Farmers in Mzimba District have faced years of falling yields and higher prices for chemical fertiliser. Ten farmers in one village, including Fanny Ndhlovu, said banana and maize production declined and many smallholders could not afford commercial fertiliser.
Researchers at Mzuzu University, with the Science Granting Councils Initiative and Malawi’s National Commission for Science and Technology, developed an organic fertiliser that combines black soldier fly frass, rice husk biochar and used coffee grounds. The biochar is mixed with frass, the blend is analysed in the laboratory, left to dry and then packaged. The project produces solid and liquid fertiliser and prototypes of animal feed for starters, growers and finishers.
Lead researcher Elija Wanda says the aim is to tackle soil degradation and falling productivity with a low-cost alternative. A policy brief by Mwapata Institute says nearly 40 percent of soils in Malawi are in poor health and the country is losing at least 2.3 million metric tons of maize annually. Farmers who adopted the method report improved productivity and livelihoods at low cost.
Difficult words
- yield — Amount of crop produced by a farmyields
- fertiliser — Material added to soil to help plants grow
- frass — Waste from insects used as plant fertiliser
- biochar — Charcoal-like material added to soil to improve it
- prototype — Early model of a product for testingprototypes
- smallholder — A farmer who owns or manages a small farmsmallholders
- degradation — Process where soil quality gets worse over time
- low-cost — Not expensive; costing little money
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you consider using a low-cost organic fertiliser on a small garden? Why or why not?
- What challenges might farmers face when they start this fertiliser method in their village?
- How could improving soil health affect food production and local livelihoods?
Related articles
Uzbekistan builds large waste-to-energy plants with Chinese partners
Uzbekistan began construction of two waste-to-energy plants with Chinese firms in July 2025 and plans at least seven plants by 2027. The projects aim to burn waste and produce electricity, but critics raise transparency and health concerns.
China’s growing role and the backlash in Kyrgyzstan
China is now Kyrgyzstan’s main creditor, largest investor and biggest trading partner, and ties were upgraded in 2023. Growing Chinese influence has caused protests, violence and environmental complaints, and China has responded with security aid and training projects.
Plague and the role of human fleas in Madagascar
The plague is still endemic in some countries, including Madagascar. Researchers found that the human flea Pulex irritans contributes to outbreaks and that household conditions and insecticide use influence flea levels and control efforts.
Cleaner air in East Asia linked to faster global warming
A study in Nature Communications, Earth and Environment finds recent reductions in aerosol pollution across East Asia, especially China, have probably contributed to faster global surface warming since about 2010. Experts say urgent cuts to emissions and more adaptation finance are needed.
UNESCO report finds gaps in education data
A UNESCO report published on 27 April finds important gaps in education data from poorer countries. It reviewed primary and secondary data in 120 countries but under‑represented low‑income nations and found no science assessment data in low‑income countries.