained through agro-ecology has given them hope, resilience, and a renewed sense of security.
James’ story is a testament to how farmer-led agro-ecological practices can transform lives, proving that with the right knowledge and resources, communities can break free from cycles of poor harvests and food insecurity. Through SKI and its partners like SFHC, farmers in Chidikalala are reclaiming their soils, rebuilding their livelihoods, and shaping a future of sustainability and self-sufficiency.
By: Joseph Thawi, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer – Seed and Knowledge Initiative (SKI)
and Macdonald Matalala, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer – SCOPE Malawi
In the heart of Mkakambu (Malikha) village, on the outskirts of Lilongwe, central Malawi, Gresham Marko has cultivated more than just crops – he has nurtured a vision for a sustainable and self-sufficient farming future. At 35 years old, Gresham is not just a farmer; he is a dreamer, a trailblazer, and a champion of indigenous seeds. His journey, marked by persistence and resilience, is proof that agro-ecology is not just a farming practice but a pathway to transformation.
In 2019, as the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, Gresham was preparing his land as he always had; planting maize, groundnuts, and sweet potatoes and relying on expensive chemical fertilizers. But that year marked a pivotal moment in his life. SCOPE Malawi, a local NGO promoting permaculture and agro-ecology, introduced the Seed and Knowledge Initiative (SKI) project in his community. The project aimed to promote local seed usage for food production and support farmers in adopting agro-ecological practices.
While many in his community remained skeptical, Gresham saw potential. He immersed himself in training sessions, eager to learn and experiment with new methods of seed saving, soil regeneration, and organic farming. Despite pressure from fellow farmers to continue using chemical fertilizers, he stood firm in his decision to embrace agro-ecology. By 2021, his commitment bore fruit. Gresham became a certified seed multiplier, recognizing the immense value of indigenous seed multiplication. The impact on his farm was remarkable: his maize harvest increased from 45 kg (2019/20) to 145 kg (2023/24), Bambara nut harvest grew from 15 kg to 50 kg, and cowpea harvest rose from 15 kg to 40 kg. With his yields improving, Gresham not only ensured food security for his household but also began to sell surplus seeds to other farmers, generating much-needed income. The demand for indigenous, climate-resilient seeds grew rapidly, positioning him as a model farmer within his community.
As financial returns from seed sales steadily flowed in, Gresham intensified his seed multiplication efforts. Over time, he tripled his harvest, gaining a level of economic independence he had never experienced before. Looking ahead, he envisions establishing a well-organized indigenous seed multiplication site and selling point within the next five years to meet the rising demand for these seeds. However, his success has not come without challenges. Despite strong community demand for indigenous seeds, he faces major barriers; the lack of formal markets for indigenous seeds prevents him from accessing fair pricing, as government policies still classify these seeds as “grain” rather than “seed,” restricting their sale in formal markets. Additionally, his reliance on rented farmland limits his ability to expand production and meet the growing demand for his seeds.
Gresham firmly believes that collaboration among like-minded farmers could scale up indigenous seed multiplication. With government support, policy recognition for indigenous seeds, and access to financial resources, he is confident that smallholder farmers could revolutionize local seed systems, thereby boosting food security and rural incomes. His story is a powerful testament to the potential of agro-ecology. By standing up for his seeds, his rights, and his fellow farmers, Gresham is leading a movement that could reshape agriculture in Malawi – one indigenous seed at a time.
“We have the muscle and ability to produce quality seed. All we need is for the indigenous seed to be recognized by the government so that we can sell it in markets just like hybrid seeds,” says Gresham.
By: Joseph Thawi, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer – Seed and Knowledge Initiative (SKI)
and Edwin Abwino, Programme Officer – Community Technology Development Trust (CTDT)
As Zambia faces increasingly erratic weather patterns, the 2023-2024 farming season was a harsh reminder of the climate crisis gripping the country. Severe drought and extreme temperatures devastated over one million hectares of farmland, pushing Zambia to declare a state of climate emergency. Across the country, hybrid maize fields withered, and farmers were left with empty granaries and uncertain futures.
Yet in Chaola Village, Rufunsa District, a different story was unfolding; one of resilience, adaptation, and survival. With support from the Seed and Knowledge Initiative (SKI), the Community Technology Development Trust (CTDT) had been actively promoting agro-ecology through initiatives such as seed and food fairs, empowering farmers with indigenous seed knowledge and climate-resilient farming techniques. These efforts helped farmers recognize the link between their challenges and the broader impact of climate change, encouraging them to shift towards sustainable, adaptive farming practices.
At a community mobilization meeting in Chaola Village on May 29, 2024, local farmers shared their stories of survival. While hybrid maize crops failed under the relentless heat, farmers who had adopted agro-ecological techniques managed to sustain their food production. They spoke of potholing, crop residue retention, and organic fertilizers such as bokashi and tea manure, methods that enabled them to@Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browserDisable in this text fieldRephraseRephrase current sentenceEdit in Ginger× retain moisture and nurture their soil, even in the face of drought.
Among them was Margaret Nyirongo, a farmer whose story shines as a beacon of hope. She passionately
described how she had embraced basin digging, crop residue conservation, and the use of organic fertilizers, shifting away from synthetic fertilizers that proved ineffective in the harsh climate. “My neighbors who relied on chemical fertilizers struggled to even find the right time to apply them due to the dry conditions,” Margaret explained. “Those who managed to sow their hybrid maize saw it destroyed.”
In contrast, Margaret cultivated Kafwamba, a local maize variety, using agro-ecological practices. Despite the drought, she harvested an impressive 15 bags of 50kg local maize while many in her village harvested nothing. The success of her climate-resilient approach underscores the power of agro-ecology in safeguarding food security even in the most challenging conditions.
Chaola Village’s experience proves that agro-ecology is more than just an alternative. It is a necessity. Techniques like potholing, residue retention, bokashi, and tea manure not only boost yields but also conserve water and strengthen resilience against climate shocks. As Zambia battles climate change, the commitment of farmers like Margaret offers a powerful lesson: by embracing nature, preserving indigenous knowledge, and prioritizing sustainability, farmers can break free from climate vulnerability and reclaim their food sovereignty.
The story of Chaola Village is not just about survival. It is about transformation. It is a call to action for farmers, policymakers, and communities everywhere to recognize that the future of farming lies in agro-ecology, where seeds of resilience grow even in the harshest of conditions.
