In Malawi the humble bicycle is making lasting impact for marginalised communities in eco-projects which are transforming not just people’s lives but the environment too!

We have partnered with the Jesuit Centre for Ecology & Development (JCED) for almost a decade now in several projects which are empowering vulnerable communities by not only strengthening livelihoods but building capacity and resilience to the growing challenges of climate change linked to deforestation, soil erosion and food insecurity.

A major part of the project is the champion lead farmers programme, a concept which was established to isolate a few lead farmers who have proven to be transformative in their respective communities for utilizing JCED sustainable farming skills and practices and tutoring their peers through example, hands on learning and knowledge sharing.

As well as addressing Malawi’s deforestation problem by agroforestry – the climate smart skills has increased crop productivity of an average of 6% and this can only keep rising as more farmers are given access to agricultural trainings to diversify crops and knowledge to adapt and combat pests and plant diseases in ways which do not harm the environment with harmful chemicals or cause soil degradation.

The Tasinth Mlimi project, funded by Misean Cara, is focused on building this resilience and training small scale farmers with sustainable farming practices and making lasting impact through learning exchanges and collaboration.

Woman making clay eco-stove by hand.

But what about the bicycles?

To support the lead famers in maximising their outreach – bicycles will cut down transport woes and aid farmers in bringing produce to markets. Additionally, bicycles are also boosting women centred businesses.

The Mbira stove production group is an exciting project focused on women’s empowerment and tackling Malawi’s deforestation problem.

The women’s group was set up in February 2020 and their community is located just outside Kasungu town. The main purpose of the group is to produce energy efficient cooking stoves (using clay soils from nearby) and sell them in the local market. The women have been empowered because of this business model.

Before these women had to carry the clay by foot, but with the bicycles – the production time is shortened, and the group has expanded from 7 members to over 20!

You can find out more about the amazing impact of bicycles in Malawi below 

You can do something amazing by purchasing gifts, like a bicycle, that are changing lives in so many ways!

Browse our range of gifts at: www.gifts.iji.ie