“From November 18 to 23, 2024, I had the privilege of participating in an Agroforestry Course at Mitongwe, Malawi. The training brought together 22 students from different countries, fostering knowledge sharing, cultural exchange, and international networking opportunities.
Agroforestry is a multifunctional land-use system where woody perennials (trees and shrubs) are integrated with crops, pastures, and livestock to enhance sustainability, soil health, and biodiversity. The course provided both theoretical and hands-on training on the implementation of agroforestry systems.”
Key Learnings from the Agroforestry Course
The course covered various aspects of agroforestry, including:
1. Principles of Agroforestry – Understanding the fundamentals and ecological benefits of integrating trees and crops.
2. Implementation and Benefits – Learning how agroforestry improves soil fertility, water conservation, and food security.
3. Land Demarcation and System Design – Planning and structuring agroforestry plots for maximum productivity and sustainability.
How This Training Will Benefit MOCT and the Communities We Serve
As the MOCT Agroforestry Field Supervisor, I will use the knowledge and skills gained from this training to:
1. Strengthen Agroforestry Practices at the MOCT Centre
• Implement a model agroforestry system at the MOCT Centre, integrating what I have learned to create a practical demonstration site.
• Introduce improved land demarcation and system design techniques to ensure better land management.
• Apply best practices in agroforestry, including companion planting, soil fertility improvement, and water conservation methods.
2. Support Agroforestry Zunde Plots in Villages
• Work with the Community Engagement Team and Zunde Committees to design and establish village-level agroforestry plots.
• Train local farmers and community members in sustainable agroforestry techniques that will enhance food production, improve soil health, and create long-term resilience against climate change.
• Promote integrated tree and crop systems, ensuring that each community specializes in a specific fruit tree and fodder tree, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange between villages.
3. Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing
• Conduct training workshops for community members, Zunde Nhimbe Groups, and Trainers of Trainers (ToTs) on agroforestry principles and best practices.
• Develop training materials that reflect MOCT’s agroforestry vision, integrating insights from Malawi’s agroforestry models.
• Share knowledge on seed preservation, tree grafting, and climate-adaptive agroforestry techniques to ensure long-term sustainability.
4. Improve Water and Soil Management at MOCT and in Communities
• Introduce water-efficient irrigation techniques to ensure that agroforestry systems remain productive even in dry seasons.
• Promote soil conservation practices like mulching, contour farming, and nitrogen-fixing trees to maintain soil fertility and prevent erosion.
Acknowledgments
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to:• Evans Mangwende, Director of Mangwende Orphan Care Trust (MOCT), for his unwavering leadership and vision.
• Roland Frutg for his invaluable mentorship and support.
• Lucky Mukasa for his role in facilitating this incredible learning opportunity.
• The Mangwende Orphan Care Trust Team, whose dedication makes these initiatives possible.
• My fellow students at Mitongwe, for their shared insights, friendship, and commitment to sustainable agriculture.
This experience has greatly enriched my understanding of agroforestry as a transformative tool for food security, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment. I look forward to applying these insights at MOCT and in the communities we serve, ensuring long-term benefits for generations to come.
Next Steps for Implementation at MOCT
1. Finalize the MOCT Agroforestry Model Plot, incorporating best practices learned in Malawi.
2. Train local farmers and community members on agroforestry principles and practical implementation.
3. Collaborate with the Community Engagement Team to establish and monitor agroforestry-based Zunde plots in villages.
4. Develop knowledge-sharing platforms to continuously improve and refine agroforestry techniques within MOCT and surrounding communities.
Together, we will transform our landscape, restore soil health, and empower rural communities through sustainable agriculture and agroforestry innovation.”
Matthew Tinashe Shoniwa
MOCT Agroforestry Field Supervisor
Mangwende Orphan Care Trust
Mangwende Orphan Care Trust 
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