Horticulture
High-value vegetable and fruit production for domestic and regional markets.
Malawi
Overview
In Malawi, agriculture is the heartbeat of transformation for over 80% of the population who depend on farming for their livelihoods. As smallholder farmers navigate the opportunities of a young, dynamic population – an estimated 80% under 35 – while addressing challenges of climate resilience and market access, Heifer International Africa stands as their trusted partner in building sustainable prosperity.
Malawi, a landlocked country spanning over 118,484 square kilometers, faces several challenges – including weak markets, education shortfalls, climate shocks and food security. However, with its vast agricultural potential and the energy of its young population, Malawi is positioned for an agricultural revolution that can lift millions out of poverty and into prosperity.
For over two decades, our dedicated team in Malawi has partnered with resilient smallholder farmers – especially women and youth – to unlock the transformative power of agriculture. We combine global expertise with invaluable local knowledge to enable these farming communities boost productivity, strengthen agribusinesses, enhance food security, and bridge their living income gap. Within this period, over 500,000 smallholder farmers across Malawi are building economic resilience, accessing profitable markets, and creating sustainable livelihoods through our comprehensive programs.
Our Comprehensive Approach:
- Market-Centered Value Chains – Connecting smallholder farmers directly to profitable and inclusive markets across beef cattle, dairy, oilseeds, poultry, and rice value chains.
- Financial Inclusion – Strengthening community-based financial organizations and facilitating access to formal financial services for sustainable business growth.
- Climate-Smart Agriculture – Implementing resilient farming practices that protect the environment while maximizing productivity and profitability.
- Youth and Women Empowerment – Creating meaningful employment and leadership opportunities for rural youth and women in agribusiness value chains.
- Digital Innovation – Leveraging cutting-edge digital tools and solutions to improve farming efficiency, reduce costs, and increase market access.
- Cooperative Development – Building strong farmer organizations that amplify collective bargaining power and strengthen institutional capacity.
By strengthening farmer organizations, fostering innovation in agricultural technology, catalyzing private sector engagement, and building climate-smart farming systems, Heifer Malawi is working with farmers to move from subsistence to business. With the right support, knowledge, and market connections, these farmers are creating a future of food security, economic empowerment, and lasting opportunities for their families and communities.
Strategic Value Chains
Heifer began work in Senegal in 2007 under the Inter Senegal Mission (MIS) and became a registered NGO in 2010. Since then, it has impacted more than 215,251 families nationwide, with a 2030 goal of enabling 200,000 households to achieve a sustainable living income.
Active project areas span 10 regions: Fatick, Kaolack, Kaffrine, Tambacounda, Kolda, Sédhiou, Thiès, Louga, Saint-Louis, and Diourbel.
Dairy
Modern milk production systems connecting farmers to processors and markets.
Small Ruminants icon Small Ruminants
Goat and sheep farming systems for meat, milk, and income diversification.
Poultry
Integrated chicken production creating jobs and enhancing nutrition security.
Grains & Cereals
Diversified crops (millet, maize, sorghum, sesame, groundnut, cowpea) to enhance food security and income opportunities.
The Senegal Signature Program
Featured Projects
Climate Services for Increased Resilience and Productivity (CSRP)
Goal: Strengthen the resilience of 50,000 families through access to climate information, extension services, and improved production systems.
Areas: Kaolack, Kaffrine, Tambacounda, Sédhiou, Thiès, Diourbel, Louga.
Achievements:
- 9,282 producers received climate forecast messages.
- 2,835 producers accessed market information services.
- 3,148 producers trained in good practices.
- 62 women-led community perimeters established.
- 32 videos, manuals, and a digital training platform developed.
Solar-Powered Irrigation Pump Lease Financing
Partners: Association of Mayors of Senegal, Ministry of Livestock and Animal Production.
Goal: Enable 121,410 sheep farming households in 10 regions to achieve sustainable living incomes by 2026.
Achievements:
- 110 municipalities engaged.
- 5,111 households selected.
- 461 ewes purchased and insured.
- 138 breeding rams distributed across 34 communes.
- 1,500 kg of fodder seeds distributed.
- 8 sheepfolds built; 170 CAVEs identified.
MELITEJI WASU (Dairy Value Chain)
Strengthening dairy farmers’ access to modern production, processing, and markets, building resilience and nutrition security in northern Senegal.
Nutrition Enhancement Program (KAYRA “Prosperity”)
Focus: Reducing malnutrition and improving food security for 25,000 vulnerable households in Sédhiou.
Achievements:
- 23,531 households impacted.
- 101 local steering committees established.
- Distribution of goats and poultry, generating thousands of eggs and chicks for nutrition and income.
Goal: Strengthen the resilience of 50,000 families through access to climate information, extension services, and improved production systems.
Areas: Kaolack, Kaffrine, Tambacounda, Sédhiou, Thiès, Diourbel, Louga.
Achievements:
- 9,282 producers received climate forecast messages.
- 2,835 producers accessed market information services.
- 3,148 producers trained in good practices.
- 62 women-led community perimeters established.
- 32 videos, manuals, and a digital training platform developed.
Downloads
News
Heifer International calls for stronger local partnerships to transform agriculture in Africa Dakar
Heifer International at Africa Food Systems Forum 2025
Unleashing Youth Agency in Africa’s AgTech Transformation: The Time is Now
Partners
- Government of Senegal (National Nutrition Development Council, Association of Mayors, Ministry of Livestock)
- Mastercard Foundation
- Laiterie du Berger (LDB)
- AAJAC CoLuFiFa
- FEPROMAS
- ONG NDEM
- ARLS/DES
- REPMIL
- SAPCA-EGAS
- Ministry of Agriculture
- Ministry of Women and Family
- Ministry of Communication, local communes
“Access to climate information provided by Heifer was our biggest asset during the crop season… Now with the tons of harvested products, we are here to give back to our community."
Contact Heifer in Senegal
Partner with Heifer International Africa to scale proven solutions, build enabling environments, and invest in profitable agribusinesses that create lasting change for our smallholder farmers.
We Work Across Africa
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