FMNR in Malawi
Green Alliances: Partnerships for a Greener Future
Tree of Life x World Vision
World Vision and the Tree of Life Foundation are working together to reverse deforestation. Teams from both organizations were inspired by visiting each other’s projects in Malawi.
First, a team from World Vision Malawi (Asimenye, Ipiyana, Gladson, and Isaac) visited Tree of Life’s Mitongwe farm and training center. Here, crops like maize, sweet potatoes, and ginger are grown among fruit trees and medicinal plants.
These systems were planted 3.5 years ago and already produce plenty of food and biomass. The agroforestry system feels cooler and more humid.
Asimenye was amazed by how much food can be grown on a small plot of land and said, “What I’ve seen here is so amazing. Really there shouldn’t be hunger in Malawi.”
Next, Kingsley (from Mitongwe farm) and Berthine (from Tree of Life, Netherlands) visited an FMNR site in Njelenje village.
The forest there was regrown using the FMNR technique without planting a single tree, and the difference from the surrounding landscape was astounding.
The Group Village Headman provided a piece of land, and a committee from the villages managed the forest. They pruned trees to harvest firewood and fodder, and the forest also provided thatching material for houses. The committee kept bees, and the honey sales helped villagers in need.
They also put laws in place to prevent theft and grazing, allowing the forest to grow and benefit everyone. When asked about the costs, the committee smiled and said, “close to zero.” They only invested in ribbons to tie young sprouts together for upright growth.
For both organisations, it was an unforgettable experience, and are exploring how to work together in the future.
Author: Berthine Heederik, Tree of Life Foundation
Get involved
Anyone can join the global FMNR movement by learning the technique, spreading awareness, participating in local projects, or supporting initiatives that directly implement FMNR. This helps restore degraded lands and build sustainable futures for children and their communities.