E.A.R.T.H. Workshops

At The Commonage we are committed to empowering communities through practical, sustainable solutions that restore ecosystems, build food and water security, and strengthen local resilience in the face of climate change. Our E.A.R.T.H. Workshops introduce agroecology and regenerative land practices in a hands-on, community-driven way.

E.A.R.T.H. stands for:

• Environment

• Agroforestry

• Regeneration

• Topsoil

• Health & Nutrition

These workshops focus on restoring degraded environments, improving soil health, and promoting community wellbeing through accessible, low-cost farming techniques rooted in agroecology, an approach that works with nature, not against it.

Industrial agriculture has depleted soils, polluted water, and made farming increasingly dependent on expensive chemical fertilizers and pesticides: substances linked to chronic illnesses and environmental damage. As global prices for inputs rise, farmers across Malawi are urgently seeking affordable and sustainable alternatives.

Agroecology offers a scientifically proven solution. It rebuilds soil fertility, supports diverse crops, improves nutrition, and helps farmers become resilient to floods, droughts, and shifting weather patterns.

Led by our trained Community Outreach Team, the E.A.R.T.H. Workshops take place weekly in local villages across the Ntchisi region. These engaging, practical sessions cover:

Each series begins with a screening of The Seeds of Change - a powerful film that sparks community dialogue on key social and environmental issues, such as:

• Climate change and deforestation

• Gender-based violence and women’s empowerment

• Child education and rural development

This sets the stage for deeper learning and community participation.

Practical Demonstrations & Training Modules

• Organic Mbeya Fertilizer: Learn to make low-cost organic fertilizer using freely available materials.

• Composting: Step-by-step compost creation using local resources.

• Fuel-Efficient Clay Cookstoves: How to build stoves that use 1/3 of the firewood of traditional methods.

• Soil Health & Mulching: Techniques to build strong, fertile soils and prevent erosion.

• Crop Diversity & Agroforestry: Replacing monocultures with resilient, diverse, and productive systems.

• Health & Nutrition: Cooking demos using nutrient-rich, homegrown foods.

• Water Harvesting & Soil Erosion Control: Simple methods to recharge groundwater and reduce runoff.

• Agroforestry & Reforestation Projects:

  • Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR)

  • Community nurseries and fruit orchards

  • Tree planting activities across Ntchisi

  • Promoting No-Burning land management practices

These workshops are designed not just to educate, but to empower. With ongoing support and mentorship, communities gain the skills and confidence to implement change on their own terms - rebuilding soil, restoring forests, and creating healthier futures from the roots up.

We’re actively engaged in tree planting and forest restoration projects in Ntchisi and beyond, in collaboration with local partners and initiatives like Butterfly Space and other agroecology networks across Malawi.