Where Farming Fuels Opportunity
MCM & Tiyeni Partnership
MCM’s partnership-driven agriculture program is equipping families with the tools to grow food, generate income, and build resilience. What started small is now a rapidly expanding movement toward lasting independence.
In 2023, a visit from Howard Hibbs*, a master gardener from the US, planted the first seeds of a transformative partnership for Malawi Children’s Mission. What began as an effort to strengthen MCM’s own agriculture initiative quickly grew into something larger, an opportunity to address food insecurity driven by poor soil health, low yields, and unpredictable rainfall.
Phase 1
Through a partnership, two key foundations were established: composting to restore soil health, and collaboration with Tiyeni, a leader in Deep Bed Farming (DBF), a climate-smart method proven to increase yields and strengthen long-term food security.
Starting with just 15 farmers, early results were promising. Even with low rainfall, farmers saw a 15% increase in maize yields. Over time, research shows DBF can boost yields by 50% or more while improving soil and resilience.
Phase 2
Livestock, introduced in 2025, is reinforcing this progress. Goats provide manure for fertilizer, reproduce over time, and create a pathway for farmers to sell, reinvest, and explore new small businesses steadily improving their economic stability.
By the 2025–2026 growing season, the program’s growth is clear. Nearly 100 farmers are actively participating, and adoption is deepening. Farmers who began just two years ago have doubled their land under DBF, with some now cultivating over half an acre. At the same time, 300 community members have registered for the upcoming season’s training, a powerful signal that this model is taking hold.
The Impact
The impact goes beyond yield. Farmers are now applying agribusiness skills, growing multiple crops like cassava, pigeon peas, and maize to increase output and sell surplus. This diversification strengthens both food security and income.
This momentum is strengthened through partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture. Extension workers from the Lirangwe Extension Planning Area, now trained in DB, join MCM and Tiyeni during monthly visits, creating shared learning spaces that combine community knowledge, organizational support, and government expertise.
MCM’s Mission
The DBF method is being utilized on the fields at the center as we work towards our feeding center goal of being 100% self-sustaining. As well, MCM students are also learning these methods, ensuring the next generation carries this knowledge forward.
This work is about more than farming. It is about building a future where families move beyond dependence toward stability, income, and opportunity.
Because when knowledge takes root, it grows. When communities are equipped, they thrive. And when the foundation is strong, independence becomes inevitable.
Increase household food security year-round
Improve yields and soil health through sustainable practices
Expand adoption from pilot to community-wide change
Equip the next generation with practical agricultural skills
Strengthen climate resilience
Drive economic growth through surplus production, crop diversification, and livestock
Our Goals: Deepening Roots. Expanding Impact
Articles written by Wisdom Chirombo, an former MCM child now freelance journalist for 2 Malawian National newspapers.
“Working with the Tiyeni Team has had a tremendous impact on me and the community. Over the past 3 years, I’ve gained valuable experience collaborating with rural leadership, community members, and government extension workers, which has significantly contributed to my professional growth. Regarding Deep Bed Farming, the plots have performed well this season, thanks to the good rainfall distribution. I’ve seen yields double, and farmers are excited about the results. I’m now getting more visitors seeking information, and over 300 have registered for the 2026-2027 growing season trainings.”
*Howard Hibbs is the Executive Director of Tiyeni USA established in January 2026.
Hear From The Farmers
Mlamba (Second Year Deep Bed Farmer)
"In 2023 I wasn't happy with your weekly visits, but today I can testify I will have food enough for my family. As for the cassava, I will sell and share the stems with my fellow farmers."
Mary (First Year Deep Bed Farmer)
" I never imagined that with just the use of manure I can harvest 25 bags of maize on this half acre."
Floncy ( MCM Guardian)
"At first I thought breaking the hard pan was for men only, but I have seen myself managing it. I tried on a small portion and with what I have harvested this year, next season I am doubling the size of my deep bed farming garden. As for the goats, I have a female baby goat now that has grown huge. I can't wait to see my goats multiply."