Our agroforestry scheme is more than planting trees — it's a beacon of sustainable land management, transforming local livelihoods and bringing back precious ecosystem services. In January, 35 eager "lead farmers" convened for a two-day agroforestry training in Phalombe district, diving headfirst into the art of blending crops with tree species like Faidherbia albida, Albizia lebbeck, Gliricidia sepium, Senna siamea, and S. spectabilis.

Armed with their newfound knowledge, these trailblazing farmers swiftly transitioned from learners to leaders. Armed with the skills to cultivate their own plots in the buffer zone around the mountain, they wasted no time in sowing seedlings for a better future — a future as agroforestry farmers!

But their mission doesn't end there. As ambassadors of change, these lead farmers will spread their expertise, igniting a passion for agroforestry among fellow smallholder farmers in their communities. With a bold target of engaging 1225 families in the scheme, they're off to a great start — some lead farmers have a following of up to 150 eager learners!

And the impact? It's monumental. In the first two months of this year alone, they've plant a staggering 75,000 seedlings for agroforestry, transforming half an acre each into productive, sustainably harvestable and income-boosting havens of green. Check out the Gallery for more shots of the lead farmers in action!