Sustainable Charcoal
Across Malawi, charcoal remains a vital household energy source, placing immense pressure on natural forests. However, Agricane's sustainable charcoal project has shown that the aggressively invasive mesquite (Prosopis juliflora) thorn bush produces high-quality charcoal.
Agricane has now established pilot charcoal production sites and is helping transfer the technology and business model to local entrepreneurs, creating livelihoods while turning an invasive species into a valuable economic resource.
Communities Team
Chris Norris-Jones
Community Trust Operations Manager
Alex Mkwapatira
Kaombe Trust Community Liaison Officer
Callum Saunders
Project Support Manager
Resilient Livelihoods
Farmer co-operatives and irrigation
The Phata and Kasinthula farmer cooperatives show how agricultural development can transform rural livelihoods. With Agricane’s engineering, irrigation, and management expertise, local smallholders turned underutilized land into successful sugarcane enterprises that provide sustainable incomes and employment for thousands of households. Agricane also supported the Thuma Irrigation Scheme, helping farmers increase maize production and improve food security through reliable irrigation.
Vocational Courses
Community leaders and committees have also identified opportunities beyond agriculture where training and business support can help create jobs and generate income.
Agricane has established a bamboo plantation and furniture workshop to support local entrepreneurs and sponsors students at a vocational college, diversifying livelihoods through skills in carpentry, tailoring, and catering.
Through agriculture, skills development, and local enterprise, Agricane creates community-led opportunities that improve incomes, support long-term economic growth, and protect the environment.
2,000+
ha farmer-owned sugar estates
20+
Training
modules
16
Years of
impact
5,000
Households supported
How strengthened livelihoods impact communities:
Essential for community health
Greater employment and enterprise opportunities
Greater employment and enterprise opportunities
Reduced poverty
Stronger local economies and market participation
Enhanced skills, productivity, and self-reliance