In Mzimba District in Northern Malawi many farmers have seen lower crop yields and rising costs for chemical fertiliser. Local people say smallholders cannot afford commercial fertiliser and farm incomes are under pressure.
Researchers at Mzuzu University, working with the Science Granting Councils Initiative and Malawi’s National Commission for Science and Technology, developed an organic fertiliser from black soldier fly frass, rice husk biochar and used coffee grounds. The mix is tested in a laboratory, left to dry and then packaged for use.
The project includes training. Two people from one village taught eight others and opened a trial farm. Farmers who used the fertiliser report better crop growth and lower costs.
Difficult words
- yield — amount of crop produced on a farmyields
- fertiliser — material added to soil to help plants grow
- smallholder — person who runs a small family farmsmallholders
- frass — waste matter from insects used for plants
- biochar — charcoal material added to soil for benefit
- training — teaching or practice to learn a new skill
- researcher — person who studies and tests ideas carefullyResearchers
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you try this organic fertiliser on a small farm? Why or why not?
- Why is it useful when local farmers teach other farmers in their village?
- Which ingredients in the new fertiliser are reused or made from waste materials?
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