Using Biochar in Farming – Malawi

Low yields, deforestation, continuous use of chemical fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides or continuous
cultivation without taking into consideration soil restoration, water management as well as burning
activities. Increased rate of diseases associated with synthetic agrichemicals used to produce food.
Increased poverty levels among local farmers who are more vulnerable to climate change.
High poverty level among farmers in Malawi is a big issue, unless deliberate efforts are taken to impart
knowledge and up to date skills that may enable farmers to produce enough to eat and sale. Poverty and
dependency among poor farmers will keep affecting individuals and the country at large. With this in mind
RUPFA Malawi in previous project trained a total of 2,640 farmers from 20 RUPFA Farmers Co-operative
Network (RUFAN) in July 2023. RUFAN leaders were trained asked to train their members at Sub-RUFAN
level. Trainings focused much on how to collect biochar from Agwa Cook Stoves, how to charge the char
using urine or manure and how to use the charged biochar in the fields.
RUFAN farmers were very grateful for the opportunity given which has enabled local farmers to be
trained and become biochar ambassadors in their respective communities. RUPFA Malawi needs financial
support to extend its impact on more farmers groups in Malawi. Base on this drive RUPFA Malawi decided
to partner Global giving to raise fund through donors like you for 2024 projects.
Not enough has been raised but what we have done with the little is to personally visit the fields after
being asked by the leaders. I started the visits on 4th March and by March 8th 2024, I have managed to talk
to 960 farmers, I appreciated their farms. Local Chiefs, farmers and Sub-RUFAN leaders are grateful for the
support.
We want to appeal everyone individuals, business communities and others to support our biochar project
so that we can move from just visiting farmers to start a full scale biochar project. These when we are able
to receive enough donations through GLOBALGIVING it will enable us to extend our efforts to reduce
poverty among farmers and in Malawi at large