Macadamia nuts in Malawi
Farmers in the Neno and Ntchisi areas of Malawi are working to establish macadamias as a valuable additional crop to the more traditional maize. Macadamias are a high protein, very tasty nut which is important for supplementing local diets and which can also prove a valuable cash crop.
Macadamias grow at altitude (500m – 1500m) and assist soil and water conservation. They require only low inputs, just a top dressing of organic matter is sufficient to support the trees. With the changing patterns of rainfall that Malawi is experiencing, macadamias drought resistance makes it an ideal crop for farmers who wish to diversify.
The project, which is being funded presently by the Scottish Government, aims to develop macadamia farming in these two areas to the point where farmers can achieve sustainability. Seedlings are nurtured in nurseries, grafted with high quality strains and then planted in fields, often between rows of maize.
Ken Mkangala is the manager of the Nchisi Cooperative in Malawi.
It is important to encourage as many farmers as possible to join the project. Nuts need to be sent to Tyolo to the factory for processing and selling to the commercial market. This means that they need to achieve significant volumes to be economically viable. The role of farmers like Elias Sampson Kapakasa is vital in this. He has seen the potential of macadamia nuts to increase income and build up his business as a farmer. He intercrops macadamias in his maize field and has built a special drying shed for the nuts. His example encourages other farmers to try macadamias and support the project.
Just Trading has been promoting sales of macadamias in the UK for the last eighteen months, working in conjunction with Twin Trading who have developed the project. Macadamias have a lovely buttery taste and are very versatile. Apart from making a tasty and very satisfying snack, they can be used widely in cooking: in sweets, with ice-cream, and in biscuits. Ground up with garlic salt added, they make an excellent topping for smoked salmon.
Macadamias are high in monounsaturated fat, and contain protein and antioxidants.
Ken Mkangala visits JTS’ warehouse at Paisley during Fairtrade Fortnight.
Ken Mkangala is the manager of the Nchisi Cooperative in Malawi which works with farmers in the district to promote the cultivation of macadamia nuts to provide a reliable source of cash income. It’s an imaginative and eco-friendly venture which offers real hope to farmers in this mountainous area. Ken was excited to see the stocks of macadamias in our warehouse ready for sale.
Ken’s visit was organised by the Scottish Fair Trade Forum and he was accompanied by Martin Rhodes, its Director. Cllr Brian Lawson, convenor of Renfrewshire’s Fair Trade Steering Group was there to welcome him to Paisley and to pledge Renfrewshire’s support for the project.
Ken emphasised the importance of the support which the fair trade movement can offer to his project. In essence the problem is this: It will take time before the Nchisi coop can develop macadamia production to the point where they can supply large suppliers. Once they have grown sufficiently, they can supply firms like Ben and Jerry’s who are looking for Fairtrade macadamias for their icecream. Meanwhile, as they build up volumes, they still need to sell what they are growing in order to provide for their families and to invest in the business. This is where JTS and our network of FT shops, churches and schools can really help. Last year JTS bought 300kg of the nuts; this year it’s 800kg and we are really encouraged by the way that people have responded to our recent appeals to introduce the nuts to their customers and networks. As Ken said, ‘We need Fair trade supporters to be pioneers in marketing our nuts in the UK so that we can ensure farmers that they have a future!’
For more information contact: JTS on 0141 887 2882.
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