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In Malawi, over 80% of people depend on farming to survive—but soil degradation and deforestation make it hard to grow enough food. Poverty, unemployment, and limited access to education and healthcare add to the challenge. Plant With Purpose helps farmers restore their land with regenerative techniques, improving crop yields and family income. Stronger farms mean better nutrition, education, and stability. Despite these struggles, Malawians’ warmth and generosity remain strong. Restoring the land is restoring hope and strengthening communities.

A strong start in Malawi

Plant With Purpose is starting its work in Malawi, focusing on watersheds in the steep Vipya Plateau region where deforestation and poverty are severe. The first two years will focus on creating Purpose Groups and building church partnerships to strengthen communities. By combining regenerative agriculture and savings groups, Plant With Purpose will help families restore the land and improve their economic stability. A local team and board will guide the work, ensuring long-term impact. Healing the land will strengthen relationships and hope.

Expand the Work in Malawi

Fun Facts About Malawi

Malawi is known as the "Warm Heart of Africa" due to its friendly and hospitable people.
Lake Malawi, located in the country, is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world and is home to hundreds of species of fish found nowhere else.
The country is home to several species of primates, including baboons, monkeys, and bushbabies, that are a popular attraction for tourists.
Malawi has a rich cultural heritage, with traditional dances, music, and festivals being an important part of the country's history and identity.
The country is renowned for its beautiful national parks and wildlife reserves, including the Majete Wildlife Reserve, which is home to elephants, lions, and other animals.
Malawi is one of the few countries in the world where it is possible to see the stars during the day, a phenomenon known as the "Baobab Sunset."

Malawi Program Pioneers

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"God loves and works with all people"

"God loves and works with all people"

Mary, a single mother from Malawi, faced deep hardship and spiritual doubt after being abandoned by her family. Plant With Purpose helped her reconnect with her faith and discover the importance of creation care. “Being a representative of Plant With Purpose in my church, I’m glad I can teach about creation care confidently,” Mary said. She now teaches others how to care for the environment, recognizing it as a sacred duty. Her work has strengthened both her faith and her community. Mary’s story shows the power of restoring both land and relationships.

Elizabeth Maneya, Country Director, Malawi

Elizabeth Maneya, Country Director, Malawi

“For the people of Malawi, my dream is to see smiles on their faces and them becoming more resilient. I want them to be prepared for any type of shock, whether they are climatic or economic. By building transferable skills, they can increase their resilience and be able to support their families, send their children to school, and contribute to the nation's resources. My goal is to support every community in becoming self-sufficient, so they can thrive and lead fulfilling lives.”

"I can help educate the community about the importance of creation care"

"I can help educate the community about the importance of creation care"

Leswika from Malawi grew up watching her family cut down trees for charcoal to survive, but it was damaging the land. A training session with Plant With Purpose changed her outlook. "It was a revelation," she said, realizing the land was a gift from God. She committed to regenerative farming and stopped the charcoal business. Now, she helps her community care for the land and sees herself as a steward of creation. "We can end the charcoal-burning business," she shares confidently.

Frequently Asked Questions

The communities we aim to work with in Malawi are farming on terrain that is steep and difficult and deforestation is high. With about 80% of the population depending on their own crops for food and income, the need for holistic solutions is great.
First, countries are selected based on an assessment of readiness including the level of poverty, environmental degradation and deforestation, and vulnerability of the people as well as a community’s mutual interest and readiness to work with us. Once a country is finalized, work goes into hiring a country director and board of directors to oversee the program, selecting target watersheds, and establishing a program budget.
Yes, it is relatively safe for our team in Malawi to work. The local leadership plays a key role in keeping a pulse on the security situation and protocols (if needed) to navigate uncertain and/or unstable periods of time.
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Our Global Impact

Thailand

  • 84 Purpose Groups
  • 5,110 People Served
  • 342 Church Partnerships
  • 3,374,535 Trees Planted
  • More about our work in Thailand

    Tanzania

  • 582 Purpose Groups
  • 67,921 People Served
  • 342 Church Partnerships
  • 19,729,850 Trees Planted
  • More about our work in Tanzania

    Mexico

  • 379 Purpose Groups
  • 21,625 People Served
  • 126 Church Partnerships
  • 1,332,187 Trees Planted
  • More about our work in Mexico

    Haiti

  • 721 Purpose Groups
  • 96,451 People Served
  • 151 Church Partnerships
  • 8,029,768 Trees Planted
  • More about our work in Haiti

    Ethiopia

  • 596 Purpose Groups
  • 55,782 People Served
  • 97 Church Partnerships
  • 4,046,169 Trees Planted
  • More about our work in Ethiopia

    Dominican Republic

  • 437 Purpose Groups
  • 46,380 People Served
  • 211 Church Partnerships
  • 23,114,641 Trees Planted
  • More about our work in Dominican Republic

    Democratic Republic of the Congo

  • 369 Purpose Groups
  • 90,272 People Served
  • 211 Church Partnerships
  • 6,853,745 Trees Planted
  • More about our work in the DRC

    Burundi

  • 979 Purpose Groups
  • 139,567 People Served
  • 211 Church Partnerships
  • 10,183,268 Trees Planted
  • More about our work in Burundi

    USA

    Our Global Headquarters:
    5075 Shoreham Place, Suite 240
    San Diego, CA 92122

    858.274.3718
    [email protected]

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