Abstract:

Principles of sustainable development include sustainable yield over an extended period of time, intergenerational equality where development meets the needs of the present without compromising those of future generations, and the provision of opportunities and access for all. Sustainable agriculture and its related goals of food security, nutritional health, natural resource education, and community participation in environmental management are integral to this approach. This paper will assess the social impact of sustainable agriculture in the African development context by focusing on Malawi’s Tikondwe Freedom Gardens (TFG). This case study identifies principles that can be replicated to achieve regional food security. It also provides data to fill gaps in policy relevant knowledge.

Historically, Malawi has followed the post-War development path of market liberalization, specialization on crops for export, and democratic regime building. In this process, food security has been elusive and dependent on a food system based on costly fossil-based inputs. Further, substantial development aid has been invested in Malawi, but poverty remains stagnant with most Malawians at or below subsistence living levels. Despite Malawi’s 2002 land reforms and privatization of customary land, the ability to influence sustainable land use policy has been problematic. In Malawi, agriculture is the most important sector of the economy, yet limited access to land or agricultural activity oriented towards export crops are major drivers of poverty.

Alternatively, sustainable agricultural practices that enable populations to autonomously ensure their food security are a critical component for social stability, sustainable community engagement, and social entrepreneurship. This paper will focus on guidelines to enhance food security in sub-Saharan Africa. Research orientation and milestones will identify the key contributors to community social development linked to the impact of Tikondwe Freedom Gardens which enhance sustainability, education, health, income and other quality of life indicators; will analyze TFG’s business model as a conceptual framework for social entrepreneurship through the identification of local level solutions that address development goals; will evaluate the role of women at TFG in furthering sustainable agriculture; and will assess the impact of TFG’s indigenous knowledge systems.

In sum, this paper will offer an evaluation of a privately held farm that utilizes principles of community-based sustainable agriculture and that provides a positive social impact. The approach will describe an agricultural model that can be “scaled up” or replicated on a regional or trans-border scale with food security as the focal point of its operational strategy. This paper represents the first comprehensive analysis of a specific type of small holder sustainable farm in the Malawian context. This paper reinforces Malawi’s desire to embrace projects that promote sustainability, social entrepreneurship, social benefit and public participation. This paper also provides a sharper view of the literature related to women as the productive and mediating buffer between the economy and a sustainable environment.

Keywords:

Sustainable agriculture Malawi.