Local farmer sharing about his successful maize crops that were planted using the deep bed farming method.

On February 19, Malawi Children’s Mission (MCM) along with the organization Tiyeni, hosted a vibrant and well-attended Field Day, bringing together approximately 350 community members, leaders, and partners to celebrate the impact of Deep Bed Farming. The event marked a significant step forward in promoting sustainable agriculture through integrated farming and catchment management.

The gathering was attended by Ken Mpemba, MCM’s Executive Director and 14 staff members, alongside Tiyeni’s Country Director and team, the government Chief Agricultural Officer serving as Guest of Honor with nine government representatives, and 13 local chiefs. Their collective participation reflected a shared commitment to strengthening food security and resilience across the region.

In a country where food insecurity remains a pressing challenge, the importance of these efforts is clear. Recent data shows that approximately 6.2 million people in Malawi, nearly 30% of the population, are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity, with many households unable to produce enough food to meet their basic needs.

During the Field Day, community members not only heard firsthand from farmers about the successes they are seeing, but also witnessed the results in real time. Side-by-side crop comparisons were showcased from fields planted on the same day by the same farmer, one using Deep Bed Farming techniques and the other traditional methods. The Deep Bed Farming plots revealed stronger, more mature, and hardier maize, offering a powerful and visible demonstration of the method’s impact.

See the difference in deep bed farming fields versus those planted using traditional methods HERE.

Participants were also introduced to the newly implemented goat project, which expands opportunities for families by supporting small business ventures, providing manure to enrich soil fertility, and contributing to improved nutrition at home.

Together, these initiatives highlight the broader impact of the collaboration, combining sustainable farming practices with complementary livelihood opportunities to build stronger, more self-sufficient communities. The success of the Field Day underscored not only the effectiveness of these efforts, but also the power of partnership and shared knowledge in creating lasting change.

Angelina Emmanuel, MCM’s Agriculture Liaison

Learn more about MCM’s Food Security Initiative to address the needs of our children, their families and the entire community.