Making connections for innovative Deep Bed Farming collaboration

23 October 2024

An exciting new collaboration has developed through the Scotland Malawi Partnership (SMP) and Malawi Scotland Partnership (MaSP) networks between two award-winning organisations.

As a result of joining the SMP, Tiyeni became aware of BASEflow and in July the two innovative teams began talking. Tiyeni is a Malawian NGO with a UK funding arm which shows farmers how to improve their crop yields, using low-cost, low-technology methods which they have pioneered. BASEflow is a Malawian social enterprise which works to improve the sustainability of groundwater sources in rural Malawi. Tiyeni advocates for and provides training in Deep Bed Farming (DBF) in Malawi. Tiyeni's Executive Director, Alex Gerard explains the problem in Malawi that DBF is addressing:

"Across large areas of Malawi, under the few inches of topsoil there is a heavily compacted layer of rock-hard earth. This is largely the result of long-term use of tilling hoes, human and animal footfall, and occasionally heavy machinery. Plant roots cannot generally penetrate through this hard layer. Nor can air or water, which are necessary for the healthy living soils that support good agriculture. If water were allowed to percolate into the ground, it could be stored there long after the rains have stopped. Instead, it runs off the surface, taking much of the healthy topsoil with it. Devastating soil erosion can destroy soil fertility over the years."


Friend of the SMP and Managing Director of BASEflow, Muthi Nhlema recognised the potential of DBF as a solution to support their rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge work in rural Malawi. After attending a DBF training, where BASEflow observed significant improvements in crop yields and soil and water conservation, BASEflow expressed a strong interest in implementing DBF in their districts. BASEflow plans to establish demonstration fields and work with partners such as Circle for Integrated Community Development (CICOD) and Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM).

Muthi Nhlema
commented:

"Groundwater is often referred to as ‘nature's insurance’, as it is a buffer against the negative effects of climate change. However, because groundwater is invisible, it is often at risk of overexploitation and mismanagement, and, due to environmental degradation, groundwater is often not replenished during the rainy season.

Simple approaches, such as Deep Bed Farming, have a higher likelihood of scalability as it addresses the food security needs of small-scale farmers, the largest stakeholder group in Malawi, while also recharging groundwater.”


Both organisations hope for a long-term partnership to address environmental challenges such as soil erosion and groundwater depletion. The SMP is always thrilled to learn of such innovations and grateful to hear when the MaSP and SMP networks have played even a small part.