Climate Action Malawi Project #41625

Sustainable Farming: Relieve Hunger in East Africa

by Warm Heart Worldwide, Inc

Sustainable Farming: Relieve Hunger in East Africa

Project Report | Oct 25, 2025
Good Biochar Training Turnout, Time to Follow up on Outcomes

By Evelind Schecter | Co-Founder, Program Leader

Malawi Biochar Training in October

Our teams in Malawi and Kenya have been busy training new farmers while helping experienced ones put their extra biochar to good use in value-added activities.

This past quarter, we trained over 4,000 farmers, half in Malawi and half in Kenya. With fertilizer prices continuing to rise in both countries, demand for biochar training has surged.

We expanded into additional villages across the districts and counties where our trainers are based, through both our Warm Heart leads and invitations from local organizations. As in previous seasons, two-thirds (67%) of trainees were women, eager to improve soil health and strengthen their family livelihoods.

In Malawi, we continued our partnership with the Catholic Development Commission (CADECOM) in Zomba to support biochar training in nearby villages. CADECOM covers training expenses, while our team provides coaching for their trainers.

Last week’s session brought together 83 participants, who learned both trench and barrel (TLUD) methods.

Each participating village received two TLUD units to begin its own production. Corn cobs perform especially well in TLUDs, while corn stalks are better suited for trenches. This round of training reached four new villages, building local capacity for sustainable biochar production.

In the DRC, training continues in areas outside the conflict zones. The team recently secured an affordable piece of land to start a cocoa farm, where biochar is already being used to improve soil structure and water retention. The site will also serve as a demonstration and training center for nearby farmers.

Our Black Soldier Fly (BSF) pilots are also advancing. In Kenya, BSFs are reproducing well, and the team has begun a chicken feeding trial to test feed cost savings and bird health improvements.

In Malawi, BSF production faced a temporary setback but is back on track. The team is now working with local chicken producers to identify healthy birds for our first micro-lending pilot with chickens.

Although we have a growing waiting list of villages for biochar training, we are also dedicating part of our limited funds to design a follow-up survey to measure biochar adoption and outcomes.

Our last survey in 2021, based on about 1,000 farmers, showed an impressive 89% adoption rate for the trench method.

The TLUD barrel, however, proved too costly for most farmers, a finding that has shaped how we tailor future training and technology support.

We’ll keep you updated on our progress. There is such a large need to reduce hunger and protect our environment. Thank you for making it possible!

With best wishes for the months ahead,

Dana, Michael, Evelind, and the East Africa Biochar

New farmer learning to make biochar

Barrels ready for distribution with TLUD training

With donated barrels, trench and TLUD training

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Jun 27, 2025
Biochar, Black Soldier Flies and Chickens

By Evelind Schecter | Co-Founder, Program Manager

Black Soldier Fly training in Kenya

This quarter, we’ve taken an exciting step forward by expanding our biochar training to include small business development. As farmers improve their soil and increase yields using biochar, we’re helping them explore new ways to generate income, starting with sustainable poultry farming and insect-based feed production.

In Kenya and Malawi, our teams are piloting Black Soldier Fly farming as a low-cost, high-protein chicken feed that also enriches compost. With this secure feed source, farmers can begin raising chickens and gradually build up flocks. In Zomba, Malawi, 20 farmers attended our first chicken business training, led by the Department of Agriculture, and covered in the local newspaper.

In Malawi, we trained over 130 farmers in Mpheta village (T/A Lamosi), with additional sessions for participants from Magoli and Kathebwe villages. In the DRC, our team was invited to Université Abbé Malumalu to introduce biochar production to agriculture students—planting seeds for broader impact as students bring knowledge back to their home communities.

Last year, we launched our first savings circles in Kenya, Malawi, and the DRC. Participants have embraced them as a practical way to set aside funds for essential needs. Building on this momentum, we are working on plans to expand into a small-scale micro-lending program to help farmers invest in chicken coops and Black Soldier Fly “love cages,” enabling them to grow new income-generating ventures.

We’re deeply grateful for your generosity—it’s making a real difference in the lives of the farmers we work with every day. You make this all possible!

Best wishes for a safe and joyful summer ahead!

Dana, Michael, Evelind and the East Africa Biochar Team

Our grads from the Chicken Business Training

Recognition of the Chicken Business Training Class

Malawi Biochar Training

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Mar 3, 2025
Looking Ahead, Grounded in Biochar

By Evelind Schecter | Co-Founder, Program Leader

Chickens to feed refugee families in DRC

As we look forward to 2025, we plan to extend our biochar training, giving smallholder farmers a means to improve their food security amidst the uncertainties of the current political and economic environments. In addition, we will be looking for ways to fund small, micro-enterprises to use biochar for additional income streams, such as raising chickens or goats, or fertilizer.

As part of this initiative, we are collaborating with WasteFree23.org, an all-volunteer international NGO that researches, promotes, and trains people on safe, sustainable, and profitable waste management processes. We are looking at additional ways to incorporate biochar production and use in profitable small enterprises. We will be testing a small electric generator based on the pyrolysis process.

Report from the Warm Heart Team in the DRC

The new year brought intensified conflict, with militants entering the DRC from Uganda and Rwanda. In response, Warm Heart trainers assisted 300 farmer refugees, helping some find shelter with local families. Each displaced farmer received a small fund to purchase maize and start new crops. Additionally, trainers distributed chickens to some of the farmers hosting refugees.

As farmers continue learning to make biochar, new applications are emerging. In the DRC, farmers are now using a biochar-based salt lick for cattle. Made from molasses, biochar, and salt, this supplement improves digestion and overall cattle health while maintaining essential salt intake.

Warrior for Good

On a bright note, our Country Manager for Kenya, Mercy Ogembo was recognized for her work with the “Warrior for Good Award” in the Sustainability Champion category as a testament to her leadership and work with smallholder farmers, helping them realize Sustainable Agriculture through Biochar production and application. She is a finalist and will receive her award on April 25. We are delighted that her hard work is being recognized and, at the same time, spreading the word about biochar.

Thank you for your enduring support of our work.

Best wishes for the year ahead,

Dana, Michael, Evelind, and the East Africa Biochar Teams

Making molasses for cow licks

The whole family can help make biochar briquettes

Mercy building our networks in Kenya

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