How we started
In 1982, Glyvyns Chinkhuntha and his family were provided with 10 square meters of land in Dowa, central Malawi, which was in a valley and swampy land. They recognized that it was fertile land and they drained the swamp and diverted the Nango stream for irrigation to make it useful. To erradicate reeds digging up to half a meter was done. Marigolds bought from shops and indigenous African marigolds are used as a natural pest repellent. In addition to crops, there is fish farming and livetsock. There are eight fish ponds in total and four are functional stocked with "Chambo" (tilapia) fish. Chickens, goats and pigeons are also part of the farm. Currently the farm covers twelve hectares and is managed by Daniel Chinkuntha, son of late Glyvyns Chinkhuntha.
"Permaculture is a holistic approach towards nature. Firstly we care for the earth and secondly we share with others". Daniel Chinkhuntha
Water harvesting
Tikondwe Freedom Gardens harvests rain water in-situ in its sunken plots and fish ponds to suppliment the water extracted from the stream. There are several water harvesting structures such as swales, spillways and hedges that create a boundary and trap rain water for infiltration into sunken pits. In addition, terracing of land, planting of grass and swales help to retain water in the soil and recharge the undergournd aquifers. Furthermore, the trees in the farm help prevent runoff and allow for further infiltration and retension of water in the land. The trenches and fish ponds also help to store water.
Training
Permaculture training is provided to farmers, students and individuals who require tailored training. For farmers the training is one year long as it covers all farming seasons in a year. Farmers who have been trained have started permaculture farms. Over 300 farmers have been trained over the years.
Partnerships
Tikondwe Freedom Gardens receives volunteers and students from various European countries including Switzerland and the Netherlands. Tikondwe Freedom Gardens is part of the Sustainable Futures in Africa (SFA) Network, an interdisciplinary collective of institutions in UK, Nigeria, Uganda, Botswana and Malawi, initiated by University of Glasgow.
Networking
Tikondwe Freedom Gardens is part of several networks including
- Farmers Assosciations
- Youth for Environment and Sustainable Development
- TAWINA (which supports women empowerment)
- World Workers on Oragnic Farming
- Sustainable Futures in Africa Network.
Research and Volunteerism
Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) has been undertaking research at Tikondwe with students undertaking soil fertility tests and other studies. Students from Netherlands, Switzerland and many European countries have undertaken research work at Tikondwe or elsewhere in Malawi while based at Tikondwe. Primary school students have also benefitted from site visits and voluntary work at Tikondwe.