January is busy for our environment team
From tree nursery to community - 30,000 trees being moved to planting sites.
It is an exciting month each year when January arrives. This is the culmination of several month’s hard work when our tree nurseries deliver their saplings to our woodlot sites. The environment team are working with several communities to plant over 30,000 saplings. In addition to this we have the results from our Tiyeni farmers and further training taking place at Namadid and the Heart of Mercy site in Kitchen Gardens.
It is a joyous day for our tree nurseries when they hand over their saplings and receive payment - a significant contribution to their communities and their hard work. From there the saplings are transported to the planting sites and the task of clearing ground takes place.
Dindi Primary School - Tree Launch
On 19 January, Mbedza attended the tree planting launch at Dindi Primary School in T/A Mlumbe, our catchment area, organized by Zomba Forestry Office. Attendees included the Minister of Defence, T/A Mlumbe, chiefs, learners, community members, and environmental bodies. The 2026–27 theme, "Trees and Forests for Community Resilience," promoted community responsibility in planting and protecting trees.
Zomba City Council tree launch
On 22 January, Mbedza was among the invited stakeholders to the tree launch function organized by Zomba City Council and His Worship, the Mayor of the City. The event took place in Mayinuka Village, Mpira Ward, and focused on the national forestry theme, including environmental management sensitization, tree planting, and sustainable practices. Considering the ongoing degradation of the environment, including mountains and other natural resources that pose risks to communities.
Tiyeni method field at Kamphande village in Monkey Bay - the soils are retaining the water and the crop is looking lush.
We are thrilled to see the success and impact of the Tiyeni method. This was first introduced in November 2024 with a group of farmers at Namadidi and part of the Heart of Mercy programme. Our team has monitored and studied carefully the results. All twenty farmers had an increase in yield compared to traditional farming methods. The range in improvement varied from 12% to 225% with the average improvement in yield of 60%.
Paul Keeley returns to Namadidi to continue his training.
The Tiyeni method was introduced to us by Paul Keeley of Sustainable Global Gardens. Paul is back in Malawi working with the community at the Namadidi site to provide us with Kitchen Garden training.
Here with Richard Malili and Gladys from the heart of mercy programme
Gladys’ Tiyeni plot
We have recently partnered with an organisation called ‘Work to Give’. They provide businesses with Corporate Social Reponsibility packages. These packages are linked to a number of charities including Mbedza and we are providing each business with a tree planting programme that offsets carbon footprints and alleviates poverty. Our first Work to Give woodlot has been started at Chiunde village (photos below)and the community have been busy clearing the site, planting saplings and preparing ‘basins’ for water conservation. Click here to go to Work to Give website.
