The Solidaridad Network’s International Supervisory Board and Executive Director Andre de Freitas learn about the impact of agricultural programmes in Malawi.
From bolstering sustainable soybean production through the Practice for Change (PfC) project, to enhancing the livelihoods of cotton farmers through its Pathways to Prosperity (P2P) initiative, Solidaridad has implemented projects that have transformed agricultural practices, while supporting smallholder farmers in Malawi.
The wide-ranging initiatives have demonstrated the power of collaboration, innovation, and farmer-led solutions in creating a more sustainable and equitable agricultural sector.
The Solidaridad International Supervisory Board (ISB) recently visited Malawi for a firsthand look at the organization’s impactful work within the country, and discussed ways that a number of the projects in the country could be built up from the local to the global level.
“Malawi has some strong examples of agricultural practice and work on sector transformation that are innovative, resilient and have a direct and positive impact on the lives of small-scale farmers. Some of the projects here have the potential to be scaled globally,” said Andre de Freitas, Executive Director of the Solidaridad Network.
“This visit allows the International Supervisory Board to witness firsthand the specific features of Solidaridad’s work in Southern Africa.”
The ISB visit reinforced a fundamental truth: smallholder farmers are at the heart of global supply chain transformation, and initiatives in Malawi are shaping the future of agriculture.
Listen to an interview with Solidaridad’s Executive Director Andre de Freitas.
Farmers as catalysts for transformation
In Malawi, smallholder farmers are active drivers of systemic change. These farmers have adopted Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) through the Practice for Change (PfC) soybean project, and taken on leadership roles at farming demonstrations.
Additionally, as reported by the Malawi News Agency, the ISB noted that Malawi’s farmers have seen the benefits of certified seeds for improving production.
“This visit underscores Malawi’s role as a leader in sustainable agricultural practices. Through our impactful projects here, we have demonstrated that smallholder farmers are not just beneficiaries but key players in transforming global supply chains into equitable systems,” said Shungu Kanyemba, Managing Director of Solidaridad Southern Africa.
Policy is a game-changer
Solidaridad’s RECLAIM Sustainability! tea programme highlights the profound impact that policy has on agriculture and livelihoods. Peer-learning initiatives, like the one that allowed a delegation from the Tea Association of Malawi to take a fact-finding mission to the tea auction in Mombasa, Kenya, are just one way that RECLAIM Sustainability! has created a ripple effect of positive change for the country’s tea producers.
Additionally, policies that promote occupational safety, equitable gender practices, and sustainable farming aren’t just bureaucratic formalities — they actively shape the experiences of farmers and workers.
The launch of new gender-policy in Malawi’s tea sector has been designed to create safer workplaces, combat gender bias, and fight sexual harassment. Policies like this are an important step to ensure inclusive workplace environments for both women and men.
Technology amplifies tradition
A standout from the Pathways to Prosperity (P2P) cotton project was the integration of a digital payment system for farmers. This technology has benefited over 15,000 farmers in Malawi, reduced financial risks, and ensured seamless transactions.
Additionally, Solidaridad Southern Africa’s Managing Director, Shungu Kayemba, has advocated for improved technology and agricultural training to prepare Malawi and Southern African agriculture for the future impacts of climate change.
The ISB members observed that technology, when thoughtfully applied, doesn’t overshadow traditional practices — it strengthens them.
Seeing is believing: The power of demonstration
Farmers in Malawi have witnessed the benefits of adopting sustainable practices firsthand. Fifteen demonstration plots are used to show the benefits of sustainable cotton farming. These plots are more than teaching tools — they are spaces of shared learning and innovation, fostering a sense of ownership and motivation.
Malawi’s achievements showcase the potential to scale up local innovations to the global level: training 2,400 soybean farmers in GAP; distributing 160 metric tonnes of cotton seed to 40,000 farmers; and providing over 80,000 tea seedlings to more than 10,000 farmers.
These accomplishments have had a remarkable effect on the livelihoods of Malawi’s smallholders. Africa Brief has noted the importance of the initiatives in Malawi, and how they offer replicable models for other countries within Solidaridad’s network.
A celebration of innovation and partnership
The visit to Malawi was more than a formal gathering — it was a celebration of the resilience, creativity, and determination of smallholder farmers in Southern Africa and the partnerships that make their success possible.
It demonstrated the power of innovation and collaboration to address complex challenges within the country’s agricultural sector. The visit by the ISB was also noted by the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation in their reporting on the improvements within the country’s agricultural sector. From digital payment systems to farmer-led demonstrations, Solidaridad’s projects show that innovative approaches can support smallholder farmers and transform agricultural practices for a more sustainable future.
“The work of Solidaridad in Malawi contains some good examples of what can be achieved through partnerships, innovation, and community-driven solutions. These projects are exemplary for our work regionally, ensuring that smallholder farmers remain at the heart of sustainable supply chains,” said Humphrey Nxumalo, Solidaridad Southern Africa’s Head of Programmes.