Research

Deep Bed Farming is an evidence-based farming method developed in response to rigorous research and the lived experience of Malawian farmers. We are excited to share this research with as many curious minds as possible!

Deep Bed Farming is an innovative form of Malawian-led climate-smart agriculture. Over the past 20+ years, Tiyeni have successfully refined the components of Deep Bed Farming to make it widely applicable across Malawi, with the goal to spread this farming method across sub-Saharan Africa. Use the buttons below to navigate to research and reports, covering topics such as impacts of Deep Bed Farming and challenges to soil health in Malawi.

Of course, we are always learning, and there are always opportunities for further investigation into Deep Bed Farming. For example, we are keen to probe deeper into how Deep Bed Farming such can be effectively used as a tool for climate change adaptation and mitigation, or how the technical aspects of Deep Bed Farming fit (or don’t fit) within the sociological, cultural and political background of the places where it is practiced. Scroll down to find more information about potential avenues for further research.

Further research

We are thrilled by how effective Deep Bed Farming has been at transforming the lives of smallholder farmers and regenerating the natural environment. But as with anything, there is always room for improvement and deeper understanding. There are so many possibilities for further research projects investigating different aspects of Deep Bed Farming and its applications. We’ve provided some examples below.

Food security & health

links between hunger, malnutrition, and “stunting” in children
nutritional deficiencies addressed by Deep Bed Farming’s crop diversification

Environmental science

types of soils that are most subject to compaction
types of soil that could benefit most from Deep Bed Farming
biological processes occurring under the soil that contribute to Deep Bed Farming’s success

Climate change

outcomes of Deep Bed Farming for climate change mitigation
impact of Deep Bed Farming on carbon sequestration
effects on water systems and water security

Socio-economic

impacts on women’s empowerment
changes in children’s access to secondary education
effects on shaping livelihood dynamics
how Deep Bed Farming can kickstart small businesses and income diversification