Introduction
Nandolo (pigeon peas) farming in Malawi is deeply rooted in the country's agricultural history. Traditionally grown by smallholder farmers, pigeon peas have been a vital crop due to their nutritional benefits and adaptability to the Malawian climate. However, thesector has faced numerous challenges, including unpredictable weather patterns, market access issues, and the use of unimproved crop varieties. These factors have often driven down quality and discouraged commercial farming, making it difficult for farmers to achieve substantial yields.
The advent of modern agricultural practices and the integration of sustainable farming techniques have opened new avenues for improving pigeon pea cultivation in Malawi. XQ Farming, a subsidiary of XQ Limited, has embraced these innovations, combining them with community collaboration and data-driven approaches to transform Nandolo farming into a thriving enterprise. Our journey began with integrating Lunzu and Muona Farms into our portfolio, where we have since made significant strides in expanding cultivation and enhancing productivity.
Did You Know?
• White Nandolo stays in the field for three years, providing long-term ground cover.
• Pigeon peas are known for their drought resistance, making them ideal for challenging climates.
Nutritional Value and Benefits
• Protein-Rich: Significant source of plant-based protein.
• High in Fiber: Contributes to digestive health.
• Rich in Micronutrients: Includes vitamins and minerals like folate, magnesium, and potassium.
Geographical Challenges for Pigeon Pea Cultivation in Malawi
Pigeon pea cultivation in Malawi faces several geographical challenges that can impact the growth, yield, and overall productivity of the crop. These challenges include:
- Soil Salinity: High levels of salinity can reduce germination rates, stunt plant growth, and lower the protein content of the seeds, leading to decreased yields and overall crop quality.
- Climate Variability: Inconsistent rainfall patterns and temperature extremes can negatively impact the crop. Pigeon peas require moderate rainfall (600-1000 mm annually) for optimal growth, and deviations from this range can stress the plants, affecting their development and yield.
- Soil Quality and Fertility: Issues such as nutrient deficiencies, variations in soil texture, and differences in effective root depth can hinder growth and productivity. Ensuring adequate soil fertility and structure is crucial for successful cultivation.
- Topography and Land Degradation: Steep slopes and soil erosion can lead to the loss of fertile topsoil essential for pigeon pea growth. Erosion also affects water retention and nutrient availability, further impacting crop productivity.
Yield and Production
In the absence of drought, the average yield of white pigeon peas typically ranges from 0.5 to 1 tonne per hectare. This yield is often achieved using unimproved varieties that may be susceptible to both biotic (e.g., pests and diseases) and abiotic (e.g., drought and poor soil) stresses.
Yields can be significantly higher under optimal conditions and with the use of improved varieties. For instance, a study conducted in North-West Ethiopia under irrigation conditions reported yields as high as 2.349 tonnes per hectare for the variety ICEAP-00557, with other varieties also showing promising results (e.g., ICEAP-00576-1 yielding 1.737 tonnes per hectare).
Our Journey
Lunzu and Muona Farms were integrated into the XQ Limited portfolio in September 2020. Our venture into farming began with a slow start, as we were simultaneously building capacity and learning the intricacies of agriculture. Leveraging our resources in XQ Logistics and XQ Engineering, we utilized our haulage capabilities to build structures and transport cargo between farms efficiently.
Infrastructure Development
Our commitment to growth is evident in our ongoing infrastructural developments. The new structures on our farm are more than just buildings; they are symbols of our progress and dedication. These facilities will support our expanding operations and enable us to implement more advanced farming techniques, further boosting our productivity and sustainability.
Timeline of Milestones
• 2020: XQ Farming integrates Lunzu Farm into its portfolio.
• 2020: Integration of Mayobera with phases 2 and 3 of acceleration in 2023 and 2024.
• 2022: Integration of Kukachere, producing 10,000+ heads of cabbage.
• 2023: Integration of Muona 1, 2, 3, and 4.
• 2023: Successful pilot project at Muona scaled to 10 hectares and 7 hectares at Lunzu.
• 2023: Induction into the World Bank's FInES Project.
• 2023: Significant expansion at Kukachere, producing over 50,000 heads of cabbage, 2 hectares of field tomatoes, and another 2 hectares of onions. Addition of a greenhouse at the headquarters in Area 10, Lilongwe, for controlled production and preparation.
• 2024: On track to surpass 80,000 heads of cabbage at Kukachere.
Leveraging Modern Technologies
XQ Farming employs modern technologies, methods, and techniques to boost agricultural production capacity. We integrate Industry 4.0 technologies, including Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, to adjust for variables affecting yield. Our regenerative farming practices focus on conservation and rehabilitation of food and farming systems, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Impact on the Bottom Line
Our Nandolo farming initiative not only supports local food security and economic development but also positively impacts our bottom line. By optimizing our farming practices and leveraging modern technologies, we enhance productivity and efficiency, leading to increased profitability and sustainable growth.
Expanding Nandolo Cultivation
Lunzu Farm, located on the outskirts of Blantyre City, and Muona Farms in Nsanje District, are key sites in our larger network of XQ Farming locations, which also includes Mayobera in Rumphi and Kukachere in Lilongwe. This strategic distribution allows us to maximize our agricultural output and reach. Our interconnected farms enable us to share resources, knowledge, and best practices, fostering a cohesive and efficient farming operation.
Sustainable Practices and Innovations
• Crop Rotation: Maintains soil fertility and prevents pest and disease buildup.
• Organic Amendments: Enriches soil with compost and green manure.
• Water Conservation: Techniques like mulching and rainwater harvesting ensure optimal moisture.
• Solar Pumps: We are in the process of swapping out diesel pumps with solar pumps for out-of-season cropping.
We are investing in research to adopt improved pigeon pea varieties that offer higher yields and greater resistance to pests and diseases. Our data-driven approach underpins our entire operation, optimizing farming practices, enhancing decision-making, and improving overall efficiency.
Thriving Nandolo Fields
Successful Pilot and Scaling at Muona
In 2023, we ran a successful pilot project at Muona, which has since been scaled to 10 hectares across Muona 1, 3, and 4, with Muona 2 reserved for a Banana plantation. Additionally, we have scaled to 7 hectares at Lunzu. This scaling demonstrates our ability to expand operations and increase productivity through effective pilot projects and data-driven scaling strategies.
Community Collaboration and Capacity Building
We work directly with local populations to scale our capacity, fostering a collaborative environment. Lunzu and Muona Farms serve as anchor farms, freely sharing our learnings to elevate local economic activities from artisanal methods to commercial farming. By acting as an off-taker, we provide a reliable market for local farmers' produce, leveraging XQ Logistics and the XQ FarmShop to facilitate distribution and sales.
Community Impact
Our Nandolo crop extends beyond Lunzu and Muona Farms, benefiting the wider community in several ways:
• Food Security: By growing nutrient-dense crops like pigeon peas, we help improve food security for local families.
• Economic Benefits: The sale of pigeon peas supports the local economy, providing income for our farm and contributing to the livelihoods of neighboring farmers.
• Educational Opportunities: We engage with the community by sharing knowledge on sustainable farming practices and the nutritional benefits of pigeon peas.
• Hybrid Goat Rearing: At Muona 1, we are rearing a hybrid goat population to augment the meat pipeline for XQ FarmShop.
Recognition and Support
In recognition of our innovative practices and potential for scalability, we were inducted into the World Bank's Financial Inclusion and Entrepreneurship Scaling (FInES) Project in 2023. This project, supported by the Government of Malawi and the World Bank, aims to increase access to financial services and promote entrepreneurship among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). We were selected to receive scaling support from the FInES Business Support Desk (BSD) program, which focuses on building firm capabilities and providing access to markets. It's important to note that the BSD does not have a financial component; our growth has been achieved through organic means and the strategic use of our existing resources.
Conclusion
At XQ Farming, we are more than just farmers; we are stewards of the land and champions of sustainable agriculture. Our journey with Nandolo is a testament to what can be achieved with dedication, innovation, and a deep connection to our community. We are proud of our achievements and look forward to a future of continued growth and positive impact.
In the next phase, we hope to acquire capable tractors and post-processing equipment in addition to scaling the number of sustainably irrigated fields.
Until then, … Walk with us!