Supporting small-holder farmers in Malawi

Planting 2 million trees will strengthen climate resilience across Malawi. As the trees grow, they will sequester carbon, improve the fertility of farmers’ soil, and reduce pressure on natural forests. Integrating a diverse mix of species into agricultural fields also helps buffer crops from drought, heat stress, and erratic rainfall, making smallholder farms more resilient over time. At the same time, fruit-bearing trees contribute to improved household nutrition by expanding access to year-round food sources. In one of the highest-need contexts where One Acre Fund operates, this approach serves as both an environmental safeguard and a foundation for more resilient, food-secure livelihoods.

The introduction of trees into croplands restores ecosystem health at the farm level and across the wider landscape. Trees rebuild soil fertility, improve water retention, and reduce erosion, reversing decades of land degradation. By planting a diverse mix of tree species, farmers create habitats that support pollinators, improve biodiversity, and reestablish ecological functions that have been lost. This transformation turns depleted fields into thriving, regenerative ecosystems capable of supporting both agricultural production and natural life.

For smallholder households, trees provide both immediate and lasting benefits. By improving soil and microclimates, they boost and stabilize crop yields, strengthening food security and income. Through training and support, farmers also build lasting skills in agroforestry and climate-smart agriculture. One Acre Fund works to ensure these benefits reach all farmers, particularly women, who often face greater barriers to productivity and climate resilience. By expanding access to higher-value, fruit-bearing tree species, the program supports improved nutrition, strengthens women’s economic participation, and promotes more resilient, equitable rural livelihoods.