Research
Emsizini hub: Maize yield and farmer income (2023)
This independent evaluation utilised quantitative and qualitative data to assess the impact of Tiyeni’s work in our northern Emsizini hub between 2021-2023 against the project’s goals. Smallholder farmers benefitted from 89% increased maize yields, exceeding the project’s stated goal of 50% increased maize yields.
Additionally, over three-quarters (78%) of farmers reported increased income. Farmers attributed this increase in income to the improved crop production they achieved through Deep Bed Farming, which gave them a surplus yield that they could sell. In 2022, Deep Bed farmers were earning an average of MWK 192,000 (~£154) from surplus yield, an increase of 184% from the average earning of MWK 67,500 (~£54) prior to adopting Deep Bed Farming.
Additionally, over three-quarters (78%) of farmers reported increased income. Farmers attributed this increase in income to the improved crop production they achieved through Deep Bed Farming, which gave them a surplus yield that they could sell. In 2022, Deep Bed farmers were earning an average of MWK 192,000 (~£154) from surplus yield, an increase of 184% from the average earning of MWK 67,500 (~£54) prior to adopting Deep Bed Farming.
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These increases to crop yields and farmers’ income also improved household food security. Results showed that the majority (69%) of households did not have to practice food coping strategies (e.g., eating less preferred foods, limiting portion sizes, harvesting immature crops) since adopting Deep Bed Farming, which produced enough crops to supply farmers with food for the whole year. Farmers who were did still practice food coping strategies were doing so with less severity after adopting Deep Bed Farming.
The evaluation also noted the transformational impact that Tiyeni’s work are having on climate issues, such as reducing land degradation, controlling surface run-off, and enhancing biodiversity. This impact was attributed to the fact that 90% of smallholder farmers in the project area were practicing Deep Bed Farming, a sustainable climate-smart form of agriculture.
Read the full evaluation here.
The evaluation also noted the transformational impact that Tiyeni’s work are having on climate issues, such as reducing land degradation, controlling surface run-off, and enhancing biodiversity. This impact was attributed to the fact that 90% of smallholder farmers in the project area were practicing Deep Bed Farming, a sustainable climate-smart form of agriculture.
Read the full evaluation here.