Gardens Give Hope, Health, and Income in E. Africa

In Central Malawi, women farmers in Lilongwe and Dowa are growing more nutritious food, building resilience to a changing climate, and creating income from surplus harvests.

With your generous support, Seed Programs International (SPI) is partnering with Reigning Hope Programs Malawi to provide farming families with quality vegetable seeds, essential agricultural inputs, and hands-on training. Working through farmer cooperatives and community groups, the program helps participants increase food production, improve soil health, and generate income through local vegetable sales. 

The initiative prioritizes women and young farmers, reaching 60 women from the Cholowa Changa Cooperative in Lilongwe and approximately 50 households in Dowa. 

More than 80% of Malawi’s population depends on smallholder agriculture. However, many farming families face low productivity because they lack access to quality seeds, agricultural inputs, and practical technical knowledge. Erratic rainfall and recurring droughts intensify these challenges, contributing to food insecurity, malnutrition, and low household incomes.

This program is addressing those barriers directly.

In June, participating farmers received vegetable seed packets and agricultural inputs. In July, they took part in practical training on nursery establishment, seed sowing, and climate-smart vegetable production. Participants then established a community-managed nursery for Chinese cabbage and mustard, promoting shared learning and strengthening community ownership.

In August, healthy seedlings were distributed to 43 participants for transplanting into their home gardens. These gardens are helping families gain access to nutritious vegetables while creating opportunities to earn income from future harvests.

The program will continue reaching more farmers across the region. Demonstration plots established by volunteer lead farmers will continue to serve as local knowledge hubs, allowing neighbors to observe effective vegetable farming practices, exchange experiences, and share what they learn.

On behalf of the farming families we serve, thank you for your generous support and partnership. Your support is helping communities grow more food, strengthen livelihoods, and build a more food-secure future.