Small Seedlings, Big Impact

Like many smallholder farmers in Malawi, James has experienced firsthand the growing threat of extreme weather—cyclones, strong winds, and floods that wash away crops and damage homes. He knew trees could help, but access to quality seedlings was hard to come by.

That changed in 2020 when James enrolled in One Acre Fund’s tree program. Funded by donor support, he received free seedlings of Albizia Lebbeck trees, locally known as the Mtangatanga tree, a fast-growing, nitrogen-fixing tree that improves soil health and produces strong timber.

Today, James has planted more than 400 trees.

James's trees now serve multiple purposes. They protect his crops from harsh weather, improve the quality of his soil, and produce and generate income.

Better soil, bigger harvests and greater resilience

The Albizia Lebbeck trees James planted contain nutrient-rich leaves that decompose into the soil, acting as natural fertilizer for his maize fields.

“The leaves of the trees are used to make compost. The soil is better now. My harvest is stronger,” James says.

Healthier soil means more food on the table and less dependency on chemical fertilizer, which also means more money in James’s pocket. Trees also prevent soil erosion and provide much-needed protection against harsh weather events.

“My maize crops are no longer destroyed by strong winds, and even our houses are safe because the trees block most of the wind,” James says. “Our surroundings are cooler now, and we have more shade in the field where we can rest. That helps us work more, unlike before when we had to work under the hot sun.”

Improved income and livelihood

In 2023 and 2024, James harvested and sold more than 75 trees for about 177,000 Malawian Kwacha ($102). With that income, he paid secondary school fees, bought food and household supplies, and even funded his son’s travel to South Africa in search of work.

His trees also helped with construction.

Give a little, grow a lot

Smallholder farmers like James are among the world’s hardest-working people, and typically just require support in accessing quality farming supplies and the planting know-how needed to grow more and build resilience against unpredictable weather patterns.

 “Sometimes people come looking for me, asking to buy trees. That motivates me to plant more. If I pass away, I want to leave something behind for my children,” James says.

James is just one of over 142,000 Malawian farmers working with One Acre Fund. In 2024, participating farmers saw an average $97 increase in income and a 28% improvement in productivity, impact that often starts with a donation from someone who believes in farmers like James and grows into improved livelihoods and a better future for farm families.