Accelerating Climate-Smart Agriculture: How Green Impact Technologies is Empowering Malawi’s Smallholder Farmers

M alawi is a country where agriculture plays a central role in the economy and daily life. It accounts for 30% of the country’s GDP and supports over 90% of its population, according to the World Bank. However, climate change is presenting a growing challenge, threatening the livelihood of smallholder farmers who rely on the land for survival. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and increasingly frequent floods are making it difficult for these farmers to maintain productivity, let alone improve it. Compounding the issue are high population growth, deforestation, and soil erosion, factors that exacerbate the fragile situation, as highlighted by USAID. 

Against this backdrop of uncertainty, there is hope. Green Impact Technologies, a youth-led enterprise co-founded by Joyce Sikwese and Admore Chiumia, is on a mission to empower farmers with sustainable, climate-smart solutions. This dynamic duo understands the stakes—Joyce herself grew up in a rural Malawian village without access to electricity, relying on dim firelight and expensive batteries to study. Their mission? To make affordable renewable energy and sustainable agricultural tools available to those who need them most. 

Motivated by her own experiences, Joyce partnered with Admore in 2017 to launch Green Impact Technologies, providing not only renewable energy but also climate-adaptive agricultural solutions. Their offerings include solar home systems, water pumps, organic fertilizers, and clean cooking technologies like liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and biogas. 

But their impact goes far beyond just providing tools. “Our goal is not just to provide green energy, but to foster economic development, improve health, and enhance education,” Joyce explained. By giving households access to solar home systems, children can study after sunset, farmers can pump water to irrigate crops, and businesses can store perishable food in solar-powered fridges. Every product Green Impact Technologies introduces contributes to a broader ecosystem of growth and opportunity. 

In 2022, Green Impact Technologies was recognized for its efforts, winning the prestigious African Youth Adaptation Solutions Challenge (YouthADAPT Challenge). This annual competition, jointly organized by the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA), the African Development Bank, and Climate Investment Funds (CIF), as part of the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) shines a spotlight on youth-led enterprises that are making a difference in climate adaptation across Africa. Joyce and her team took full advantage of the platform, using it to amplify their impact and inspire young African entrepreneurs to pursue similar initiatives. 

So, how exactly is Green Impact Technologies making a difference in climate adaptation and community resilience? The answer lies in their comprehensive approach. From solar water pumps that boost agricultural productivity to organic fertilizers that regenerate soil health, their products are designed to address the unique challenges faced by rural farmers in Malawi. And the benefits are tangible. 

• Solar Power for Education: Solar home systems allow children to continue their studies after dark, improving education outcomes and opening doors to future opportunities. 
• Water Pumps for Agriculture: Solar-powered pumps enable farmers to irrigate their fields, increasing crop yields and providing a reliable income stream. 
• Refrigeration for Business: Solar fridges help reduce food spoilage, allowing farmers and entrepreneurs to earn more by extending the shelf life of perishable goods. 
• Cleaner Cooking: By switching to LPG, families reduce their exposure to harmful smoke from traditional biomass fuels, improving health outcomes and reducing deforestation. 

Launching and scaling a business in rural Malawi comes with its own set of obstacles. Joyce shared some of the challenges they’ve faced: “Affordability, awareness, and cultural resistance are just a few hurdles,” she explained. Many rural households have limited incomes, making even affordable technologies seem out of reach without financing options. Additionally, building awareness around modern energy solutions and navigating complex supply chains in remote areas adds layers of complexity. 

Yet, despite these challenges, Green Impact Technologies remains steadfast. Through innovative business models, strong partnerships, and perseverance, they have expanded their reach and continue to bring positive change to underserved communities. 

The recognition and resources gained from winning the YouthADAPT Challenge have been a game-changer. The $100,000 grant allowed Green Impact Technologies to increase their production of organic fertilizers and expand their distribution of solar water pumps. The mentorship they received also proved invaluable, guiding them on everything from scaling operations to measuring their social impact. 

With the funds, they’ve boosted their capacity to deliver organic fertilizers to more farmers, helping them combat soil degradation and improve their resilience to drought. The next step? A new organic fertilizer production machine that will dramatically increase their ability to meet the growing demand for sustainable soil solutions across Malawi. 

Green Impact Technologies is just getting started. With plans to expand their product lines, enhance their distribution networks, and enter new markets like Zambia, their vision is bold and far-reaching. They’re not just providing products—they’re building a movement toward sustainable agriculture and renewable energy across Africa. 

And with their unwavering commitment to innovation, community engagement, and environmental sustainability, they are well on their way to achieving that goal. 

A Word to Fellow Young Entrepreneurs 

For other young Africans with big dreams, Joyce has this advice: “Immerse yourself in the communities you want to serve, be resilient in the face of challenges, and never underestimate the power of mentorship and collaboration. Start small but think big. The journey may not be easy, but the rewards—both for you and the people you serve—are worth every step.” 

Green Impact Technologies is not just transforming agriculture in Malawi; they are lighting the way for a future where rural communities can thrive in the face of climate change. 

The ideas presented in this article aim to inspire adaptation action – they are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Global Center on Adaptation.

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